Sunny Amey

Sunny Amey stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of The Hannah Playhouse and Downstage Theatre. A director, dramaturg, teacher, and arts leader, Sunny’s impact on Aotearoa’s performing arts is profound, but her connection to The Hannah is especially defining. 

As Artistic Director of Downstage in the early 1970s, Sunny helped steer the company into its bold new era, championing the purpose-built Hannah Playhouse as a home for professional theatre in Wellington. Her leadership during the venue’s formative years laid the groundwork for a culture of experimentation, excellence, and artistic risk-taking that became synonymous with Downstage. This role drew her back to Aotearoa after working at London’s then-new National Theatre.

A fierce advocate for New Zealand stories and artists, Amey nurtured generations of performers, directors, and designers, embedding a sense of professionalism and creative ambition across the sector. Her work at The Hannah reflected her unwavering belief that theatre should be both artistically rigorous and deeply connected to its community.

Across her long career — including influential roles at the New Zealand Drama School (Toi Whakaari) and in national arts development — Sunny shaped the trajectory of contemporary theatre in Aotearoa. 

Above the piano in the Halfway Up Bar hangs a precious gift from Sunny: Raymond Boyce's original illustration of his production design for As You Like It.  Her legacy at The Hannah remains foundational: visionary, generous, and enduring.