The night outside is cold, wet and typically Wellington — the kind of wind that turns umbrellas inside out and makes you question every life choice. Yet stepping into Circa Theatre feels like walking into warmth itself: calm, dry and full of that comforting buzz that only live theatre brings. Not a drop of rain can be heard once the doors close, only the low chatter of an eager crowd and the gentle glow of stage lights waiting to come alive.

The empty seats quickly fill up, and murmurs of excitement ripple through the room. A quick scan of the stage reveals four microphone stands, a neat arrangement of percussion instruments, and a blue suitcase sitting proudly in the background, with the words “The Māori Sidesteps”. It’s simple, familiar, and perfectly understated — the kind of setup that promises something real.

When the show begins, four performers take their places: Cohen Holloway, Jerome Leota, Jamie McCaskill and Kali Kopae. From the opening number, ‘Kia Ora’, they have the audience in the palm of their hands. What follows is a clever, heartfelt and often hilarious mix of music, satire and social commentary.

Through humour and harmony, they tackle big themes of identity, politics and what it means to be Māori in Aotearoa today. Beneath all the laughter, a message weaves through every song and sketch: despite being non-Māori, we are all Māori. It is delivered with such confidence and heart that it lingers long after everything ends.

The show moves effortlessly between sharp comedy and soulful music. There’s a cheeky nod to Howard Morrison with ‘My Old Man’s an All Black’, followed by a playful retelling of Rangi and Papa, where Holloway’s spot-on Temuera Morrison impression has the crowd in fits of laughter. Later, a few more numbers follow, including one featuring a musical roll call of historical figures who stood – and stand – against Māori progress: a moment that balances truth and humour with striking precision.

After the interval, the energy lifts even higher. Holloway’s opera solo, ‘Una Furtiva’ brings the house down, especially as the spotlight drifts into mischievous territory. Then comes ‘Masters of Solid Study’, a brilliant game-show skit that pokes fun at how English always seems to come out on top. It’s sharp, funny and painfully true.

‘E Ipo’ follows, sung with such tenderness it silences the room, only for laughter to return with ‘My Ding-a-Ling’ and the infectious ‘Whakawhanautanga’ to the tune of ‘Karma Chameleon’. By this point, the audience is clapping, singing and fully part of the fun.

Each performer brings their own magic. Cohen Holloway is a standout, effortlessly switching between serious and silly with a voice that can silence the room. Jerome Leota, with his smooth vocals and percussion, grounds the group beautifully. Jamie McCaskill leads with charm, charisma, and vocal strength, while Kali Kopae’s voice ties it all together — warm, rich, and effortlessly moving.

The production design is simple but elegant. Soft lighting and a hint of haze create an intimate atmosphere, allowing the performers and their stories to shine. The direction (Jonathon Hendry) is sharp, the pacing perfect, and every transition seamless.

When the final song ends, the audience erupts. The performers leave the stage only to be called back for an encore, closing the night on a wave of joy and applause. As the lights come back on, reality returns, but the feeling stays. Outside, the rain is still falling, but no one seems to care. The warmth of the performance lingers — a reminder that laughter and unity are powerful things. Tonight isn’t just entertainment, it’s connection: a celebration of culture, identity and togetherness. And as I step back into the chill of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (proof the show did exactly what it set out to do), I can’t help but smile, because for a couple of hours inside Circa, we truly are all whānau.  

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer