REVIEW: Krishnan’s Dairy (Indian Ink Theatre Company)

July 28, 2012

Indian ‘Ink’redible [by Sharu Delilkan] When my husband Tim and I moved here almost 10 years ago Krishnan’s Dairy was the first live theatre show we saw. It not only left an indelible memory of theatre at its best but it was one of the key motivations why we decided to stay in New Zealand. Having come from the hustle […]

REVIEW: Inviting Caroline (The Basement)

July 27, 2012

For anyone who has ever hosted a Party [by James Wenley] It’s a fine art to hosting a great party. In Inviting Caroline we learn from twenty-something Scott all the traps for new players; when to confirm the date, the ratio of food eaten to food left on the floor, and the importance of screening your invite list. It’s a […]

REVIEW: Awatea (Auckland Theatre Company)

July 22, 2012

Awatea Shines Brightly [by Sharu Delilkan] You knew the writing was on the wall the minute you walked into the theatre. I’m of course referring to the beautifully chalked letters that ‘panoramically’ filled the backdrop of the entire stage. So dramatic, intriguing and utterly effective was this device that you could not help reading some of the letters while the […]

REVIEW: The Arrival (Red Leap Theatre)

July 17, 2012

Astounding Journey Continues [by James Wenley] It is remarkable that in the same week, two New Zealand works of international quality enjoyed return seasons in Auckland. The first, Indian Ink’s Guru of Chai – is still playing at Q, so seek it out. The second – Red Leap’s The Arrival played three public shows over the weekend. I hope you […]

REVIEW: Guru of Chai (Indian Ink)

July 16, 2012

Perfect Theatrical Blend [by James Wenley] The Guru of Chai brews his tea to perfection, carefully measuring the exact combination of herbs and spices. It is an art that simmers through this play. He’s unappreciated at his stall, plagued by Starbucks.  We don’t get to sample his tea, but I’ll wager this: He’s an even better storyteller. And really, that […]

REVIEW: Alice (Outfit Theatre Company)

July 11, 2012

If this is a kid’s show, consider me a big one! [by James Wenley] Outfit Theatre Company have turned their devising smarts on Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland story. I’ve never been to one of Outfit’s School Holiday shows, so was very curious to see how their upstart (and often dark) style would translate for children. As we enter TAPAC […]

REVIEW: Next Big Thing Festival; Tusk Tusk and Checkout Chicks (ATC)

July 10, 2012

Meaty Drama, Sweet Musical [by James Wenley] Tusk Tusk is a serious family drama, with lots to chew upon. ATC’s Associate Director Lynne Cardy describes it as ‘Arthur Miller for children’. Carried by a stunning performance from its three young leads, they must fend for themselves with absent authority figures. Checkout Chicks is an unapologetically silly and entertaining Musical. It […]

REVIEW: Black Confetti (Auckland Theatre Company)

July 7, 2012

Shivering and Shaking; The Glittery Black [by Rosabel Tan] Siggy (Kip Chapman) is the quintessential drifter. He’s spent the past seven years “finding his niche” – that is, working his way through every stage one paper offered by the Faculty of Arts – and he’d happily continue this search, only The Dean (Adam Gardiner) is now threatening to kick him […]