New Zealand Theater Reviews

Review: THE SEX FIEND BY STEPHEN SINCLAIR AND DANNY MULHERON at Waiuku Theatre Group
by Marty Wilson - May 12, 2023

What did our critic think of THE SEX FIEND BY STEPHEN SINCLAIR AND DANNY MUKHERON at Waiuku Theatre Group?...

Review: THE BOOK CLUB PLAY at Howick Little Theatre
by Glenda Pearce - May 07, 2023

What did our critic think of THE BOOK CLUB PLAY at Howick Little Theatre?...

Review: NOISES OFF at Papakura Theatre Company
by Marty Wilson - May 07, 2023

Noises off is about a brilliantly farcical play called Nothing On within a play; complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, passionate affairs, out-of-control egos and a bottle of booze....

Review: WITI'S WĀHINE at ASB Waterfront
by Monica Moore - May 06, 2023

I 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: SCHOOL OF ROCK at Harlequin Theatre
by Monica Moore - April 24, 2023

What did our critic think of SCHOOL OF ROCK at Harlequin Theatre?...

Review: THE GOLDEN ASS at Q Theatre and Artworks Theatre, Waiheke
by Monica Moore - April 12, 2023

What did our critic think of THE GOLDEN ASS at Q Theatre And Artworks Theatre, Waiheke?...

Review: WICKED at Sky City Theatre
by Monica Moore - April 12, 2023

I 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, ...

Review: THE WORM at Bruce Mason Theatre and Herald Theatre
by Monica Moore - April 12, 2023

What 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 en...

Review: MY YEAR WITH LORRAINE at Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - March 24, 2023

Excellent two hander , written and directed by Tanya M. Wheeler, made its world premiere at THE PUMPHOUSE THEATRE on Wednesday 22 March. Sounding very much like authentic conversation, it's a very moving and inspiring narrative about two women who find solace and support through a desire to move for...

Review: HOME, I'M DARLING by Laura Wade at Howick Little Theatre
by Glenda Pearce - March 02, 2023

What did our critic think of HOME, I'M DARLING at Howick Little Theatre? Imaginatively directed with an eye for detail by Carleena Walsh, this award-winning play is thought-provoking and effectively executed by a very talented cast and creative team. Winner of the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Com...

Review: THE HEART BREAK CHOIR at ASB Waterfront Theatre
by Monica Moore - February 19, 2023

Auckland Theatre Company has begun its 30th anniversary year with a heartwarming play with all the great elements of top-class entertainment underpinned by deeper more gripping issues of trauma, loss, healing and the strength of community....

Review: 'THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR' BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE at Shoreside Theatre
by Glenda Pearce - February 09, 2023

What did our critic think of 'THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR' BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE at Shoreside Theatre?...

Review: ANTHONY AND CLEOPATRA at Shoreside Theatre, Pumphouse Theatre
by Glenda Pearce - January 24, 2023

What did our critic think of ANTHONY AND CLEOPATRA at Shoreside Theatre, Pumphouse Theatre?...

Review: DI AND VIV AND ROSE at The Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - November 13, 2022

What did our critic think of DI AND VIV AND ROSE at THE PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland?Don't we all hunger for human connection? Love? Support? Laughter?  Directed superbly, with exquisite attention to detail, by Stephanie McKellar- Smith, the action of this emotionally-charged play centres o...

Review: THE MADE at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland
by Monica Moore - October 06, 2022

What did our critic think of THE MADE at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland?...

Review: THE WHALE RIDER at The Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - September 25, 2022

What did our critic think of THE WHALE RIDER at The Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland?...

Review: THE CAMPERVAN at The Pumphouse, Takapuna, Auckland
by Monica Moore - September 18, 2022

The play boils society down to two sorts of people: the ones who are focused on the accumulation of more, and the self-serving leeches who survive off those who accumulate. The audience starts by laughing at the characters but leaves wondering if we were laughing at boldly painted versions of oursel...

Review: THE WASP at Q Theatre, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - September 18, 2022

What did our critic think of THE WASP at Q Theatre, Auckland?...

Review: SHEPHERD at Howick Little Theatre
by Glenda Pearce - September 11, 2022

What did our critic think of SHEPHERD at HOWICK LITTLE THEATRE?...

Review: THE WRITER at Q Theatre
by Glenda Pearce - September 04, 2022

THE WRITER is an emotionally rich, eloquent and engaging play that surprises. This is an adult play that addresses creativity, gender inequalities and power, particularly in the theatre setting: 'You get to make the world and I get to live in it.'...

BWW Review: THE WOMAN IN BLACK at Pumphouse
by Monica Moore - June 14, 2022

The audience is robbed of their sense of security; blindsided by anticipation and fear. Thrilled and chilled yet enthralled in a nervous hope that the anxiety and build-up will soon break into yet another fright....gripped by the juxtaposed emotions of hope and fear....

BWW Review: DHABA ON DEVON AVENUE at TAPAC
by Glenda Pearce - May 29, 2022

Opening night of a world premiere  – and it’s a passionate and eloquent drama of a family polarised by a gamut of emotions: pride, determination, challenge and heritage. A ypical conversation that you have with your parents about ‘you just need to let me do my thing. You brought me to a new country ...

BWW Review: HANNA at Dolphin Theatre, Onehunga, Auckland
by Monica Moore - May 05, 2022

Director Jennifer Ward-Lealand's expertise and wisdom of the stage lives and breathes through the performance of Cassandra Woodhouse in Hanna. Woodhouse captivated the audience for the entire 90-minute performance. She is sensational. No one was in their seats - they were with her as she carried us...

BWW Review: BRIDAL SHOP CONFESSIONS at Dolphin Theatre, Onehunga, Auckland
by Monica Moore - April 25, 2022

Dolphin Theatre's 'Bridal Shop Confessions' is a world premiere from award-winning New Zealand playwright Lindsey Brown. Directed by Robyn Bull it's the story of 5 childhood friends who follow through on their pact to be each other's bridesmaids....

BWW Review: GRAND HORIZONS at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland
by Monica Moore - March 02, 2022

A spell-binding sandwich-making experience? The luncheon paper taking centre stage and the attention of all? I wouldn't have believed it either!. This is just one of the many kiwi moments made into artistry during Auckland Theatre Company's Grand Horizons presented by MINDFOOD....