Local actor and glow-in-the-dark giant puppets take to the stage

The Wonderland Glow show crew including former Ōhaupō local Hamish Davies (second from right). Photo / Supplied.

A former local actor has been cast as a puppeteer in a children's show which is touring now and is set to feature at Claudelands Arena.

Hamish Davies grew up in Ōhaupō and says this is where his interest in acting and theatre was sparked.

"I went to Ōhaupō Primary School and we did a little show there, my first real stint was Toto in the Wizard of Oz," says Hamish.

"That just fuelled my fire to be on stage."

Having recently returned from New York City and graduating from Atlantic Acting School, following eight months of studying online due to Covid-19, Hamish got stuck right into auditioning for shows.

In May he completed a tour with the Tim Bray Theatre Company of their show of A Lion in the Meadow, based on the popular children's book.

And now he is touring nationwide with the Glow Show Company, founded by Sarah Burren in 2017.

Hamish Davies has been passionate about theatre since his first role, played in a Ōhaupō Primary School show. Photo / Supplied.

The Wonderland Glow Show is an innovative glow-in-the-dark show with giant puppets. It features 45 crafted characters, transporting audiences into weird and wonderful worlds of dancing flamingos, an eight-metre caterpillar and giant flowers.

"It's totally different in terms of children's theatre but it's incredible," says Hamish.

"The visual aspect of glow-in-the-dark puppetry, when I heard it was that I thought it sounded incredible but wild."

The show also provides an educational element by promoting literacy and te reo Māori. It is playing across 38 venues nationwide.

It is on at Claudelands Arena in the Heaphy Room on September 29 at 10am and 11.30am.

Ticket prices range from $12.50 to $17.50.

For more information, to buy tickets or to view other tour dates and locations visit www.glowshow.co.nz.