One of New Zealand's most beloved theatre figures, Tim Bray passed away on Saturday (5 July), after battling a rare form of cancer.

A tireless advocate and champion for children's theatre in this country, Bray poured his heart and soul into a kaupapa that have sparked imaginations and brought the power of creativity to countless young New Zealanders. 

Bray's illness was made public in November last year when the Tim Bray Theatre Company he founded in 1991 announced its closure, leaving a huge hole in the children's theatre space. Bray was diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer more commonly seen in children and young adults but occasionally seen in older adults - an incurable condition.

The Artistic Director of his eponymously named company, Bray maintained a commitment to professional standards and nurtured the careers of many actors and theatre practitioners within Aotearoa New Zealand’s performing arts sector. He wrote and staged original works inspired by well-known children’s books, establishing a legacy of quality and creativity that impacted generations.

Bray was also an early advocate for accessible theatre, introducing New Zealand Sign Language-interpreted performances for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, audio-described shows for blind and low-vision children, and sensory-relaxed performances designed for neurodiverse audiences. His commitment contributed significantly to greater inclusivity in the theatre sector.

“Tim Bray’s work has been instrumental in shaping children’s theatre in Aotearoa New Zealand over more than three decades,” said Peter Winder, Chair of Tim Bray Theatre Company (TBTC). “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tim’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable work.” 

Bray was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to children and theatre in 2017 and was a founding board member of PAYPA (Performing Arts and Young People in Aotearoa). 

Since its inception, TBTC has delivered 113 productions, reaching three generations of New Zealanders. In 2023 alone - 36,420 children and teachers, parents, grandparents and caregivers attended TBTC performances. 

As well as putting on shows, TBTC has been encouraging their audience to get involved in performance. For over 15 years, the Tim Bray Youth Theatre drama classes and holiday programmes  have been attended by over 10,000 young people  - including tailored classes for autistic, neurodiverse, Deaf, and blind/low-vision children and teens. 

In a previous interview, Bray was also proud of his involvement with the legacy of Auckland’s Big Gay Out. “Big Gay Out was an idea I came up with – both the event and name –  that I presented to my fellow Hero Trustees who loved it and set it up. I’m thrilled to see the Big Gay Out continue a quarter of a century on, often providing young LGBTQI+ people their first safe place to venture and find their tribe in their journey.”

Creative community reaction

The theatre world is getting ready to farewell Tim Bray this weekend - with an outpouring of grief and tributes to the children’s theatre icon for his extraordinary contribution to the sector and to generations of audiences across social media.

Among those sharing their love for Bray was his god-daughter and theatre director Alexandra McKellar. She posted “Uncle Timmy was an incredible person. He was my godfather and I often thought how lucky I was to have had mum and dad choose such a cool person to be mine. He would come to my school on tour and everyone would be amazed that he knew my name and I got a hug. He came to my dance concerts, birthdays. He and his wonderful Bryce came to (Christchurch) for our wedding and visited our baby boys. Both of the boys first shows were Tim Bray ones. 

“He introduced me to Star Wars. He told me that theatre was a great career to go into and ‘if it’s theatre for kids you will never age’. His friendship with my parents has been an amazing example for me of how your best friend can also be your best colleague. The industry has lost a pou and so has our whānau. I am heartbroken and can only send all my aroha to the whānau of Timmy at this time. Moe Mai Rā e te Rangatira. What a legacy you leave.”

Pumphouse theatre - home to Tim Bray Theatre Company’s show for over 30 years - also shared a heartfelt tribute - noting “Through his incredible mahi and dedication, he not only filled our stage with joy, colour, and imagination but also provided opportunities for thousands of actors, technicians, and creatives behind the scenes to thrive, grow, and shine.

“Arohanui, Tim. Your passion, creativity, and kindness have left an indelible mark on our hearts and our stage. Your magic and mahi will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in every child’s laughter, every curtain call, and every moment of theatre magic still to come.”

Massive Theatre’s Sam Scott added "I have known Tim since we were teenagers attending Auckland Youth Theatre where we explored our love of theatre. Tim was in the first show I ever directed and I am sure because of that gorgeous cast was why I fell in love with directing. Tim continued to be a friend through the years and we often would catch up at theatre things or in the New World aisles as we shopped. Tim was always so gracious, hard working, absolutely committed and passionate about children's theatre; funny, loving, and all the good things about being a great human. Thank you Tim for being in this world and making it a better place with your presence.”

Other well-known industry names echoed these thoughts - Kura Forrester describing him Bray as “such a treasure, beautiful, kind, funny and warm” and James Littlewood calling him “One in a million”.

Q Theatre producer Padma Akula stated “Yes, Tim Bray built an extraordinary legacy in children’s theatre. But beyond the talent, the dedication, and the undeniable passion - it’s his humanness that shines brightest for me. He was grounded. Humble. No ego. No arrogance. Just kindness, generosity, and an unwavering sense of care for people and community.

“People often get caught up in building a legacy and become ‘I’-obsessed. But Tim? Tim led with heart. He created space for others. He lifted people up. And that’s the legacy that matters most."