Review: PRIMA FACIE at PumphouseJune 20, 2024Michael Hurst’s direction ensures that the play’s heavy themes are expertly managed, bringing a sharp focus to Tessa's internal and external battles. The staging is both minimalist and effective, allowing the strength of the script and the power of Woodhouse’s performance to shine through.
Review: THERAPY at Little Andromeda Theatre, ChristchurchJune 4, 2024Therapy is musical comedy written and performed by Chelsea McRae, with supporting music composed and performed by Mario Sadra- de Jong, won the NZ Touring Award at the Dunedin Fringe Festival and was also nominated for the Comedy Award. Before entering the theatre, a sign warns that the show discusses mental illness, suicide, sexual assault, and grief.
Review: THE CLAY CART at TAPACDecember 6, 2023A 5th-century Sanskrit playwright who, like Shakespeare and the classical playwrights, wrote about the human condition. The Clay Cart (Mricchakatika) weaves a tale of love, loss, deception, and redemption. The tale is set in the ancient city of Ujjayina, India and focuses on a formerly wealthy Brahman, Chārudatta, who has generously given his funds away in acts of exaggerated charity. He has fallen in love with a courtesan, Vasantasenā, and the trials and tribulations of their romance, mostly caused by the King’s brother-in-law Sansthānaka, provide both drama and comedy.
Review: HEARTBREAK HOTEL at Q TheatreNovember 28, 2023What did our critic think of HEARTBREAK HOTEL at Q Theatre? Where would you find the cure for heartbreak? In a sad song, a mother’s wisdom, a friend’s advice, biological understanding, or the advice of a stranger in a pub.
Review: SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Court TheatreNovember 27, 2023What did our critic think of SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Court Theatre? The Bottom brothers set out to write the world’s very first musical, while caught in a bitter battle with Shakespeare (or should we call him Snakespeare?), with hilarious results.
Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL at Harlequin TheatreNovember 17, 2023Director Robin Lane and his team clearly took great care in casting the roles. Tony Smith as Shrek and Bridie Allen as Fiona, the lead roles, both sang powerfully and took the audience on their flight of fancy. They had good chemistry as the unconventional and heartwarming love birds (or ogres). The supporting players Reuben Su’a as Donkey and Jack Hanrahan as Lord Farquaad were hilarious. Reuben and Jack provided comic relief in the best possible way. Lord Farquaad particularly leaned into the humour of his innovative presentation and Donkey’s wisecracks gave a contrast to the main love story which pulled heartstrings.
Review: TREASURE ISLAND THE PANTOMIME At Circa TheatreNovember 17, 2023What did our critic think of TREASURE ISLAND THE PANTOMIME at Circa Theatre. Suffice to say, that this show is an absolute treat. Lots to love and exactly what you need when you are heading towards the festive season and you need something to take your mind off the troubles of the day. Highly recommended by this reviewer and all the friends that came with me. We will be booking again next year.
Review: MIKE AND VIRGINIA at PumphouseSeptember 1, 2023Realism, comedy and romance are all intertwined in the work of Kathryn Burnett who has collaborated with Award-winning screenwriter Nick Ward (Stickmen, Second Hand Wedding, Love Birds, Fresh Eggs, Outrageous Fortune) to create a romantic comedy about a romantic comedy. The script has layer after layer of a cleverly tangled web with unexpected twists that include belly-aching laughter.
Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at HarlequinAugust 14, 2023Often we describe shows that you must see twice and this one literally screams that. Director Daniel Chasemore has ensured maximum talent and maximum opportunity, by double casting each of the lead roles which ensures no show is the same (as there are multiple actor combinations) and opportunities for many talented actors to share iconic roles and put their own spin on the characters.
Review: WITI'S WĀHINE at ASB WaterfrontMay 6, 2023I loved it. The protecting, nurturing; the strength, fortitude, and tireless commitment to their iwi, the painful endurance yet the humour; the unique and heartful humour of Maori.
It is extraordinarily exquisite storytelling delivered via phenomenal, theatre.
Review: WICKED at Sky City TheatreApril 12, 2023I am officially a big fan of Wicked and North Shore Musical Theatre’s production of it. I would encourage young and old to put on their green tights and witch’s hats and get along to the vibrant, enchanting musical for a great night out to see the local talent of a very high quality. Unfortunately, this show is SOLD OUT and that is a testament to its quality.
Review: THE WORM at Bruce Mason Theatre and Herald TheatreApril 12, 2023What did our critic think of THE WORM at Bruce MasonAlbert Latailakepa as the Worm forms a strong ensemble with Semu Filipo (the Old Worm) and Anapela Polatai'vao (the Blind Rat). These characters are well supported by Andrew Grainger and Yvette Parsons who play multiple roles. There is more than enough entertainment for children and adults throughout the journey with its imaginatively humorous encounters between the worms and underground critters.?
Review: THE UNRULY TOURISTS at Bruce MasonApril 2, 2023There is no question that this was an outstanding production and while the New Zealand Opera Scene seemed to get up and arms about stepping so far out of the normal look and feel of Opera, it brought people like Taylor to the Opera for the first time and who is now very keen to venture into something more traditional as her curiosity is now in play.