Dave Smith

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Born: Oldham England 

Came to NZ same years as the Beatles.
Educated VUW. Degrees Ll.B and MPP.
 
At university did much stage work in revue with Roger Hall, Cathy Downes and John Clarke; also at Downstage and, later, Circa Theatre.
 
Did ground-breaking satire work on TV (Edwards on Saturday). Career in television ended after defamation action taken by a highly-placed politician over a short but pithy item on the show.

Wrote extensively for the Listener, the Dominion, Sunday Times and various lifestyle magazines.
 

Spent 16 years writing the Dominion’s Saturday editorials (1985-2001) that took a mildly satirical line – plus a byline column “As it happens”.
 
Musician (keyboards and vocals) who once travelled around the world on ocean going liners.
 
Wrote and performed incidental music for and appeared on an episode of TVNZ’s internationally award-winning series Legacy.
 
Worked as a private sector/public service lawyer and as a government crown entity CEO. He has an Ll.B and a Master of Public Policy degree.

Satirical play Meltdown was performed at Circa during a comedy festival.

Dave Smith's reviews

LOVE AT TIMES

Nelson

16/03/2024 - 23/03/2024

"To work for peace, is to uproot war from ourselves..

"The war grinds on but the dramatic voices will not be stilled..
The Best Man Show

Wellington

07/03/2024 - 09/03/2024

"Offers slick, safe, fun, bonkers interactive joy..

"A powerful and welcome antidote to the nauseating “Love you bro” beer commercial..
Dr Drama Makes a Musical

Wellington, Auckland

19/09/2023 - 04/11/2023

"An innovative show crammed with many thought-provoking ideas..
Mamma Mia !

Wellington

07/09/2023 - 16/09/2023

"The entire cast communicates the essence of the show..
Bluebeard's Castle

Wellington, Christchurch

10/08/2023 - 12/08/2023

"Exceptional production of a dark love story..

"Magnificent performances of a multi-layered masterpiece...

More reviews
Public Service Announcements: Election 2023

Wellington

29/07/2023 - 26/08/2023

"Delivers high spirited political romp..

"Piling in boots and all – is that all we have left?..
Destiny’s Cousin: The Reunion Spectacular

Wellington

20/06/2023 - 24/06/2023

"A big show on a tiny stage that the estimable cast can be well proud of..
Pirates!

Lower Hutt, Raumati, Palmerston North, Wellington, Upper Hutt

12/05/2023 - 21/05/2023

"Spiffingly good fun, genuinely rollicking, tuneful and a super intelligent update..
Best Foods Comedy Gala 2023

Wellington

06/05/2023 - 06/05/2023

"“Please do get along to as many of the longer shows as you can”..
Cringeworthy - Swinging in the 60s!

Wellington, Palmerston North

01/04/2023 - 17/03/2024

"Bingo for boomers: A sashay through the 60s at a thousand miles an hour..

"Smooth, confident, quality pop – enthralling and memorable..
BIG J : A New Legacy

Wellington

18/01/2023 - 28/01/2023

"A heartfelt vision of the humanity we all might share..
THE GRIEGOL

Hawea, Wellington

14/04/2021 - 19/11/2022

"Highly polished production strikes the bullseye with horror and humour..

"Touching, delightful and exciting..
BACK TO SQUARE ONE?

Wellington, Whangarei, Dunedin

20/10/2021 - 19/10/2022

"A reminder of the eternal value and range of theatre..

"A WEAVING TOGETHER..

More reviews
CHANSONS: Songs & Stories from Piaf, Brel & Me

Global

18/02/2022 - 12/03/2022

"Fairly enjoyable, though not irresistible..
A NATURAL WOMAN: Celebrating the music of Carole King

Wellington, Nelson, Raumati

22/01/2022 - 06/05/2023

"An accomplished actor and pitch-perfect singer with backing that delivers a tight, slick, professional show..

"Music and banter to fill the soul and spread joy..

More reviews
THAT’S ALL SHE WROTE

Wellington

11/08/2020 - 10/07/2021

"Puts the ladies of musical theatre in the spotlight..

"Would not be out of place as a headliner at the NZ Arts Festival..

More reviews
AMADEUS

Global

17/07/2020 - 23/07/2020

"Complex, visually stunning and riveting..
CORIOLANUS

Global

05/06/2020 - 11/06/2020

"Contending themes all given their due..

"Interest never lags, either visually or intellectually..
THIS HOUSE

Global

29/05/2020 - 05/06/2020

"Gold spun from dross to become both heartfelt and entertaining..
COMPANY

Wellington

12/12/2019 - 21/12/2019

"Disappointment is virtually impossible..
Scenes from MACBETH, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and HENRY V

Wellington

06/10/2019 - 06/10/2019

"More than just a performing team..

"More than just a performing team..