Peter Tihema

From a young age, I've always been drawn to music and storytelling. I grew up playing the piano, singing in choirs and eventually directing them by the age of 18. Over the years, I've had the joy of performing and musical directing across Hawke's Bay, from local productions to community events, such as the annual Art Deco Festival where I was able to sing and dance for thousands of people. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for collaboration, creativity, and the power of performance to connect people. My focus has mostly been around musical direction, specifically guiding singers, shaping sound, and bringing stories to life through music and characterisation. While I'm usually behind the piano or baton, I occasionally step on stage for roles that truly spark my imagination. I love delving into character work - roles like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (which I've been fortunate to play twice) and, more recently, Miss Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical - where I can fully inhabit the character and become a vessel for them to bring their story to life. When I moved to Australia in 2018, I took a short pause from theatre to rediscover my creative energy and explore new perspectives outside the stage. I happened to be in Sydney for a weekend and decided to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the "New Musical" (I couldn't help myself and ended up going twice!). The magic of that show reignited everything I loved about theatre - the music, the storytelling, the wonder. Ever since, I've dreamed of one day musically directing it here in New Zealand - though, in rediscovering my passion for performing, I've recently found myself excited at the prospects of bringing Willy Wonka himself to life, a whimsical character overflowing with wonder, eccentricity, and pure imagination! Over the years I have been fortunate enough to hone my skills in a number of workshops lead by people like Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Arlie McCormick Oust to name a few) and West End performer Hayden Tee (who notably portrayed Miss Trunchbull and Javert on the West End). Their knowledge and insight deeply influenced my approach to both musical direction and performance. Outside the theatre, creativity continues to fuel me. I've voiced projects for online creators, including as the official voice of Spartan Race and Reborn Raw (UK). I love experimenting with accents, impressions, and vocal characterisation - storytelling in another form. My other passions include painting and videography; in 2017, I directed a short film for a Hawke's Bay school that went viral overnight - even inspiring Richie McCaw to fly in by helicopter! I've also been proud to teach Musical Theatre at the National Youth Drama School over seven years, helping young performers find confidence and joy on stage. Whether I'm teaching, musical directing, or performing, I'm reminded daily why I love this craft. It's about connection, transformation, and finding magic in the everyday. My goal is always to create and share that magic with others, on stage and beyond. I am a versatile actor, singer, pianist, and musical director with a passion for storytelling through music and theatre. Beginning my journey at 18 as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (A role I was fortunate to reprise after 11 years). I went on to become Musical Director for Barnum with Napier Operatic Society at 20. I have since musically directed Oliver!, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Jersey Boys and played in the orchestra for shows like Mary Poppins, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar. I have acting credits in shows like Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Broadway and Beyond and NOStalgia! A tutor at the National Youth Drama School for several years, I continue to inspire young performers and most recently appeared as Miss Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical in Napier and Whakatane.

1. 2026

   Matilda The Musical

   Trunchbull · Whakatane theater Company, NZ, dir. Trace Tidd

2. 2025

   Matilda The Musical

   Trunchbull · Napier Operatic Society, NZ, dir. Wendy Revell

3. 2024

   Fiddler on the Roof

   Tevye · Napier Operatic Society, NZ, dir. Carol Della Barca