About

Samuel J. Draper is a 26 year old actor/ singer/illustrator/adept tea maker originally from Nottingham, UK, and has lived in Central Hawke’s Bay since 2007.

Since 2012, Samuel has performed mostly in Central Hawke’s Bay, but has recently been more active around Napier and Hastings. His most notable roles so far have been Sweeney Todd and the Phantom of the Opera for Waipawa M&D, Monsieur Thénardier in Les Misérables and Eddie Lyons in Blood Brothers for Napier Operatic Society, and most recently John Hinckley Jr. in Assassins for Theatre Hawke’s Bay.

Samuel had only done musicals until last year where he tried his first role in a play as Liam in Gary Henderson’s Unseasonable Fall of Snow for Waipukurau Little Theatre.

‘It’s been a challenging process with the emotional and physical requirements, but this is such a step up from anything I’ve done so far. I really can’t wait for Hawke’s Bay to experience it.’

He feels incredibly lucky to be under the direction of Anthony again, and to share a stage once more and work opposite with his friends Rachel, Daric and Rob, who’s professionalism has made this show such a joy to be a part of.

Samuel would like to thank his friends and family immensely for all of the support during this entire process, and making the journey memorable, fun, and worth every minute of his time.