Jeff Parsnips & Tom Knowles Celebrate Circa Return with Single + Music Video

Award-winning family entertainers Jeff Parsnips & Tom Knowles are returning to Circa Theatre this September school holidays with their brand-new show, But Why, Dad? To celebrate, the duo have released their first single and music video together.

After delighting Wellington audiences at Circa Theatre last year, Jeff Parsnips & Tom Knowles are back with a brand-new musical adventure for children and families. But Why, Dad? will premiere in Circa Two from 29 September – 10 October, inviting curious kids (and their grown-ups) to laugh, sing and explore the wonderfully weird questions children ask every day.

To celebrate the new show, Jeff & Tom have released their first single and music video together, All The Things I Wish I Could Be, now available to watch and listen to online.

The song follows a dad imagining all the animals he wishes he could be, before his kid helps him realise maybe the best thing to be is simply yourself. The official music video was filmed at Orana Wildlife Park during the park’s 50th anniversary celebrations and made possible with support from NZ On Air for Tamariki.

“We’ve always loved performing in Wellington,” says Tom Knowles. “Our season at Circa last year was one of the real highlights for us, so coming back with a brand-new show feels incredibly special. Releasing our first single and music video at the same time feels like the perfect way to celebrate.”

Inspired by the endless curiosity of children, But Why, Dad? is packed with original songs, comedy and audience participation. From the biggest questions in the universe to the wonderfully silly ones that only kids can think of, the show celebrates imagination and the super hero power of asking ‘why’.

“Kids ask the best questions,” says Jeff Parsnips. “Some are impossible to answer, some are hilarious, and some stop you in your tracks. That’s where this show came from. We wanted to create something that celebrates this and gives us all permission to laugh, wonder and keep asking ‘why?’”

Since first performing together, Jeff & Tom have entertained more than 8,000 children and families across Aotearoa, with appearances at festivals, theatres and community events. Their previous Circa season and performances at CubaDupa helped establish the duo as regular favourites with Wellington family audiences.

“People often thank us after the shows, but really we’re the lucky ones,” says Jeff Parsnips. “Every ticket means we get to keep creating original songs and shows for Kiwi families… and yes, it also means we get to keep dressing up as animals for our job. That’s not something we ever take for granted.”

But Why, Dad?

https://www.circa.co.nz/package/but-why-dad/

Circa Two

Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 10 October

Performance Times

– Tuesday-Saturday: 10.00am & 11.30am
– Sunday 4 October: 1.30pm & 3.00pm

Recommended age: 4+
Running time: 50 minutes
Tickets: $20 | Family Pass (4 tickets): $70