Band

Tom has been playing music since before iPhones existed. Just like the iPhone, he got good around the release of the 4s.

This is his third Footlights show, following 2020’s Silver Linings, and the inimitable Soho Cinders (2022). Elsewhere he’s played in Red Scare Theatre’s Four Nights in the Green Barrow Pub (2019), Wellington Rep’s Spitfire Grill (2022), and Kauri Theatre’s production of Shortland Street: The Musical (2021), a definite highlight.

He's really looking forward to performing these songs with the wonderful 3.5cm band and cast.

Sayaka has been playing violin for 15 years now, having completed their Bachelor of Music in Classical Violin Performance in 2021. This is their first production involved with Footlights, previous performances including as an ensemble member in Wellington Repertory Theatre’s 2022 production of Avenue Q as well as the violinist for Hell School: The Musical which showed as part of the Fringe Festival earlier this year. They are very excited to have had the opportunity to work with this phenomenal cast and crew and sincerely hope that you all enjoy the show as much as they have enjoyed playing in it. 

Ella relishes the opportunity to get involved in whatever kind of music is around her, whether that is crazy musical numbers or more traditional orchestral music. Ella is midway through her Bachelor of Music in viola at Victoria University of Wellington and has been playing for 11 years, performing in groups like the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and the Fringe Festival award winning Gallery Orchestra. This is her debut performance in both a musical theatre production and at the Gryphon Theatre with Wellington Footlights. When Ella isn’t preparing for the latest music related escapade she enjoys practicing circus arts, playing tabletop games with her friends, and rocketing through books at an alarming rate.  

Jevon is thrilled to be playing electric bass in the 35mm band. Originally a self-taught guitarist and drummer, she fell in love with the bass and supporting performers on stage. Her most recent shows include Stagecraft’s performance of That Bloody Woman; Wellington Repertory's performances of First Date and Ladies in Black; Kauri Theatre's performance of Shortland Street; and Wellington Footlights' performances of Company and Soho Cinders. She has also played drums on stage in Red Scare Theatre's homegrown show, That's All She Wrote.

This is Shawn’s fourth show with Footlights, first as a member of the band; previously music directing Speakeasy (2022), Soho Cinders (2021/2) and Company (2019). His past music directing credits include Seussical!, Guys & Dolls, 42nd Street, Curtains, Grease, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Pageant, Once Upon a Mattress, Peter Pan, Gypsy, and many more. 

Eric has been hitting the drums for about 8 years. He's currently in his 4th year completing a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in Jazz Performance. This is his first musical show in Wellington but has been in the Wellington Theatre scene since last year, playing with the band for the Wellington Theatre Awards 2022 and 'The Conned' which was part of 'Lift Off' in early 2023 in the Wellington Fringe Festival. He's super stoked and excited to be a part of this awesome team!