 reviewed by Sian Robertson 1 Oct 2012 |
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People, puppets, participation, slapstick and a sense of the magical Devised with broad story-book strokes and a bit of rhyme and repetition, it's easy for the young ones to follow. The great costumes and a simple but innovative set hold the kids in thrall. Parents won't be too bored either – the acting is good and there's a smattering of adult jokes that sail over the children's heads. What's more, the kids' squeals of delight make it all worth it. [more] |
 BEAUTY / BEAST at NASDA Theatre, E Block, CPIT reviewed by Toby Behan 1 Oct 2012 |
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A whimsical experiment Beauty / Beast is a re-thinking of the traditional fairy tale, with new elements mixed in with the old. The story is told through a combination of movement sequences, acting, live narration and screen projection (in a nice touch, the words are styled as per the old silent films). It would be nice to see less reliance on the projected words – with more effort directed toward communicating the message through the chosen medium of dance, rather than ‘falling back’ on written explanation (although we recognize the benefit here for the children in the audience, especially). [more] |
 reviewed by Nik Smythe 30 Sep 2012 |
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Wildcard Show 2 The Wildcard 2 session really has a lot going on: drama, comedy, straight fly-on-the-wall-style, high concept epic-style, profundity, escapism, etc. Overall, for a selection of also-rans (for want of a better term), this particular session maintains an impressively high standard of performance and production values. [more] |
 reviewed by Jesse Quaid 30 Sep 2012 |
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All that glisters... Inside the theatre one slips into the performance world. The stage space, reduced with black drapes decorated with projected filigree is surrounded by tables. Even for those sitting in the stalls the space creates the atmosphere of a club rather than a theatre, especially once the three piece Jazz band The Spietatet start up. They play well together and create a mellow feel that draws you further into the mood. The only jarring note is a slight stiffness in the way they hold themselves. [more] |
 HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AND STILL APPEAR NORMAL at NASDA Theatre, E Block, CPIT reviewed by Kate Sullivan 29 Sep 2012 |
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Refreshing work - worth seeing twice! The word ‘refreshing’, echoes around the room like the phrase bless you after a contagious sneeze, at least three other audience members I speak to say that word. I couldn’t agree more. This performance was shocking, unexpected and at times made you feel uncomfortable, but in a way that you secretly enjoyed as it invigorated you and awakened your senses. Maria Clarke’s talent across a range of mediums is manifest as she incorporates, voice, theatre, humour, video and movement all into the piece. [more] |
 reviewed by John Smythe 29 Sep 2012 |
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A rich and entertaining experience all round Just as Jenny’s script captures their diversity with concise observations and wit in their dialogue and behaviour, and Laughton’s music brilliantly evokes their different cultural backgrounds, so the actors bring wonderfully observed characterisations and attention to detail to their performances. [more] |
 reviewed by Maryanne Cathro 28 Sep 2012 |
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A bit of fun with fine dancing and great laughs Zombie Prom is this year's graduation production of the Whitireia Musical Theatre School. The show itself is as cheesy as a cheeseboard, but as a nation of cheese lovers, we are unlikely to hold that against them. [more] |
 reviewed by Laurie Atkinson 28 Sep 2012 |
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Comedy mixes awkwardly with emotional undercurrents Anyone wanting a bright and breezy, straightforward, energetic version of one of Shakespeare’s lesser works should go and see Globe on Screen’s All’s Well That Ends Well, which was presented at The Globe in 2011. Unlike the filmed National Theatre production of All’s Well, the Globe’s screen version of this tricky play gets down to the business of presenting the play ... [more] |
 SIX HOURS at Meteor Theatre reviewed by Julianne Boyle 28 Sep 2012 |
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Intriguing, funny, thought-provoking Hannah is dead. There will be no further opportunities for shopping at Glassons or indulging her penchant for ugly hats. All her friends are understandably devastated, especially Drew (Brendan West). The last thing he’s expecting is that she’s going to pop in for a short chat. [more] |
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HELIAKI: TONGAN CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE at Mangere Arts Centre reviewed by Margi Vaz Martin 28 Sep 2012 |
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Passionate, engaging and vibrant Dramatic dialogue, monolgue and powerful dance transport us into this Tongan family home. The vibrant vingettes and quickly changing scenes sustain our interest in the story. The matriarchial mother tries to be in charge while teaching her girls how young Tongan girls need to be polite and graceful and demonstrate love, respect and obedience. With passion, she emphasizes community expectations (another theme) when she says “If you do the wrong thing they will talk about me”. [more] |
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