For Kiwi comedians Chris Parker and Tom Sainsbury, some of their happiest career memories aren’t from red carpets, TV sets or viral videos – they’re from a tiny rehearsal room, where they’ve danced, laughed and watched their best mate’s daughter grow up right in front of them.
For more than a decade, the beloved duo has been part of Dynamotion, a gloriously silly dance-comedy troupe founded by their close friend Lara Fischel-Chisholm, who has appeared on Shortland Street and Funny Girls.
But while fans flock to see outrageous choreography performed by talented local stars, including Liv Tennet, Kura Forrester and Harry McNaughton, behind the scenes Dynamotion has quietly become something far more personal – a second family.
And at the centre of it all is Sunny, Lara’s 12-year-old daughter, who has grown up surrounded by Chris and Tom, and will star alongside them in the group’s new festive show A Christmas Crisis.
Sunny’s first steps in the spotlight
“I actually found out I was pregnant with Sunny on the very first Dynamotion show, so she’s been part of this world since day one,” laughs Lara, 44, adding that she performed as the lead in the troupe’s show Terror Highway at 38 weeks’ pregnant without telling Sunny’s dad.
Chatting to Woman’s Day at our special festive shoot, Tom, 43, still remembers little Sunny toddling around at rehearsals.
“She’d just sit and stare at us like we were magical creatures,” he grins.
“She’s been there from the get-go.”
Watching Sunny grow
Chris, 34, lights up when talking about his tiny co-star.
“You think your friends’ kids are always going to stay little,” he says.
“I’ve watched Sunny go from sitting in the corner with snacks to being on stage performing with us. It’s been surreal and special.”
From babysitting to a colleague
The Workmates actor even babysat her back in the day.
“I was unemployed and had the time,” he jokes.
“But that’s what community is. You help your mates out – and now she’s basically a colleague. I hope they’d do it for my dog too!”
Sunny’s spotlight debut
Sunny’s moment in the spotlight came during the troupe’s hit show Butch Flaccidy, where she gave her “first performance out of utero” alongside Chris and Tom as a young version of the title character.
Of the casting decision, Lara chuckles, “We thought, ‘Well, we’ve got access to a kid! Why not make the most of it?’”
But the truth is, Sunny has been part of their backstage whānau long before she ever stepped into the lights. Chris remembers her dancing along to the music during shows at age six, while Tom recalls her solemnly watching from the wings, as if taking notes.
Growing up in the troupe
Both men are now fiercely proud of the confident young performer she’s becoming.
“You don’t often get to grow up with your friends’ kids,” Chris reflects.
“Not like this. Not being in the trenches together, laughing our heads off and doing silly dance moves. It’s such a privilege.”
Keeping the magic alive
To Tom, the magic lies in the joy the troupe still shares after 13 years.
“It’s a bunch of adults giving everything they’ve got – the dancing, the comedy and the chaos – just to make each other laugh,” he tells.
“Sunny slots right in. She keeps us young.”
An amazing childhood
Lara says watching her daughter form such close bonds with two of the country’s most beloved comedians is something she still can’t quite believe.
“I’ll look over and see Sunny chatting to Chris or Tom about her character, and I think, ‘What an amazing childhood to have,’” she muses.
No pressure, support
But she’s quick to stress there’s no pressure for Sunny to follow in anyone’s footsteps.
“This world can be tough, so if I can give her a safe, joyful space to explore it and have two of the funniest men in New Zealand cheering her on, then why wouldn’t I?” she shrugs. Lara teases her daughter about taking over the “family business”, but Sunny insists she’s not keen, explaining, “I don’t think any of my friends like dancing. I’ve never seen them dance!”
The true legacy of dynamotion
As for Dynamotion, while the troupe may be known for their glitter, gags and ridiculous props, for Chris, Tom and Lara, its true legacy is something far sweeter – a friendship that’s grown into family, and a little girl who has been raised with laughter, sequins and two doting honorary uncles.
Dynamotion’s A Christmas Crisis opens Wednesday, 10 December at Auckland’s Q Theatre. For tickets, visit qtheatre.co.nz.
