Review: Limits
Reviewed by Nadia Freeman Photo credit: David Vagg This is no typical dance number meant to distract and delight you with sparkles and clap-along numbers. Limits sits in the realm of theatre that is to challenge its audience and give them a chance to view what it might be like to step into the shoes […]
Review: Wonderful
A Laugh for Literary Lovers Reviewed by Nadia Freeman Richard Huber’s Wonderful opens with Lady Hermione and her butler Roberts staring straight past the audience. We can not tell immediately what their relationship is, if they are fond of each other, if there is tension, or how long they have known each other. The set […]
Review: End of the Rainbow
Judy’s return something to talk about By Talia Carlisle Pour the champagne because Judy Garland has come to town. Peter Quilter’s smash hit show End of the Rainbow opened to loud belly laughs, big smiles and plenty of cheers at the Wellington Opera House this weekend. While the audience and stars were dressed to impress, […]
Review: Professor Wild Returns
I’ve never seen a show at the zoo before, but that’s where Professor Wild Returns takes me for my first review of NZ Fringe 2023. Another entry in the incredible Austin Harrison Theatrical Universe, this solo show resurrects Harrison’s segment ‘Professor Wild’ from What Now in 2009 as a full-length show for adults, set amongst the climbs of […]
Review: Big J: A New Legacy
Reviewed by Nadia Freeman Photo credit: Philip Merry Jacob Dombroski is all heart in his performance of Big J A New Legacy. It is clear that he relives the feelings of every story he shares. This vulnerability is most evident during his dance pieces. From krump to graceful, emotive sections, his actions are deliberate. He […]
Review: Jingle Elves: The Musical
Reviewed by Talia Carlisle. The tinsel is untangled, the star perfectly in place at the top of the tree. The only thing left is to make your way to BATS theatre to watch Pōneke’s own Pāua Ballads totally f*ck Christmas up — their word not mine! There are naughty elves and a secretive Santa, squabbling […]
Review: Venus Rising
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is back for their final offering this year, a trio of celestial ballets within the show Venus Rising. I’ve been waiting to see this show for a couple of years now, for it’s been delayed twice by COVID, so it was an absolute delight to finally catch it at its […]
Review: Homemade Takeaways
I don’t think anyone will disagree with me that it’s been one hell of a year, and Christmas is descending on us fast. So it seemed completely appropriate to be watching a show about people who’ve had a hell of a year, too, drawn together at Christmas. Annie and Will have gravitated back to the […]
Review: The Griegol
We need more shows like this. The kind that effortlessly transports you to the same childlike sense of wonder, akin to the first time you are read what will become your favourite story. And it is no coincidence that The Griegol, written by Hannah Smith and Ralph McCubbin Howell, revolves around the power of storytelling. […]
Review: Olive Copperbottom
Leaving Circa on Wednesday after the opening night of Olive Copperbottom, one of the many things I was feeling was deep regret that it was the very first of Penny Ashton’s shows that I’d seen, and I’d missed so many others. Ashton is a bright light. Her energy, her wit, and her joy were incandescent […]