A NEW play based on the creation of Snazaroo, the Minehead-based company which is now one of the world’s largest makers of face and body paint, will have its premiere in New York in July.

There are hopes the production can be brought to West Somerset, where the story began.

‘Snazzy’, written by actor-producer Joe Staton, whose parents Lauren and Paul started the company on a shoestring in the 1980s, will be featured in the New York Theatre Festival at the Latea Theatre from July 21 to 25 and presented by the RiffRaff NYC company, of which Joe is co-artistic director.

Joe said: “The piece is based on the story of my family and has strong local connections.

Snazaroo founders Paul and Lauren Staton with children during an early promotion for the Minehead face paint manufacturer.
Snazaroo founders Paul and Lauren Staton with children during an early promotion for the Minehead face paint manufacturer. (Contributed)

“Snazaroo was born in Minehead, and one of our cast, Ronan Spierenburg, is Somerset-born.

“The play explores the teamwork, creativity, and resilience behind building something from a small Somerset seaside town into a global success story and was inspired by its Somerset origins.

“You could say that the magic started with a child’s smile, which is part of the title of a book written by my mother.”

Lauren and Paul Staton developed their own face paints in the 1980s while working in the town’s Butlins holiday resort, laying the foundations for what would become an internationally successful firm, now with a modern factory in Seaward Way.

After Paul’s sudden death, Lauren moved to Spain and today is a lifestyle traveller and health expert.

She has said: “Facepainting is a wonderful, creative activity which has brought a lot of joy to children, delighted parents, and raised millions for charities.”

Lauren Staton in the early days of Snazaroo tries out face paint on her young son Joe.
Lauren Staton in the early days of Snazaroo tries out face paint on her young son Joe. (Contributed)

The 90-minute ‘dramedy’ is based on the book ‘A Snazzy Tale’, written by Lauren on a beach in Thailand, and explores the relationships behind the business.

Joe described it as a story of ‘love, loss, entrepreneurship, and perseverance’.

He said: “While generations of children have grown up with Snazaroo, few know the deeply personal story behind its creation.”

Joe, who grew up in Minehead before later living in France and Spain, said he had brought the story to life as a tribute to his parents.

He said: “My mum wrote ‘A Snazzy Tale’ and it was deeply moving to me.

“My dad passed away when I was two, and reading her book, and writing this play, has been a way to get to know him better.

“I want people to know my mum’s story because it is incredibly inspiring.

Joe Staton appearing in a production of Shakespeare’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'.
Joe Staton appearing in a production of Shakespeare’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'. (Contributed)

“It is a story about building something from nothing and about the teamwork that made it possible.”

RiffRaff NYC is a company dedicated to supporting immigrant artists and Joe is also a company member of the Ensemble Shakespeare Company.

‘Snazzy’ marks his debut as a playwright.

Casting is currently underway, with British actor Ross Mason confirmed to play Paul, and Brenna Peerbol currently in talks to take on the role of Lauren.

The ensemble will include British actors Truman Gaudoin, Taunton-born Ronan Spierenburg, and Madeleine Doré, each playing multiple roles.