Review Archive
Rose is a Christchurch‑based theatre reviewer with a B Commercial Music (Hons) and a Master of Creative Enterprise, whose work appears in NZ Musician. Raised by a “musical‑theatre queen” mum and a stack of well‑worn tapes, from Grease to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rose cut her teeth performing in school productions such as Bugsy Malone, Hairspray, and Saturday Night Fever. Today, that foundation fuels her sharp, eccentric criticism, championing everything from glossy crowd‑pleasers to the most avant‑garde, reality‑bending experiments, all while insisting theatre should leave audiences thinking, feeling and just a little bit glitter‑dusted.
Welcome to the review archive.
Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.
9 to 5 The Musical
Christchurch
21/11/2025 - 01/02/2026
"High energy, dazzling cabaret-style musical provides a night to remember..
The Early, Early Late Show (2025)
Christchurch
23/09/2025 - 27/09/2025
"'All ages' production delivers amusement, entertainment, and beautiful messages..
Head Over Heels
Christchurch
20/09/2025 - 27/09/2025
"Bringing Back the Beat and embracing the drama..
Running into the Sun
Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington
09/09/2025 - 04/10/2025
"Refreshing to watch people on stage manifesting my internal concerns..
"An immersive, subjective experience of a human rite of passage..
More reviews
The Monster in the Maze
Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland
05/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
"A unique story about us given power and heft through the magic of music..
"Many disparate elements triumphantly melded into a breathtaking whole..
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Chicago the Musical
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin
31/07/2025 - 30/08/2025
"Bold, confident and flawless mix of camp and transgression..
"Hurst's seditious, raunchy, goth-camp satire (with contemporary overtones) is a 'must see'..
More reviews
Black Faggot
Christchurch, Auckland
17/05/2025 - 29/06/2025
"Jake Tupu and Gideon T. Smith shine in Victor Rodger's gay classic. Highly recommended...
"Often-silenced voices and stories given centre-stage..
