Glenda Pearce

What did our critic think of KIRI:TE ARAROA - WOMAN FAR WALKING” at ASB WATERFRONT THEATRE?

Great drama has rich emotional audience connection. Paula Vogel’s superb script has been described as a modern American classic. It is lean and economical, ensuring that every line, every description, every character development moves the story forward – and respects the audience’s imagination and ability to infer the subtext.

What did our critic think of MARY - THE BIRTH OF FRANKENSTEIN at ASB Waterfront Theatre?

Deftly directed with keen emotional intensity by Catherine Maunsell, this New Zealand comedy-drama is effectively executed by a very talented cast working superbly together to create shape, light and shadow throughout.

Magic, illusion, and intrigue—making the seemingly impossible possible —form the foundation of Anthony Street’s performance. The audience are asked to consider whether they identify as believers or sceptics.

Quite simply, this is an imaginative production with the story told as Shakespeare would have interpreted many elements today. This ingeniously crafted production will appeal to both seasoned Shakespeare lovers and those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the plot.

From the minds of award-winning playwright Jess Sayer and director Oliver Driver, comes MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein. Auckland Theatre Company will present this world premiere.

The Pink Hammer by Michele Amas is a much loved Kiwi comedy. The production will open at The Warkworth Town Hall in July. Learn more about the production here!

Why do mysteries grab us? Auckland Theatre Company creatively crafts  Ken Ludwig’s adaption of Agatha Christie’s whodunnit -  and brings to lavish life the inherent fascination we have with the detective mystery genre. Drawn in immediately by dynamic  dramatic and cinematic opening moments , the audience watches as the linear plot of MURDER OF THE ORIENT EXPRESS unfolds in spectacular and opulent fashion.  It’s 1934 and we are aboard the most luxurious train in the world, en route to Istanbul from Paris when it is caught in a snow storm .

What did our critic think of MR RED LIGHT at Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre? The world of live theatre is always engaging.  This is an artistically directed, highly entertaining, superbly crafted, expertly performed, atmospherically rich production that shouldn’t be missed.

What did our critic think of A MIXTAPE OF MALADIES at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland?

What did our critic think of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW at The PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland?

Creatively directed by Catherine Boniface, and innovatively reimagined and set in the sordid, dangerous world of post-war London’s gang culture, “Richard III” is a play about political power, manipulation, betrayal and deceit.

What did our critic think of CALL GIRLS BY JAMES CARRICK at THE PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland? Read the review.

Prepare to be entirely entertained and amused yourself when you take the young ones along to see Tim Bray’s hilarious holiday production, Mrs Wishy-Washy.  Well-respected Auckland’s leading theatre for children and for ingenious interpretation, this is yet again imaginative theatre at its finest. In fact, it’s quite simply genius!

Looking for family theatre – for the July holidays – this is definitely worth investigating. Get along on this exciting journey! Even if you’re not usually live theatre goers, this latest treat at HOWICK LITTLE THEATRE will definitely appeal to school aged children, parents and grandparents… and it’s educational too.

What did our critic think of FIVE GO ON AN ADVENTURE at Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland?

What did our critic think of AURELIA at Howick Little THEATRE?

What did our critic think of GRAND HORIZONS at HOWICK LITTLE THEATRE? 50 years – it’s a milestone in any marriage! Thousands of meals eaten together, years of dealing with everything marriage, cohabitation and parenthood can throw at you … Superbly directed with expertise by Penel Keegan with her eye for precision in detail, timing and well-crafted staging, Excellent from the entire cast with all the characters  played with physical and psychological truth, motivational credibility, well-shaped dialogue, and vivid facial expression.

In the race to become chief, this gripping family saga explores the way of fa’a sāmoa in a modern world. The Auckland premiere of the darkly comic O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai | The Liar, the Thief, and the Coward by Natano Keni and Sarita So plays at the ASB Waterfront Theatre 5 – 23 March as part of the 2024 Auckland Arts Festival.