Neil Brewer

What did our critic think of SLEEPING BEAUTY:THE PANTOMIME at Circa Theatre?

The play is notable for it's unique perspective, telling the story from the creatures point of view rather than Victor Frankenstein's. The shift allows the audience to experience the Creatures journey and struggles firsthand. The plot follows the Creature as he navigates a hostile world, seeking acceptance and understanding, only to be met with cruelty and rejection.

What did our critic think of THE TEMPESTUOUS at Circa Theatre?

It was famously performed at the West End in 2022, with the title role being played by Jodie Comer (Killing Eve,) where it was recorded for NT Live and shown in theatres around the world. The production then transferred to Broadway in Spring of 2023, earning Jodie the Tony Award for Best Actress in a play.

Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical featuring the timeless songs of the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA. It is set on a picturesque Greek island and tells the story of a young bride-to-be, her mother and three possible fathers.

An outstanding play performed by an outstanding cast

“Sense and Sensibility” is a classic novel by Jane Austen, published anonymously in three volumes in 1811. It offers a vivid depiction of 19th-century middle-class life in England, following the romantic relationships of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

Something Rotten! premiered on Broadway in 2015 and was nominated for ten Tony Awards. It is the story of the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who strive for success in the theatrical world as they compete with their incredibly popular competitor, one William Shakespeare. Desperate to out-Bard the Bard, Nick consults a soothsayer and learns that the next big thing in theatre will be a MUSICAL—a play where 'an actor is saying his lines, and out of nowhere he just starts singing.'

The Other Side is Kaha's third production, following Sunset Boulevard and Pride and Prejudice. While the two previous shows are well known, Pride and Prejudice was changed up for audiences with inclusion of Carpenters songs to the play. An interesting idea which I sadly did not get to see.

When Harriet met Sally by Cherol Filbee is a short one act play that centres on two main characters, Sally a florist who is about to go on a short holiday with her new man and Harriet, his wife.

Heartbreak Hotel is the latest offering by EBKM, Eleanor Bishop and Karin McCracken who have worked together since 2017 and have written a number of plays, notably Jane Doe and Body Double, both award winning productions.

The Prom is a musical with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and a book by Bob Martin and Beguelin. The story follows four Broadway actors who travel to the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana, to help a lesbian student who has been banned from bringing her girlfriend to the high school prom.

A great script and dependable cast make this show well worth seeing

Today I spent an enjoyable couple of hours talking to one of Wellingtons most recognised music teachers, Jane Keller. She is well known in the region as not only an excellent vocal coach, but extending that skill by helping with character development and performance.

Flawed but ultimately enjoyable concept

A collaboration that has led to a highly successful and entertaining production

What did our critic think of NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 from Witch Music Theatre?

The Golden Ass is the only ancient Roman novel in Latin to survive in it's entirety. In this production, it is given some modern flavour whilst still maintaining the settings and heart of the story.

Watching the future of theatre here in Wellington, I see we will be well served in the future.

Every Brilliant Thing is a one man show about depression and suicide. It is told through the voice of a child growing up through to adulthood finding a mechanism to cope with his mothers repeated attempts to take her life.