Hans Christian Andersen stories still real 200 years later

From left, Edward Newborn (Emperor), Rachael Dyson-McGregor (Prime Minister) and Denise Snoad (Swizz). Picture / Fotopress

HanS Up!, stories by Hans Christian Andersen, adapted by Tim Bray is at the PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna, from today until July 23

We all remember our favourite stories as children, but they're not often brought back to life on stage.

Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen gave us hundreds of fairy tales and stories which have lived on since the 19th century. His legacy is now being celebrated with a global HCA festival commemorating the bicentenary of his birth.

Productions ranging from ballets to theatre shows are being held from Denmark to Singapore. New Zealand is also making a contribution with a production by Tim Bray, who has adapted two of Andersen's stories, The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor's New Clothes.

"These stories still have human relevance 200 years on; some are cruel but have universal truths," says Bray.

The two stories are his favourite Andersen classics - The Ugly Duckling shows the truth that beauty is in all of us and The Emperor's New Clothes reveals stupidity and pride.

"I've always loved the stories of Hans Christian Andersen and it is wonderful to be part of a global festival to celebrate a storyteller who has had such an impact on children all over the world," says Bray.

He has been producing theatre for 14 years and this is his 35th professional show. He fell into script writing through being a struggling actor, trying to find work.

"I am more of an actor than anything else, but when I had no work I realised I was a writer too."

Bray brings a special touch to each performance by making sure everyone can enjoy his shows. This led him to hire a sign-language interpreter for children with hearing disabilities.

"I saw this happen at the gay games in Amsterdam in 1998. It was an inspiration because theatre is so visual, so I have incorporated it ever since."

Bray says although he has aimed the show at children, he feels adults must be honoured as well.

"We are going to have tears from the adults from The Ugly Duckling too; we've had tears at most rehearsals."

He feels the two shows are in good contrast with each other. The emotional story of The Ugly Duckling and the mad story about the Emperor are both full of laughter.

The shows are performed with only three actors, Rachael Dyson-McGregor, Denise Snoad and Edward Newborn.

Assistant producer and stage manager Maree Folwell says, "Tim works closely with the cast and interprets from them. He is very spontaneous; he feels what should happen and goes with it."