How the magic happens
Meet The Team
Sarah Burren
Creative Director / Puppet Creator
Sarah Burren launched the Glow Show in 2017, after dreaming up the concept over several years. Sarah, a New Zealander, was based in London and Toronto for 15 years, and designed and made costumes for numerous TV and theatre shows, including Basil Brush’s attire for the BBC.
She also worked across Europe and in North America, making couture garments for a range of celebrities, including Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson in the mid-1980s.
She returned to Auckland in 1994 and has designed theatre, TV, film and spectacular live events including The America’s Cup Ball, Volvo Ocean Race, Sky City opening and Rugby World Cup 2011 as well as designing sets, costumes and props for over 50 children’s shows.
Sarah spent her formative years in Suva, Fiji. Her parents created sets, costumes and props for the Fiji Arts Club, fuelling her love of life, in theatre, from 8 years of age.
Jarred Tito
Director
Jarred has been producing, directing and performing since he was 17. For the past 20 years he has worked in as a lecturer, teacher and head of department in drama, from London to Auckland. Like Sarah, he loves kids’ theatre, and the two met 20 years ago, when he was acting for the Little Theatre Company.
He recalls: “Sarah was the Creative Producer and Head of Wardrobe. We hit it off straight away. We share a love for comedy, especially ‘wacky and out there’ stuff.
When I found out that Sarah had got the rights to perform Spike Mulligan’s ‘Badjelly the Witch’ I was excited. Spike is one of my all-time favourite comedians. So, when Sarah approached me about directing the show I was like: “Yes! Two thumbs up!”
Midge Perez
Musical Director
Midge brings years of experience as a performer, producer, writer and director for stage, film & television.
Since receiving a scholarship to study music at a Hawaiian University, Midge has gone on to perform in a number of television, film, and theatre productions having toured with the cast of Taiki E, Te Rakau Hua o te wao tapu and the stage adaptation of Once were warriors, directed by Jim Moriarty.
Midge has been involved in a number of Glow Show productions over the years and he is always excited to be working on new and creative works.
Alan Cochrane
Illustrator
Alan grew up in the Waikato but sweet-talked his way up to AUT for a Bachelor of Graphic Design.
Amongst managing to squeeze out some half decent projects at uni, some OK-ish illustration skills and a work ethic that must’ve impressed the late, great, Brent Chambers - founder of one of New Zealand's foremost animation studios, Flux Animation Ltd, something must’ve clicked, because for just shy of 20 years, and fresh out of uni, Alan pretty much became a part of the furniture at Flux! He also managed to climb those ladder rungs and look after some Head of Design stuff and Art Director-ish things there as well.
After 18 years at Flux Alan set out into a new exciting freelance career. With a wide range of styles kleptoed over the years, he can pretty much provide solutions to any illustration and design problems that are thrown his way.
Robert Hunte
Production Manager
Robert has been making theatre for 20 years. Graduating with Unitec’s Diploma in Performance Technology he started working as a Venue & Theatre Technician, quickly finding a home as a performance operator.
In 2011 Robert returned to Unitec to run the Diploma he trained with and roll out the Production Design & Management discipline of the Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts. During this time he also started to Production manage and would eventually leave Unitec to Production Manage for Auckland Theatre Company, and New Zealand Opera, amongst many others.
Over time Robert has stepped into a technical producing role, focussing more on year-to-year logistics of season & production planning, budgeting, scheduling, and roll-out.
Kodez Kauri
Tour Manager / Sound Engineer
Kodez has been a part of the GlowShow for the past 6 years. Bringing years of invaluable experience to The GlowShow Company, Kodez is a seasoned audio engineer with a strong background in theatre production. His expertise in crafting immersive soundscapes has enhanced countless theatrical performances, bringing stories to life through meticulously designed audio elements.
In addition to his work in theatre, Kodez has established himself within the live music scene, both locally in New Zealand and across international borders. His diverse skill set and keen ear for detail have made him a sought-after professional in the industry, consistently delivering outstanding results that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Whether behind the scenes in the theatre or concerts and festivals, Kodez's passion for audio and dedication to his craft shine through in every project he undertakes.
Simon Davis
Stage Manager
Simon is an actor and musician based in Auckland. A graduate of The Actors' Program and of Victoria University's Film and Theatre degree, Simon is excited to work behind the scenes this time as the stage manager for this talented bunch! In 2015, he worked as a character performer at Walt Disney World for a year, so jumped at the opportunity to bring more joy to families and children through performance.
His acting highlights have been appearing on Shortland Street last year and experiencing how fast-paced a set like that is; relishing in his love for Shakespeare in productions of Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, and A Midsummer Night's Dream; and the seed that grew into his love for gothic horror, playing Miles in The Turn of the Screw way back in 2007!
More recently, Simon has taken a foray into stunt acting, putting his decade of Taekwon-Do experience towards hand to hand, sword, and rifle stunt training. This synthesis of martial arts, fitness, and acting is something he plans to pursue for a long time!
Joshua Downs
Production Assistant
Joshua is a Auckland-based freelance theatre maker. He is co-founder of Seed Theatre Company, and though Seed he wrote/produced the original play Sunrise (funded by the Mental Health Foundation) for a sold-out debut season at the Pitt Street Theatre and an award-winning return season at Q Theatre as part of the Auckland Fringe Festival.
His directing credits include Bat Boy, Singin’ in the Rain, Hello Dolly!, The Addams Family, Heathers, and A Chorus Line. He’s also worked as a production assistant for Nightsong and the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and as music director and production manager for various other projects. He’s currently serving as the NextGen Representative on the Musical Theatre New Zealand (MTNZ) executive committee, and as a member of the Youth Advisory Panel for Performing Arts & Young People Aotearoa (PAYPA).
Meet The Cast
Hamish Davies
Hamish is no stranger to the Glowshow after touring with the Matariki Glowshow in 2022 and the Wonderland Glowshow in 2021 (unfortunately cut short due to Covid-19).
He is excited to join the team again for the classic story, Badjelly the Witch. Hamish has also worked with Tim Bray Theatre Company and featured on Shortland Street. Most recently, he performed in a multi-sensory show for people with disabilities with Glass Ceiling Arts Collective in Auckland Arts Festival, Hamilton Arts Festival and in small communities around Northland.
Hamish is a graduate of Atlantic Acting School in New York City and has loved all the opportunities to use his skills through the variety of jobs he done. He loves coming back to the Glowshow as it offers the chance to play freely with voice work and build characters from sound. He hopes you enjoy the Glowshow experience!
Jaeden Lawrie
Since graduating from Unitec in 2019 with a Bachelor's in Performing and Screen Arts, Jaeden (Ngāti Ruanui) has performed three shows with Tim Bray Theatre Company (The Whale Rider, The Magic Faraway Tree and The Santa Claus Show 2024).
His love of physical performance has informed his wonderfully colorful & silly character choices, providing endless entertainment for children. Improvisational mask work and comedic performances are a particular passion of his.
Jaeden honed his skills as a videographer and editor, freelancing for various companies around Aotearoa and the world. As a tamaiti (child), he would make stop-motion Lego movies on his mum’s phone, unknowingly starting him on his creative journey at a very early age. His sights are set on combining his skills and efforts to develop his own creative work.
While studying, Jaeden played various roles including the titular character of Romeo in Romeo & Juliet and Peneteu/Pentheus in Te Pakkhai, a Greek tragedy translated into reo Māori. Badjelly the Witch will be Jaeden’s first performance with the Glow Show
Eleanor Fletcher
Choreographer
Eleanor is a freelance dancer, choreographer and community worker. She specialises in contemporary dance but has a diverse genre background. She is well equipped in choreography, collaboration, teaching, performing and researching through her bachelor of Dance Studies degree at The University of Auckland.
Eleanor is a creative artist who is passionate about communicating through movement and empowering young people through creativity. Through Eileen May Norris Scholarship, she was a participant in a 5-month intensive contemporary dance training with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company in Israel.
She is involved in daily professional classes and projects within Tamaki Makaurau and is also a Te Reo student with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. She has had over 10 years of experience working with tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth). She is a creative who takes delight in working within the creative arts industries as well as with communities.
Alex Myers
Alex is 26 years old and this is his first professional gig since he finished drama school at Unitec Last year.
Alex is originally from Blackpool in the UK and has been in plays such as The General Inspector and King Lear as ensemble.
His favourite thing to do is make people laugh.
Bella Robertson
Bella is of Samoan descent and was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau.
She spent two years studying at PIPA – The Pacific Institute of Performing Arts then graduated with her Bachelor degree in Creative Arts at MIT in 2018.
Her television credits include work with Tikilounge Productions (FRESH TV, Housiewives). She has worked with the likes of Auckland Theatre company (Myth makers tour, Storyworlds) F.C.C in the Wellington season of Club Paradiso (Victor Rodger, Robbie Magasiva) and is a fourth time puppeteer in the Glowshow Tour 2024.
Simon Davis
Simon is an actor and musician based in Auckland. A graduate of The Actors' Program and of Victoria University's Film and Theatre degree, Simon is excited to work behind the scenes this time as the stage manager for this talented bunch! In 2015, he worked as a character performer at Walt Disney World for a year, so jumped at the opportunity to bring more joy to families and children through performance.
His acting highlights have been appearing on Shortland Street last year and experiencing how fast-paced a set like that is; relishing in his love for Shakespeare in productions of Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, and A Midsummer Night's Dream; and the seed that grew into his love for gothic horror, playing Miles in The Turn of the Screw way back in 2007!
More recently, Simon has taken a foray into stunt acting, putting his decade of Taekwon-Do experience towards hand to hand, sword, and rifle stunt training. This synthesis of martial arts, fitness, and acting is something he plans to pursue for a long time!
Terry Hooper
Terry Hooper, is a professional actor and director. He trained at the accredited Rose Bruford School of Speech and Drama in London.
Terry’s New Zealand directing highlights include: Gary Henderson’s Peninsula, Not About Heroes, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, My Cousin Rachel and performance art piece, Mother is a Daughter is a Mother.
Acting highlights include Art, As You Like It, God of Carnage, Hamlet, Birthrights and the TVNZ show Custard’s World.
Terry is the Founder and Artistic Director for theatre company Crossfade Productions and currently works as an actor and tutor in Tāmaki Makaurau.
