Aotearoa New Zealand professional theatre & dance: reviews, news and your views.
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The Circus* of Lord Azure the Miraculous
Wellington, Nelson
05/03/2026 - 13/03/2026
"A little absurd, a little cringe, a little bit panto and a whole lot of fun..
"An amusing show in an immersive setting..
The Night Ali Died
Wellington, Dunedin, Oamaru, Nelson
21/02/2026 - 17/03/2026
"Mesmerising performance - cinema in theatrical form..
"A storytelling masterclass, more than worthy of the standing ovation it receives..
OutStanding Comedy Lineup
Dunedin
15/03/2026 - 19/03/2026
"Kickass Queer Comedy..
You're Not Pretty,...But I Love You
Dunedin, Invercargill
15/03/2026 - 20/03/2026
"Cosy Comedy Show Explores Culture Clash..
Macbeth - RNZB
Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch
25/02/2026 - 21/03/2026
"Powerful moments, beautiful duets and a staging that brings audience appeal...
"A breathtaking new work, the finest example of artistic collaboration, excellence on stage, and cheering people on their feet...
More reviews
Lady Luck
Dunedin
14/03/2026 - 15/03/2026
"Effervescent mistress of poise and confidence..
The Great Big Make It Up Show
Dunedin
15/03/2026 - 15/03/2026
"Warm, generous, hopeful, bubbly, and funny..
Magic Tricks for Dogs
Dunedin
15/03/2026 - 15/03/2026
"Absolutely barking..
Forbidden Love - The Tale of Oshichi
Nelson
12/03/2026 - 14/03/2026
"Captivates and enthrals with heart-breaking emotions, comedic delight and a sense of awe..
The Goon Show
Dunedin
13/03/2026 - 15/03/2026
"Highly watchable, appropriate antics & remarkably silly dancing..
Bluebeard's Castle
Auckland
13/03/2026 - 14/03/2026
"A brilliant transformation of a century old piece that feels modern, urgent and eternally human...
Duck Pond
Auckland
12/03/2026 - 15/03/2026
"Circus with soul, ballet with mischief, and a love story blooming where no one thought to look...
TEN THOUSAND HOURS
Wellington, Auckland
13/03/2026 - 22/03/2026
"Movement that surprises with spectacle, humour, great musical drive and an overall sense of human connection..
GLORIA - A TRIPLE BILL
Wellington
12/03/2026 - 14/03/2026
"Gloria - A Triple Bill resurrects Douglas Wright’s masterpiece..
"Trans-tasman connections, old and new: compelling, mesmerising and as glorious as ever...
A Place in the Sultan's Kitchen (or How to Make the Perfect One-Pot Chicken Curry)
Auckland
12/03/2026 - 15/03/2026
"Where do we really come from? A gently paced show about identity with yum food and great tech..
We Remember Wrong
Dunedin
13/03/2026 - 15/03/2026
"Thought provoking, well performed, relevant, recommended..
Hiding Behind the Mask: Jesters, Jokers, and Clowns
Global
12/03/2026 - 22/03/2026
"What do jesters, jokers, and clowns reveal about contemporary questions of human identity?..
Jez Watts: As Seen Nowhere (AUS)
Dunedin
12/03/2026 - 14/03/2026
"There’s something refreshingly hilarious about this stripped-back version of stand-up..
Speed is Emotional
Auckland, Whangarei, Wellington
17/04/2025 - 29/03/2026
"Fast, emotional and fluorescent – life-affirming viewing for this moment..
"Like a warm hug, seasoned with bright colours, silly hats and clever references..
More reviews
Instant Theatre
Wellington
12/03/2026 - 14/03/2026
"It is the process rather than the end result that is fascinating to watch..
SadoMusical
Wellington, Dunedin
25/02/2026 - 14/03/2026
"Spectacular night of improv..
"A very clever show by two outrageously intelligent and talented performers..
Prima Facie
Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Christchurch
18/06/2024 - 12/03/2026
"Capacity audience well engaged by strong performance of unremitting truth dedicated to change..
"Confronting, honest and raw, shared beautifully, skilfully and with ease..
More reviews
Entertaining Angels Unaware
Dunedin
12/03/2026 - 14/03/2026
"Sweet, wholesome and true to itself..
Menopause the Musical
Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin
10/03/2026 - 01/04/2026
"With catchy tunes, witty lyric rewrites, a confident cast, provides a cheerful, communal theatre experience..
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Headlines
Thursday March 12, 2026
Universally Shakespeare
Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand is celebrating its 35th anniversary year and its Festivals. “It is exciting to see the range of plays in the 2026 SGCNZ Victoria University of Wellington Regional Shakespeare Festival registrations, already from 32 of his plays and a set of sonnets, with the more seldom performed.
Tuesday February 24, 2026
Matz Skoog (1957–2026)
An obituary from Jennifer Shennan Matz Skoog was instrumental in strengthening and developing the art and profession of dance in New Zealand during his term as Artistic Director of Royal New Zealand Ballet (1996–2001).
Deadlines
Monday November 24, 2025
2025 Wellington Theatre Awards Ngā Whakarākei O Whātaitai Award Nominations!
2025 Wellington Theatre Awards Ngā Whakarākei O Whātaitai Award Nominations! Congratulations to all the exceptional nominees. Tickets are on sale now for December 7 at the Hannah Playhouse https://shorturl.at/PC71y - 7.30pm.
Monday October 6, 2025
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST New Work in Development
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN The Hannah x Auckland Live new work in development The Hannah is proud to partner once again with Auckland Live to support the development of a new Aotearoa production, and provide the space and time for a new work in development to make waves. This opportunity includes in-kind venue use of the Hannah Playhouse alongside production support from Auckland Live for the period 2026-2027.
Views & Q's
Tuesday March 3, 2026
Comment on “Pōneke Gangster”
Tiaki Sharp here! In response to Flora’s earlier comment, yes I did...
Saturday February 28, 2026
Comment on “Pōneke Gangster”
I’m curious to know more about, Whaea Putiputi, did Sharp work with trans women when developing this character?
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