13th February 2026
Thomas Easden has always gravitated toward stories that feel close to the bone, and The Tavern is very much that kind of film. It’s a locally made feature that understands small-town New Zealand without trying to dress it up, letting conversations unfold at their own pace and giving space to the people who inhabit them. Thomas’s performance sits naturally within that world, measured and thoughtful, drawing you in without ever asking for attention.
The Tavern unfolds around a familiar social hub, the pub, where lives intersect and unspoken tensions hover just under the surface. Thomas brings a quiet steadiness to the screen, trusting the script and the silences as much as the dialogue. It’s a performance built on listening as much as speaking, the sort of work that rewards viewers who lean in rather than look for spectacle.
Since its release, the film has found an audience that recognises its tone and intent. Screenings around the country have been met with strong word of mouth, and coverage has highlighted the film’s sincerity and sense of place. It’s an independent project with its heart firmly in the right spot, reflecting everyday moments many people recognise but rarely see portrayed with this kind of care.
For Thomas, The Tavern sits comfortably alongside a body of work that spans film, television, and theatre. His career has been shaped by collaboration and a clear respect for story, whether he’s working on screen or on stage. That grounding shows here, in choices that feel human rather than performative.
Thomas Easden is an actor who brings professionalism, depth, and a genuine commitment to the work, qualities that align closely with how we support our artists. You can find out more here, at Collaborate Management.
© 2026 Collaborate NZ
