For one night former teacher Bob Addison was once again the star of the show as Baycourt's auditorium was renamed Addison Theatre in honour of his contribution to performing arts.

About 60 family members and guests, including television actor Tim Balme, reminisced about Bob and wife Vhea's passion and drive for the city's arts and theatre venue.

Actor Tim Balme came to Baycourt to honour Bob Addison - his former acting teacher at Otumoetai College.

Bob Addison's children – Shelley Addison, Lisa Sanft and Jeffery Addison at the renaming of Addison Theatre at Baycourt.

In recognition of his contribution to arts in Tauranga, city council decided to rename Centennial Theatre, Addison Theatre.

Bob was the Chairman of the Tauranga Community Arts Council, an enthusiastic group of local residents responsible for the original proposal to establish Baycourt in 1974. Their work included nine years of planning and fundraising before it was built and officially opened in 1983.

Bob was appointed manager in 1988 and produced shows such as ‘High Society', ‘Nunsense' and ‘Follies'.

Jeffrey Addison, Bob and Vhea's son, is touched by the city recognising his parent's unwavering contribution – in what is a special moment for the family.

'I just think it's a really fitting thing, in terms of its meaning - naming it after someone who put so much in. How many people knew it was named the Centennial Theatre, I know I'm bias, but it's true,” says Jeffrey.

Jeffery, who was joined at the unveiling with sisters Shelley and Lisa, says the tribute is fitting as their parents, particularly Bob 'lived, slept and breathed” in the theatre for many years.

Bob died on August 26, 2008 following a battle with cancer. It was the year after he was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for contribution to education, music, the arts and local government.

Prior to his role at Baycourt, Bob sang with the NZ Opera before moving into a music teaching career at Otumoetai College from 1967 to 1986.

After 10 year tenure as Baycourt manager he went on to become a Tauranga City councillor for nine years.

'We couldn't be more stoked that they have given this honour,” says Jeffery.

'It personalises a building when you put someone's name on top of the door.”

Among the ex-pupils of Otumoetai College taught and inspired by Bob is actor Tim Balme, who is thankful Bob persuaded him onto the stage as a 13-year-old college student.

The Kiwi actor, who has starred in Shortland Street and Outrageous Fortune, says Bob has left a huge legacy in Tauranga and the renaming of the theatre is testament to his theatrical passion as a singer, director and producer.

Since the opportune moment at school a special bond was formed with Bob becoming Tim's mentor, the latter repaying the faith by bringing shows to Baycourt whenever he could.

'I don't remember Bob smiling; he only ever grinned, twinkled or beamed,” says Tim.

'He was one of those guys who had these extremes and when you're an adolescent and trying to find your way round the theatre he could be quite intimidating I suppose, but his heart was always firmly in place of wanting the best you could be. That's a pretty amazing gift.”

'This place [Baycourt] wouldn't have existed without his fire, passion and determination for this place to exist.”

Bob Addison during his days at Baycourt Theatre.