Hannah is the General Manager and Producer for Cubbin Theatre Company, based in Otautahi Christchurch. Trained at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art in Christchurch, she began her career as a professional actor and singer and has worked with The Court Theatre, Christchurch. Hannah developed the role of Shadow Thief for LATT Children’s Theatre, based in Seoul, South Korea. Whilst based in London, Hannah sang with the Fourth Choir performing in Europe and the UK. As a performer for Cubbin, Hannah has created Up and Away, Play Play, Me and My Nana and Cubbin Concert. Hannah lives in Christchurch and is a mother to Winnie (4 years) and Lilian (2 years) and is passionate about telling stories for the very young and for creating accessible performances for children and families. Hannah is a current board member of PAYPA – Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa, the New Zealand arm of ASSITEJ.
Hannah is the General Manager and Producer for Cubbin Theatre Company. Trained at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art in Christchurch, she began her career as a professional actor and singer working in Christchurch, Seoul and London. She then moved into project management working with construction and tech companies and pivoted back to the arts in 2018 founding Cubbin. Hannah is now marrying her love of organisation and strategy with storytelling and connection, and is passionate about the work Cubbin is making for very young audiences. As a performer for Cubbin, Hannah has created Up and Away, Play Play, Me and My Nana and Cubbin Concert. Hannah lives in Christchurch and is a mother to Winnie (5 years) and Lilian (3 years). Hannah is a board member of PAYPA – Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa, the New Zealand arm of ASSITEJ.
Organisation/Company
Name: Cubbin Theatre
My Role: General Manager and Producer
Cubbin Theatre, based in Christchurch, New Zealand, is dedicated to creating playful theatre experiences for babies and very young children. Our vision is of a world where high-quality art is as integral to early childhood as the playground, and as accessible. For the past 2 years Cubbin has presented an annual programme of our theatre shows at our home at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, where Cubbin is the current Company-in-Residence through to 2027. Cubbin is kindly supported by Creative New Zealand, Christchurch City Council and The Arts Centre.
Our Mission
We aim to delight and intrigue very young audiences through exceptional, creative theatre experiences.
Our History
Cubbin Theatre Company was founded in 2018 by Melanie Luckman, Hannah Wheeler and Amy Straker. Our first show was Up and Away which is still going strong many years later. In 2023 we became a registered Charitable Trust and continue to make work for the very young in Ōtautahi Christchurch, that also tours around the country and the globe.
What grounds me?
My family - could not do my mahi without the support of my partner, my mum and of course I take inspiration from my young daughters. I love cycling, and I've recently taken up rock climbing. Being out in nature - camping, biking or walking is what refreshes me.
Bundle Baby
Artform: Theatre for the very young
Development Status: Tour Ready
Media Uploads
Trailer
Synopsis
Peekaboo! Cubbin Theatre Company presents Bundle Baby, a gentle and playful theatre experience for babies and children aged 1 to 3 years, with older children welcome.
Set around the familiar world of the laundry basket, two performers explore simple objects and games to spark curiosity, laughter and connection. Tiny cloths, sheets, duvets and the basket itself invite babies to watch, giggle and join in if they wish, while grownups share in their child’s delight in a calm live theatre experience, gentle on little senses.
Bundle Baby, has been created for children that are aged 1 to 2 years and their grownups, however older siblings are welcome to attend.
No participation required: When you attend Cubbin shows, you will not be asked to be involved in the performance. Sit back and enjoy the show with your little one.
For what to expect when you come to the Bundle Baby please visit our FAQs on our website. Please contact us at hello@cubbin.co.nz if you have any questions about the performance.
The vision: Children take over PANNZ, thanks to Cubbin!
We welcome babies, children and their whānau to join the PANNZ attendees to experience Bundle Baby. Having children attend the showcase is essential to the presentation of Bundle Baby, as it is the audience relationship and engagement that makes Cubbin's work so unique.
Bundle Baby is 35 minutes in length, plus 15 minutes of playtime at the end. This playtime is part of the show, where the children and their families interact with the performers and each other, and explore the set and props.
Creative Team and Crew
Director: Melanie Luckman
Designer: Rosie Gilmore
Sound Designer: Amy Straker
Performer: Trubie-Dylan Smith
Performer: Jorja Baylee
Operator: William Burns
Producer: Hannah Wheeler
Number of People in the Touring Party
4
Previous Seasons
5 - 8 June 2025 - Cloisters Studio, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Christchurch, New Zealand
18 - 22 February 2026 - Cloisters Studio, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre - Christchurch, New Zealand
Reviews and Quotes
"..an intelligent, relevant, gentle and imaginative play for young people that adds another strong (yet soft) string to the Cubbin Theatre bow." - Flat City Field Notes
"For those looking for uplifting experiences for their little humans, in an inclusive and embracing social setting, I recommend getting along to Bundle Baby." - Flat City Field Notes
Full review here: https://flatcityfieldnotes.com/2025/06/07/review-bundle-baby-gentle-imaginative-and-uplifting-play-for-the-youngest-of-audiences/
"So calm and engaging and beautiful." - Audience member
"Perfect. Just what we needed." - Audience member
"Engaging, enchanting. Magical." - Audience member
"Brilliant. So age focused and super fun." - Audience member
The Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) Arts Market is New Zealand's premiere event for artists, producers, presenters and industry leaders from across the performing arts sector.
The Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) Arts Market is New Zealand's premiere event for artists, producers, presenters and industry leaders from across the performing arts sector.
The Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) Arts Market is New Zealand's premiere event for artists, producers, presenters and industry leaders from across the performing arts sector.