When Woman’s Day talked to Shortland Street heartthrob Theo Dāvid back in 2021, after he was first cast as ambulance officer Viliami To’a. The former rugby player was delighted to be on the popular soap and shared his dreams of one day playing a superhero in a big Hollywood blockbuster.
A Tik-Tok love story
As it happens, Theo, 28, hasn’t had time to play a caped crusader. But he’s definitely a superhero to his partner Amanda White. And their two adorable kids, Jude, who’s just turned two, and Rome, a chilled-out nine-month-old. It’s all thanks to TikTok. Gisborne-based teacher Amanda first caught Theo’s eye on the social media platform.
Fast-forward four years and the couple couldn’t be happier.
“From the get-go, Theo and I always said we wanted lots of children,” grins Amanda, 32.
“But having two has made us pause as there’s barely time to think.” Theo agrees, “Yeah, we could slow down a little as two is plenty for now!”
Amanda says, “Although once you’ve got two, you might as well have more! And there’s lots of room in our house.”
Parenting like pros
Clearly this is something the couple needs to discuss, but how ever many kids they do have. It’s obvious the besotted pair has parenting down to a fine art. Of course we want
to know how they do it.
Theo laughs, “Not that I’m the best at it and it probably sounds clichéd, but it’s all about communication.”
Amanda adds, “Theo has been super-patient too, handling me with so much grace. I’m not always the nicest human to be round post-partum, running off no sleep, looking after two children and breastfeeding, but he’s taking it like a champ.”
They are also quick to point out how grateful they are for their home life. Gazing lovingly at little Rome as he sleeps in her arms, Amanda explains, “We’ve had a big change since we last spoke because my twin sister Kerryn moved up to Auckland from Gisborne at the start of last year. We’re all together in a big, shared house with Kerryn, her partner Steve and their two children, Nīkau and Hawaiki, who are four and two.”
Teamwork makes the family work
Theo continues, “We all have our own space, but we come together when we need to and we’re always here for each other.”
This is very helpful because Amanda recently started back at work. Doing five days a week at a kōhanga reo, which she can take Rome to. They run a tight ship due to their hectic schedules.
“Everyone knows their role and we all muck in,” Amanda says.
“Most nights the kids are in bed and asleep by about seven or eight, then the adults relax in the peace and quiet.”
Parenting in the thick of it
But it can still get a bit much sometimes. Amanda explains, “Jude has just learnt the word ‘no’ and likes to say it with gusto because he knows he’ll get a reaction, while Romey likes to be awake for a few hours from 3am. “But they’re only babies for such a short time, so we’re riding that wave. The second child has also been different. With Jude, I bounced back a lot quicker, but this time, I’m more tired and I returned to work faster too.”
Theo’s demanding work schedule only adds to the chaos, as if filming Shorty wasn’t enough. He’s about to play the male lead in Auckland Theatre Company’s upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.
“Romeo is a dream come true, even though we’re rehearsing five and a half days a week,” grins Theo.
“Although to be honest, going to work is like taking a break compared to being home with the kids!”
A dramatic experience
Thinking back to Rome’s birth last October, Amanda recalls, “I was a bit overdue, so I was booked for an induction, but I ended up going into labour naturally at about seven the night before.
“We’d put Jude to bed when I started feeling pains. I was getting my things together when I was stopped in my tracks and my sister, who’s a midwife, was like, ‘You need to go to hospital now!’”
Theo continues, “At 8pm, we’re in the car and Amanda is in the front seat on her knees with her arms over the head rest, breathing through it. We recognise it wasn’t very safe, but who’s going to argue with a woman in labour?!”
From labour to the limelight
Amanda adds, “I just closed my eyes. I couldn’t look at the lights – if we were stopping or running them – but Theo did so well. Thank God it wasn’t rush hour or I might’ve had the baby in the car!”
Listening to the proud parents as they take turns picking up the story. It’s clear they’re a great team and while Theo has eyes for no one but Amanda. He can still channel some of the love they share into the role of Romeo.
“Rehearsals are going really well and our director Ben Henson has made some good cuts to make it more audience-friendly,” he says.
“I’ve totally been to some Shakespeares where I’ve thought, ‘Hurry up! My parking’s about to expire!’”
Theo also loves the 1960s Italian setting.
“Ben’s got me in Cuban heels and pants with a bit of flare. The music in the big ball sequence when Romeo meets Juliet for the first time is amazing and Katrina, our movement director, has choreographed these swing dance pieces. I’m not trained, but if you put me on stage and ask me to dance, I’ll do it. “Although when Shorty asked if I could drive a manual, I did say yes. Then I got behind the wheel of the ambulance for the first time and it turns out I couldn’t, which is possibly why my character became a nurse!”
Early nights and big dreams
Looking to the future, Theo and Amanda say they’re open to whatever life brings them – so long as they get enough rest.
“We love early nights,” the actor smiles.
“Then we spend our downtime looking at pictures of the kids.” Amanda adds, “We’re still just two human beings with two little children navigating life, but I’m so lucky to be doing it with Theo.”
Theo agrees, “And I’m blessed to be doing what I love. That’s never lost on me, what a privileged position we’re in. To come home to Amanda and the babies, I never take it for granted.”
As we say our goodbyes, Amanda signs off, “Don’t be surprised if we talk to you again in 18 months, whether it’s for a proposal or a wedding story – or another baby on the way!”
William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet opens Tuesday at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre. For tickets, visit atc.co.nz.
Shortland Street screens 7pm Monday to Wednesday on TVNZ 2 and streams on TVNZ+.
