Glenda Pearce

Award winning director Paul Rouckchan is clearly invested in bringing out the human elements of a battle remembered as one of bloodiest moments in NZ military history.  The direction is skilfully focused and the management of the stage space was perfect. On the five day offensive at Chunuk Bair, New Zealand suffered 880-900 deaths and over 2,500 wounded.

Opening this Friday at the Dolphin theatre, is another classic mystery thriller from Agatha Christie. The Queen of the Whodunnit would be extremely delighted with this beautifully executed entrancing vision of the classic crime of passion.

This production is one of obvious beauty - and much more. Congratulations to Harlequin for providing spectacular family entertainment of such high quality. Collaboratively directed by Charlotte West with musical direction by Courtney Noble, choreography by Hayz Pincheira Rowe, and assistant director Samyson Robinson, It’s a lively fun-filled show told with pace and animated action, deft touches of humour, superb choreography, outstanding creative design, vocal skill and characterisation that keeps you thoroughly entertained and engaged. 

In the true spirit of community theatre, Harlequin Musical Theatre is preparing to lift the curtain on its upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast—and behind the scenes, an extraordinary volunteer effort is stealing the show.

And incredibly powerful – as powerful as any Greek tragedy might be. And the roots of the script itself bring out the typical themes of the Greek playwrights. What happens when love becomes obsessive and jealous, what happens when personal desire escalates to challenge community loyalty, and what happens when justice and law conflict.

This April school holidays, a much-loved story leaps from page to stage as Badjelly the Witch arrives at The Pumphouse in Takapuna—bringing with it a joyful, slightly spooky, and gloriously silly adventure for the whole whānau.

Extraordinary young talent being showcased in a series of well-known Broadway tunes - presented by Eden and his talented cohort.

On a sultry Auckland night (in more ways than one), an expectant crowd gathered, some in drag and raucous garb, others bustling from a long week of work. The majestic Civic Theatre beckoned with ample arms, its two tiered hall resplendent in historic finery. The scene was set for Richard O’Brien’s legendary show to explode on opening night – and, boy, did it deliver!

What did our critic think of THE LAST FIVE YEARS at PUmphouse Theatre Auckland?

What did our critic think of 'MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING' AND 'ROMEO AND JULIET' at Shoreside Theatre?

Imagine the situation. You’re in love. You are asked to defend your present relationship as one that could endure. Could you be supremely confident that nothing could shake its foundations?  If asked by authorities, what proof would youneed? How easy is it to truly have an open mind? Do we make assumptions?

What did our critic think of A CHRISTMAS CRISIS at Q Theatre, Auckland?

What did our critic think of KIRI:TE ARAROA - WOMAN FAR WALKING” at ASB WATERFRONT THEATRE?

Great drama has rich emotional audience connection. Paula Vogel’s superb script has been described as a modern American classic. It is lean and economical, ensuring that every line, every description, every character development moves the story forward – and respects the audience’s imagination and ability to infer the subtext.

What did our critic think of MARY - THE BIRTH OF FRANKENSTEIN at ASB Waterfront Theatre?

Deftly directed with keen emotional intensity by Catherine Maunsell, this New Zealand comedy-drama is effectively executed by a very talented cast working superbly together to create shape, light and shadow throughout.

Magic, illusion, and intrigue—making the seemingly impossible possible —form the foundation of Anthony Street’s performance. The audience are asked to consider whether they identify as believers or sceptics.

Quite simply, this is an imaginative production with the story told as Shakespeare would have interpreted many elements today. This ingeniously crafted production will appeal to both seasoned Shakespeare lovers and those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the plot.

From the minds of award-winning playwright Jess Sayer and director Oliver Driver, comes MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein. Auckland Theatre Company will present this world premiere.