It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Tim Bray, founder and artistic director of The Tim Bray Theatre Company.
For over 30 years, Tim was a passionate champion for children’s theatre in Aotearoa New Zealand, adapting more than 100 much-loved stories into magical stage productions. Among these were beloved works by Margaret Mahy, including The Great Piratical Rumbustification and A Lion in the Meadow and Other Stories, both brought to life with Tim’s signature warmth and imagination, and original songs.
A long-time supporter of Storylines, Tim and his company were cherished contributors to our Auckland Storylines Family Days, where they delighted tamariki with live performances and storytelling.
He also led the way in creating inclusive and accessible theatre, offering NZSL-interpreted, audio-described, and sensory-relaxed performances well before these were common practice.
Tim’s extraordinary legacy was recognised with the Queen’s Service Medal in 2017 and the 2020 Arts Access Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award.
His spirit lives on in every child whose world was made brighter by the magic of his stage. He will be deeply missed.
