Special guest at Waipu carol service

 

 

Following the popularity of the first carol service in the Coronation Hall last year, organisers have decided to move it to the Celtic Barn to ensure seating for everyone.

This year will see local boy Hayden Tee – who has just finished a season playing one of the major leads in Les Miserables on Broadway in New York – as a special guest at the event.

This is a rare chance to hear a remarkable talent as he features in Northland’s largest traditional carol service.

Hayden Tee grew up in Maungaturoto, his first introduction to theatre as a small boy when he saw Oliver performed by the Otamatea Repertory Theatre. He later joined the theatre as a teenager making his stage debut, then becoming a member of the Northland Youth Theatre in Whangarei.

Following a move to Auckland Hayden was invited to study musical theatre at The National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney.

He has gone on to appear in cabaret, musicals and theatre in New Zealand, The UK and The United States.

It was acclaimed opera singer and Opera North founder Joan Kennaway who first recognised Hayden’s remarkable voice when she was his singing teacher while they were both living in Maungaturoto.

Relocating to the USA in 2010, Hayden appeared in many musicals. Agent Cameron Mackintosh was impressed enough to take Hayden to New York for Les Miserables, and success there has now led him to repeat the role in January of next year in London for the West End’s record breaking 32nd season of the hit show.

But before he leaves for London, Hayden is home to visit family for Christmas, and has generously agreed to perform as guest soloist in the Traditional Waipu Carol Service. As a youngster, Hayden regularly took part in the service, and is looking forward to reuniting with his old musical and theatrical friends who will be singing in the 100 voiced choir with orchestral backing.

n What: Waipu Carol Service. Where: The Celtic Barn. When: Sunday, Dec 18, 8pm.