TIM BRAY THEATRE COMPANY SAIL THE HIGH SEAS WITH THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER’S LUNCH

Rutene Spooner & Paul Norell in The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch (2016). Image Credit: David Rowland / One-Image.com

Tim Bray Theatre Company presents
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch
By Ronda and David Armitage and adapted for the stage by Tim Bray
Song by Christine White, incidental music by Marshall Smith (@ Marshmellow)
 
Tim Bray Theatre Company are set to present another massive year of outstanding children’s theatre to captivate Auckland audiences both young and old, kicking 2023 off with the return of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch, from 1 April – 6 May in Takapuna, Manukau and Māngere.
 
Born from the pages of Ronda and David Armitage’s three children’s books,The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Rescue and The Lighthouse Keeper’s Tea, this iconic Kiwi show will have audiences of all ages singing along, joining in the fun and marvelling at its mystery, adventure and humour. These three tales have been cleverly blended into one entertaining performance.
 
Tāmakai Makaurau audiences have been enjoying The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch since Tim Bray first brought it to the stage in 2006 and now it’s back by popular demand, with a story made for audience participation, featuring an operating lighthouse, a seaworthy vessel and an enormous rescue at sea.

When reflecting on the journey of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch, Tim Bray remembers fondly: “The author, Ronda Armitage was born in Kaikōura, as I was. I love the ocean and have had a fascination with lighthouses. I remember as a child being mesmerised by the thoughts of living in a lighthouse, like Bean Rock in the Waitematā or at Cape Reinga. The show is beloved because children, like I was, are fascinated by lighthouses plus there is a whale rescue - which children from Aotearoa sadly know about from the many whale strandings we have.” 
 
These adventurous characters will come to life on stage with songs written by Christine White, and a stellar cast - Terry Hooper, Madeleine Lynch, Awatea Timothy, Kat Glass, Dylan Underwood, and Finley Hughes as ‘Hamish The Cat.’
 
Tim Bray continues to put accessibility at the forefront of their programming, and The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch will continue to prove Tim Bray’s commitment to making theatre accessible for all. With NZSL-interpreted performances, Audio Described performances and Sensory Relaxed performances during the season, everyone will get to join the adventure right alongside them.
 
Don’t miss this much-loved New Zealand stage adventure, where high seas, high adventure and hi-jinks abound.

This is the first production in Tim Bray Theatre Company’s massive 2023 programme, which will also feature The Magic Faraway Tree in June and July, Roald Dahl’s The Twits through September to November, and closing out the year is the beloved annual Christmas production of The Santa Claus Show in December.

“It’s worth simply reiterating how entertaining and worthwhile this show is for all ages – some parents were as vocal as the kiddies! …another terrific holiday event from the master and his team.” – Nik Smythe, Theatreview

www.timbray.org.nz
 Based on The Lighthouse Keeper series of books by Ronda and David Armitage © 1994, 2001

Tim Bray Theatre Company presents
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch
By Ronda and David Armitage and adapted for the stage by Tim Bray
Song by Christine White
Auckland Regional Tour
Tickets available via www.timbray.org.nz
 
The PumpHouse Theatre
Killarney Park, 2a Manurere Avenue, Takapuna 
1 – 22 April
Education groups $13*
Public performances $25 - $48.50*

Gala Opening:
1 April 5PM 
 
Education Season:
3 - 6 April
10.30AM & 1PM daily

School Holiday Season: 
8 – 22 April
10.30AM & 1PM daily 
(no shows Sundays) 
 
Due Drop Events Centre
770 Great South Road, Manukau
26 – 29 April
10.30AM & 1PM daily
Education groups $13*
Public $20 - $22*
 
Māngere Arts Centre Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Cnr Bader Drive and Orly Avenue, Māngere
2 – 6 May
10.30AM & 1PM daily
Education groups $13*
Public $20 - $22*

*booking fees may apply

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES

Sensory Relaxed Performance:

PumpHouse Theatre Takapuna
Monday 17 April, 10.30AM
 
Audio Described Performances:

The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna
Tuesday 4 April, 1PM
Saturday 22 April, 1PM

Māngere Arts Centre Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Wednesday 3 and Saturday 6 May, 10.30AM
 
NZSL Interpreted Performances:

The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna
Saturday 1 April, 5PM,
Wednesday 5 April, 10.30AM,
Thursday 6 April, 10.30AM,
Saturday 22 April, 10.30AM

Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau 

Thursday 27 and Saturday 29 April, 10.30AM
 
Māngere Arts Centre Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Saturday 6 May, 10.30AM

Michelle Lafferty