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theatre review

DunedinMay 27

Innovative adaptation

In its 65th anniversary year, Dunedin’s Globe Theatre continues a long-standing tradition of presenting innovative, imaginative productions of classic plays.
Innovative adaptation
Innovative adaptation
DunedinDecember 16

Play an 'array of fun'

Play an 'array of fun'
Play an 'array of fun'
EntertainmentMay 26

'Constellations' flies high at Tūhura

Nick Payne’s play, Constellations staged in Tūhura Otago Museum's auditorium on Thursday, is an outstanding work. 
'Constellations' flies high at Tūhura
'Constellations' flies high at Tūhura
EntertainmentSeptember 6

Final moments of 'A Doll's House' 'genuinely shocking'

Emily Perkins’ adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 original moves the setting to present-day New Zealand, and the home of builder Theo and his resourceful, impulsive, generous wife Nora.
EntertainmentNovember 1

Proverbial pastime by no means boring

My watch says it's 7.13pm. Ten or so minutes ago, when the show began, the overalled performer (who is he: a Zen master, an amateur philosopher, a tradesman with psychotherapeutic ambitions?) informed us that today's colour is Adrenaline Orange.
Proverbial pastime by no means boring
Proverbial pastime by no means boring
EntertainmentNovember 1

Chance to travel the light fantastic

With their cellphones in flight mode and in reclining chairs, the audience travelled the light fantastic at Anthonie Tonnon's A Synthetic Universe staged in the Otago Museum Guardian Perpetual Plantetarium.
EntertainmentAugust 16

Kiwi comedy keeps laughs coming

The Taieri Dramatic Society continued its 70th anniversary celebrations with a play written and directed by Geoff Smith, regular local performer, director and onstage man.
EntertainmentMay 31

An authentic, modern portrayal of psychological anguish

Barbara Frame reviews play The First Time by Courtney Rose Brown at New Athenaeum Theatre on Wednesday, May 30.
An authentic, modern portrayal of psychological anguish
An authentic, modern portrayal of psychological anguish
EntertainmentMay 3

'Priscilla' a dazzlingly stupendous production

The Australian musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert opened for a season last night in a packed Regent Theatre. Dunedin Music Theatre's producer Doug Kamo and team (production manager Heidi Haywood) have put together an outstanding production - a stupendous, dazzlingly colourful, and very gay performance.
'Priscilla' a dazzlingly stupendous production
'Priscilla' a dazzlingly stupendous production
EntertainmentMarch 13

Review: 'Aunty' makes you feel like whanau

No scabs! No narks! No traitors! This is the family motto that Aunty gets her audience (or should I say her whanau) to chant during a one woman comedy performance at the Fortune Theatre.
Review: 'Aunty' makes you feel like whanau
Review: 'Aunty' makes you feel like whanau
EntertainmentMarch 11

Review: Father's conflicting sides

Sarah Harpur is one brave and funny lady. Lucky for the crowd at the Fortune Studio tonight, because we all get what we'v come for: an hour of honest laughs, knowing little cringes, and a story that is well worth listening to.
Review: Father's conflicting sides
Review: Father's conflicting sides
EntertainmentMarch 8

Short comic operas well received

Dunedin's boutique opera group Little Box of Operas opened a three-night season at Hanover Hall last evening with two short comic operas, conducted from the piano by David Burchell and directed by Jenny Burchell.
Short comic operas well received
Short comic operas well received
EntertainmentOctober 29

Vocals hold up well in slick production

Marian Poole reviews the New Zealand production of Rogers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music.
Vocals hold up well in slick production
Vocals hold up well in slick production
EntertainmentJune 9

Tough, blokeish facade cracks

Central Otago Man is a play about Otago born and bred Tryfen Gribilco, who runs a high-end bungy-jumping business with the assistance of the rule-abiding Marty Wellings.
EntertainmentMay 19

Magical spectacle

In recent years, Taieri Musical, in collaboration with DKCM Ltd, has thrilled local audiences with spectacular musical theatre. 
Magical spectacle
Magical spectacle
EntertainmentMay 12

Ibsen still has power to shock

In 1891, public perfomances of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts were prohibited in England, but critics who saw a private production described the play as "revoltingly suggestive and blasphemous", "abominable", "a dirty deed done publicly", and more.
Ibsen still has power to shock
Ibsen still has power to shock
EntertainmentJune 12

Charming story of family foibles

Families - they care for us, they love us to bits and they drive us crazy.
EntertainmentMay 24

Wizardly production

Where to begin? This production was outstanding - from stunning costuming and a large-scale set to exquisite dancing.
Wizardly production
Wizardly production