Ruth Allison

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 Ruth Allison has been an English teacher all her working life. She lives and works in Nelson. She is a keen reader, musician and art aficionado. She has been writing art, drama and music reviews since 2007 and to date has written 63 reviews. Her partner Lindsay wrote a poem for her

Things you do
          for Ruth
These things you do
          Scour the bottom of the saucepans to glisten like a coppery moon.
          Hold your family open like big bank doors.
          Leave your plate clean as a slate.

          Fillet blue cod.
          Cry at sad movies.
          Let stories flow from you like a fresh water spring.
          Walk with a purposeful gait.
          Hang pairs of socks by their toes with matching coloured pegs.
          Choose elegance above economy.
          Strive for the best seat in the house.
That I love about you.
And how you say yes and yes and yes to the gifts of the world.

Ruth Allison's reviews

SCATTERGUN: After the Death of Rūaumoko

Auckland, Nelson

28/07/2022 - 04/05/2024

"The audience shout accolades, rising and roaring “Bravo, bravo”...

"A Shakespeare for all New Zealand..

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RAW! ASMR

Nelson

30/06/2022 - 02/07/2022

"From passion through mayhem to a frenzy of fruit..
THE BICYCLE & THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER

Palmerston North, Nelson, Wellington

10/09/2020 - 11/11/2023

"The totality is inspiring – not least as a superb example of the ephemeral alchemy of live theatre..

"An entertaining ride across bike-break mountain..

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IRONING MAN

Nelson

21/08/2020 - 25/08/2020

"Flat-out foray into pressing matters with an astonishing musical repertoire..
THE SECRETS I KEEP

Global

13/04/2020 - 31/05/2020

"Something everyone can relate to..
LULLABY JOCK

Global

08/04/2020 - 31/05/2020

"Skilfully blended realities..
MY OWN DARLING

Auckland, Global

16/10/2015 - 31/05/2020

"Extracts humour from adversity with the power of poetry..

"Poetic lens gives fresh perspective on Auckland City’s secret lives..

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BOX OF BIRDS

Nelson

01/03/2020 - 01/03/2020

"The small but discerning spectators are captivated..
HAMLET

New Plymouth, Nelson, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin

25/06/2019 - 08/09/2019

"Slick production plays at a cracking pace..

"Triumphant revelling in challenges..

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Katie Boyle in THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

Nelson, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington

04/04/2019 - 21/09/2019

"Played with engaging charm and extraordinary equanimity..

"A mammoth effort and a resounding success..

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OLIVE COPPERBOTTOM

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga, Nelson, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Dunedin

18/04/2017 - 16/12/2023

"Versatile virtuoso Ashton..

"Caters to a range of tastes with energy and joy..

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LOBSTERS

Wellington, Nelson

21/10/2017 - 15/10/2018

"Passionate emotions surrealised..

"A brilliant exploration of the surreal..

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PSS PSS

Tauranga, Wairarapa, Havelock North, Nelson

07/10/2017 - 22/10/2017

"Sophisticated, delightful and awe-inspiring..

"Tender and inviting..

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MAUNGATAPU

Nelson

16/10/2017 - 25/11/2017

"Warts and all dramatisation impressive..

"Rather forgettable characters..
THE ORCHID AND THE CROW

Wairarapa, Tauranga, Nelson

11/10/2017 - 26/10/2017

"Funny and moving..

"Moving, inspiring, outstanding..
Ben Hurley’s EARTH PLANET WORLD

Nelson

22/10/2016 - 23/10/2016

"Engaging, intelligent and funny..
THE ELEPHANT THIEF

New Plymouth, Hamilton, Wellington, Nelson, Auckland

05/12/2015 - 02/07/2016

"Stealing the Show..

"Immensely talented cast but play feels lost and confused..

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BARNIE DUNCAN in CALYPSO NIGHTS

Nelson, Wellington, Hamilton, Edinburgh, Scotland, Auckland, Dunedin

01/05/2013 - 07/10/2016

"From bewilderment to dancing via calypso..

"Sexy, mysterious and political..

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ON THE CONDITIONS AND POSSIBILITIES OF HILLARY CLINTON TAKING ME AS HER YOUNG LOVER

Nelson, Hamilton, Edinburgh, Scotland, Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, Havelock North, Takaka, NYC, USA

16/02/2015 - 08/10/2016

"The real presidential debate..

"Top-notch satire ★★★★★..

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JEZEBEL OF JAZZ: Songs and Stories with Anita O’Day

Wellington, Nelson

22/02/2014 - 27/07/2014

"Jazz jezebel brought to life..

"Much more than our money’s worth..

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Frequently Asked Questions: To Be or Not to Be

Wellington, Hamilton, Nelson

02/03/2012 - 27/10/2012

"When shall these four meet again?..

"Thrilling collision of characters..

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Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen: Dead Men Tell A Thousand Tales

Nelson

21/10/2012 - 22/10/2012

"Darkly quirky, ironic cabaret at its best..