New Zealand Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations

Review: ASSASSINS at Dolphin
by Monica Moore - May 13, 2025

It is not often that a piece of musical theatre impacts long after the curtains close, but this is certainly the case at Dolphin Theatre's 'Assassins'. Combining dark parts of American history with musical theatre is an interesting exercise. This is not your typical musical....

Review: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at Stagecraft
by Neil Brewer - May 02, 2025

A beautifully thoughtful play that will stay with you long after the curtain call...

Review: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at ASB Theatre, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - May 02, 2025

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 aud...

Review: FROZEN at Spotlight Theatre
by Monica Moore - April 28, 2025

Frozen the animated musical burst onto screens in 2013 and became an instant hit around the world. Since then, 'Frozen-fever' has overtaken the world with costumes, tv series, singalongs and toys galore....

Review: MARY POPPINS at Harlequin
by Monica Moore - April 28, 2025

Disney's Mary Poppins is a musical based on the classic stories of P.L.Travers and the Walt Disney Film of the same name. The title role, played by Julie Andrews in the 1964 film is arguably one of the most recognisable in musical theatre history with the iconic silhouette of hat, carpet bag and umb...

Review: MR RED LIGHT at Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre
by Glenda Pearce - April 09, 2025

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....

Review: THE TOXIC AVENGER: THE MUSICAL at Te Auaha
by Neil Brewer - April 02, 2025

An hilarious musical performed by a skilled cast...

Review: AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM NORTON at Michael Fowler Centre
by Neil Brewer - March 30, 2025

An entertaining two hours, but not quite the bellylaughs I was hoping for...

Review: END OF SUMMER TIME at Circa Theatre
by Neil Brewer - March 31, 2025

End of Summer Times is the third time we have met the lovable curmudgeon with a heart of gold, Dickey Hart. We saw him first in the late 90’s in Come On Black then in 2013 in You’ve Got to be Joking....

Review: SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE at Gryphon Theatre
by Neil Brewer - March 17, 2025

A wonderful show to kick off the year for Wellington Rep hitting just the right notes....

Review: A MIXTAPE OF MALADIES at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland til March 23.
by Glenda Pearce - March 09, 2025

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

Review: IN OTHER WORDS at Circa Theatre
by Neil Brewer - February 28, 2025

What did our critic think of IN OTHER WORDS at Circa Theatre? Read the review!...

Review: THIS WASN'T THE PLAN at Thistle Hall as part of the Fringe Festival
by Neil Brewer - February 15, 2025

Great debut solo performance by Glen Horsfall. It was a lovely night as we arrived at Thistle Hall. The theatre space is upstairs, but there is a lift, if you have mobility issues....

Review: THE TAMING OF THE SHREW at The PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - January 26, 2025

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

Review: RICHARD III presented by Shoreside Theatre at The PUMPHOUSE , Takapuna, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - January 22, 2025

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....

Review: PIP at Wellington Repertory
by Neil Brewer - November 28, 2024

An ambitious undertaking turning a well loved novel into a musical...

Review: COSI at Hutt Repertory
by Neil Brewer - November 25, 2024

Cosi is a play by Australian playwright Louis Nowra, first performed in 1992 at the Belvoir St Theatre in Sydney. The play is set in a Melbourne mental institution in 1971 and is semi-autobiographical, serving as a sequel to Nowra's earlier work 'Summer of the Aliens'....

Review: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at Harlequin Theatre
by Monica Moore - November 19, 2024

High School Musical premiered on the Disney Channel on January 20, 2006. It became the most commercially successful Disney Channel television film and launched the careers of stars such as Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. The catchy music, lyrics and 'Grease-style' teenage love story gained many fans ...

Review: SLEEPING BEAUTY: THE PANTOMIME at Circa Theatre
by Neil Brewer - November 15, 2024

What did our critic think of SLEEPING BEAUTY:THE PANTOMIME at Circa Theatre?...

Review: RENT at Manukau Performing Arts
by Monica Moore - November 12, 2024

What did our critic think of RENT at Manukau Performing Arts?...

Review: NICK DEAR'S FRANKENSTEIN at Coasters Musical Theatre
by Neil Brewer - November 07, 2024

The play is notable for it's unique perspective, telling the story from the creatures point of view rather than Victor Frankenstein's. The shift allows the audience to experience the Creatures journey and struggles firsthand. The plot follows the Creature as he navigates a hostile world, seeking acc...

Review: THE TEMPESTUOUS at Circa Theatre
by Neil Brewer - November 06, 2024

What did our critic think of THE TEMPESTUOUS at Circa Theatre?...

Review: CALL GIRLS BY JAMES CARRICK at THE PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - October 18, 2024

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

Review: EVITA at Glen Eden Playhouse
by Monica Moore - October 15, 2024

Currently lighting up the stage at Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre is Evita, produced by Playhouse Theatre Inc. and directed by Robin Lane. This production showcases stunning vocals and exceptional musical direction. Under the skilled direction of Musical Director Erin Fagan, assisted by Rebecca Hu...

Review: MRS WISHY-WASHY at PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - September 24, 2024

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...