NEW ZEALAND THEATER REVIEWS

The manic physical shtick is perfectly delivered and both director and cast have hit the mark. This is not easy to achieve particularly within a static set but it is so well delivered that we were mesmerised and fully into all the goings-on. The laughs were hearty and came in the right places and th...

The vocals, particularly the sensational harmonies more than did justice to honour the music of Stephen Sondheim...

Director Cian Elyse White assisted by Romy Hooper has captured the heart of this beautifully crafted story by NZ Playright John Broughton bringing together a young Maori man and a young Scottish woman in the commonality of appreciation of the beautiful views from the lush hillside of Ngā Puke in H...

Set in post-Nazi Netherlands, the story is delivered through the eyes of 9 year old Thomas and highlights his perspective on the domestic violence within his family headed by an abusive Christian fundamentalist. Underpinning the story is the great kindness that people are able to give despite their ...

The story, music and delivery, takes one by surprise settling right into the middle of the heart and morphing raw emotion through the veins; simply 'taking over'. The daily norms of behaviour evaporated and I was 'in' the show. I was transported to a place of primal emotion that pushes past control ...

This is a great gift to your children in the holidays when you are looking for something to do- but it's only on until July 14th so book quickly!...

This is great gift to your children when you are looking for something to do in the holidays; books, music, laughter and fun! This was our first trip to a Tim Bray Theatre Company show but it won't be our last! Bookings are filling fast so I'd recommend you get organised so you don't miss out!...

After years of hard work and countless rejections, Eleanor's first book is finally published. Her closest, and rather up tight, friend, Addison - who has sworn not to throw a party in her honour - promises an event of conservative proportions and 'close friends' only. What ensues is an evening of dy...

At times verging on the absurd, this production of the Threepenny Opera (in support of the Wellington Homeless Women's Trust) is thoroughly entertaining, at times unsettling and indicative of the work's continuing popularity and relevance although the purposeful crude scenes, caustic wit and dissect...

Navigating their way through the awkwardness of a blind date; where the quest for love is a combo of hopeful anticipation and the crushing reality of rejection Aaron (Jeremy Downing) and Casey (Kristen Paulse) to and fro - entering each other's zone, testing the water, retreating and retaliating, ba...

This magnificent story delivers the message of the strength of the human spirit in the face of the inhumane. The investment in both hope and dignity is craftily woven between cast and audience capturing and connecting us to both the trauma and the triumph of the human spirit. This is a must see; a r...

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There are laugh-out-loud moments but the comedy comes mostly from the social commentary and sharp, British gallows humour that touches a chord with anyone who has ever felt overlooked, dismissed, humiliated or rejected.  These are the men that Donald Trump appealed to with the promise of bringing b...

Choreographers Lesley Bandy and Hayz Pincheira Rowe along with Conductor Chad Davenport, have collaborated to create 'Imaginarium' a fusion of story, dance, band and song. The 55 members of the West City Concert Band are front right and centre in this performance, becoming integral visual parts of ...

'The Audience' is an unexpected experience of an unrelatable life becoming relatable and of humanity meeting humanity. A life and rhythm is breathed into the script cleverly connecting 'she who is above' to the hearts of the masses, delivering this message: The Queen is a person, she feels and need...

An exquisite, transformative contemporary dance show....

There was just the right amount of scary to keep me on my seat and the use of lighting and sound was on point to deliver this. This was a crucial element to the play's success and succeed it did....

Written by Roger Hall it is a classic, cleverly crafted comedic social commentary of 1970's New Zealand middle class. Opening in 1978, Middle Age Spread is one of Hall's most successful social comedies, with an extended Wellington season, a New Zealand-made movie and  a West End production that ran...

This high energy, 'sit on the edge of your seat' play is crafted written by Joni Nelson who has cleverly meshed a social commentary into rollicking great entertainment that you will enjoy and will make you think. There are loads of laughs and surprises (who exactly is in the bathroom?) amongst the ...

Having been part of writer Leki Jackson Burke's 'south side' school experience I can validate that he has expressed the heart of the experiences of young Pasifika people as they negotiate their way through high school. A determined mother, empathetic teacher, the importance and relevance of performi...

Director Kaitlin Spedding and Musical Director Ashleen Fain clearly understand the power of music to evoke theatrical catharsis, and powerfully present an emotional thought-provoking universal conflict that draws us into a heartfelt story. The artistic crafting and beauty of this top quality and pro...

Intelligently and meticulously directed by Zane Fleming, many layers unfold throughout this professional quality two-hour narrative. The opening minutes - sound effects in blackout effectively capture and convey the backstory - the horrors of modern day warfare - which alerts us to expect scars and ...

Superbly directed by first time directed Robin Lane and supported by a young musical director Sammie Campbell, the forty-four cast members (aged from 6-16) have the audience laughing almost from the opening moments.  Lane is delighted to have had the opportunity to direct this show, one which he ha...

Chicago: High School Edition is an exceptional mesmerising show with contagious energy....

The Jungle Book is the second half of a double-feature, along with The Aristocats, presented by Nelson Youth Theatre. The two shows are about 40 minutes long each, with an interval between them, which makes it an ideal outing for young children....