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

Pirates!

Lower Hutt, Paraparaumu, 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

01/04/2023 - 29/04/2023

"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

14/04/2021 - 15/04/2021

"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..

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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, Paraparaumu

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..

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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..

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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..
THE TURN OF THE SCREW

Wellington, Auckland

03/10/2019 - 23/10/2019

"A ghost story riddled with ambiguity..

"An onstage dramatic tragedy of the top rank..
MY FAIR LADY

Wellington

25/07/2019 - 03/08/2019

"Colourful, classical musical brought to life by Wellington Footlights..

"I could have stayed all night..
BLEEDING BLACK

Wellington

14/02/2017 - 20/07/2019

"Rugby as child abuse..

"Totally engaging..

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TROLL

Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga, Gisborne

12/02/2017 - 04/10/2020

"A captivating old fashioned, modern fairytale..

"A near-perfect little nugget of mythic storytelling..

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THE MOUSETRAP

Wellington

09/05/2019 - 19/05/2019

"Something we should all have to experience..
Ray Shipley ALL THIS CRYING IS MAKING ME HUNGRY

Wellington

08/05/2019 - 11/05/2019

"“It’s as though the whole shooting box is encrypted and I don’t have the right de-encrypting gear”..
PSA: The Ghosts of Christmas Parties

Wellington

24/11/2018 - 23/12/2018

"Devastating satire where all are game and few escape..