Tim Bray Productions presents The Santa Claus Show Written and Directed By Tim Bray

Designed by: Jude Bishop Musical Director: Robbie Ellis 16-22 December 2004 The PumpHouse, Takapuna, Auckland

News Release – 17 November 2004 For Immediate Release

Magic of Christmas On Stage The magic of Christmas comes to life on stage in December with Santa stars in his very own stage show. Tim Bray Productions presents The Santa Claus Show at The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna from 16-22 December.

Kelly and Alana are best friends. However, Kelly has sent the longest Christmas wishlist that Santa has ever seen, so Santa flies Kelly to the North Pole so she can learn for herself the true meaning of Christmas.

Tim Bray wrote the show 13 years ago and performed it in 1991 and 1992.

“I have strong connections with Christmas and Santa because I was fortunate to grow up in a family where Christmas was special and magical. I love revisiting those memories when it is performed,” Tim says.

Tim named the two little girls in the play after his two nieces, Kelly and Alana, and in this 2004 production, his niece Kelly will be playing the role of Alana.

“I am really excited to be performing in the show,” Kelly Tisdall (16) says. “I remember seeing the show when I was a little girl and I loved it.”

Kelly has done some acting as a student at Diocesan School for Girls, but this will be her professional acting debut.

The Santa Claus Show also stars Edward Newborn at Santa Claus, Helen Steemson as Kelly and Leandro D’Andrea as Elfie.

As part of the season of The Santa Claus Show, two special performances on will include New Zealand Sign Language interpreters, so that deaf and hearing-impaired children and their families can also enjoy the magic of live theatre. The interpreters are from Kelston Deaf Education Centre and have been kindly sponsored by the Takapuna North Rotary Club.

The Santa Claus Show is the third in a series of professional children’s theatre productions presented by Tim Bray Productions in 2004. It follows the successful season of The Owl and the Pussy-Cat and Mahy Magic.

The Santa Claus Show opens at The PumpHouse Theatre, Killarney Park, Takapuna, Auckland on Thursday 16 December with a special Gala Opening at 6pm, with performances from 17-18 and 20-22 December at 10.30am and 12.30pm. Performances on Sunday 19 December are at 1pm and 3pm.

To book, phone (09) 489-8360 or online at http://www.pumphouse.co.nz. Family concessions available.

“Too busy to get into the Christmas spirit? Catching ‘The Santa Claus Show’, a magical story of how a little girl learns the pleasure of giving, could be the answer.” NZ Herald

Tim Bray Productions is administered by The Operating Theatre Trust, a registered charitable trust.