Review Archive

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[Editor’s note: Dr James Wenley is the editor and founder of TheatreScenes, a platform for reviews and commentary on Aotearoa theatre. https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/james.wenley ]

Welcome to the review archive.

Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.

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TREES BENEATH THE LAKE

Auckland

06/09/2014 - 27/09/2014

"Big themes, big drama, big laughs..

"Rural take on dodgy deals..

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THE ILLUSIONISTS 2.0

Auckland

03/09/2014 - 13/09/2014

"Reality suspended as acts cast a spell on an appreciative audience..

"Age of Illusion..

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Cirque du Soleil TOTEM

Auckland

22/08/2014 - 28/09/2014

"Cirque Evolution..

"Pure artistry and teamwork a delight from go to whoa..

THE GOOD SOUL OF SZECHUAN

Auckland

26/07/2014 - 17/08/2014

"Brecht-Through Experience..

"Funny, outrageous, unpleasant at times yet very moving..

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PŪTŌRINO HILL

Wellington, Auckland

01/07/2014 - 19/07/2014

"Period piece a cutting take on realities of modern New Zealand..

"A profound work of considerable theatrical dexterity..

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DNA

Auckland

11/07/2014 - 26/07/2014

"Probe the DNA..

"Naturalism presented with force and conviction..

GIANT TEETH

Auckland

11/07/2014 - 26/07/2014

"Grit the Teeth..

"Ultimately cathartic experience for all..

SKIN

Auckland

11/07/2014 - 26/07/2014

"Grate the Skin..

"Brave, thoughtful, exciting, smart and evocative..

SIN

Auckland

09/07/2014 - 18/07/2014

"There's good and bad in Outfit's exploration of sin..

"Seven Deadly Narrative Sins..

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HOKI MAI TAMA MĀ

Auckland, Whangarei, Palmerston North

03/07/2014 - 18/10/2014

"Warmly recommended..

"Much to admire, more work to be done..

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ANNIE

Wellington, Auckland

23/05/2014 - 29/06/2014

"We got Annie!..

"Kiwi kids and dog add to Annie magic..

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LUNCHEON

Auckland

20/05/2014 - 31/05/2014

"Assured new talent offers engaging look at allure of high culture..

"Definitively feel-good..

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OTHER DESERT CITIES

Auckland

10/05/2014 - 31/05/2014

"Alien behaviour highly entertaining..

"Other American Plays..

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VICE

Auckland

15/04/2014 - 19/04/2014

"Revels in abnormal behaviour..

"Perverse..

MY BED MY UNIVERSE

Auckland

02/04/2014 - 12/04/2014

"Bed Bound..

"An evocative, ambitious work, beautifully produced..

SOO YOUNG THE MUSICAL!

Auckland

01/04/2014 - 05/04/2014

"Infectious..

"An ingenious, yet playful, profundity..

ANGELS IN AMERICA – PART TWO: PERESTROIKA

Auckland

29/03/2014 - 13/04/2014

"Poetry in Motion..

"Fantastic examination of morality, mortality and desire..

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ANGELS IN AMERICA – PART ONE: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES

Auckland

22/03/2014 - 13/04/2014

"America Rediscovered..

"A powerful, unequivocal and naked honesty..

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DAFFODILS [inspired by true events]

Auckland, Hamilton, Wanaka, Kerikeri, Christchurch, Nelson, Tauranga, Edinburgh, Scotland

14/03/2014 - 28/08/2016

"Slick, honest and truly beautiful..

"A profound change-inviting play and musical masterpiece..

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PERICLES PRINCE OF TYRE

Auckland

01/03/2014 - 22/03/2014

"Shakespeare Strikes Back..

"Plenty to enjoy..

SEA

Auckland

06/03/2014 - 10/03/2014

"Blue Leap..

"Audience submerged in wonderful world of aquatic creatures..

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MAMMA MIA!

Auckland

04/03/2014 - 23/03/2014

"Here I go again..

"Not served as well as it could be..

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VELCRO CITY

Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington

28/02/2013 - 22/03/2014

"A joy to watch..

"Bloody funny big little show..

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Wellingon City Council
Auckland City Council