REVIEW: Non Flower Elements (The Basement)

August 23, 2017

[‘There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea…’] A meditation on the concept of interconnectedness? Or an unintentional send-up of artistic ego? Created by Arlo Gibson and Ash Jones, Non Flower Elements is a wonderful mess, a mix of audience participation, musical, monologue and jacked naked men. The show feels like a brainstorm, a bunch of ideas and set […]

REVIEW: Thomus (The Basement)

September 3, 2016

[Shakespearean Aspirations] The main drawcard for Ash Jones’ Thomus is his use of iambic pentameter, drawing inspiration from the humble likes of Shakespeare. While not completely unheard of in recent theatrical endeavours (Mike Bartlett’s King Charles III being a prime example), it’s a lofty ambition worthy of respect in itself. That face he does it so confidently is the most […]

REVIEW: Knock Knock (The Dust Palace)

December 14, 2013

Whose there? [by Sharu Delilkan] The foyer of The Herald Theatre was buzzing with excitement as people read the decree on the scrolls adorning the walls. The Dust Palace had thrown down the gauntlet to us as audience members, and everyone headed towards their seats wondering what they were in for – especially since the dreaded “audience participation” card had […]

REVIEW: The Feast (The Basement)

October 16, 2013

My compliments to the chef [by Matt Baker] After having been selected through Red Leap Theatre’s Incubator Programme and workshopped through its Short Work Showcase, Le Petit Workshop, Refiner’s Fire Collective, and Nikki Bennett and Company have each produced a delectable piece of theatre, presented under the collective title of The Feast. Advertised as a mouth-watering feast of fresh theatre, each […]

REVIEW: Apocalypse Z (Royale Productions)

April 15, 2013

The Stationary Dead [by James Wenley] So, the Zombie Apocalypse is finally upon us, but it has arrived with more of a low moan than a blood-lusting scream. Royale Productions’ high-concept Apocalypse Z – written by Simon London and David Van Horn and directed by Andrew Foster – has barricaded itself securely within Aotea Centre. The square is host to […]

REVIEW: Cowboy Mouth & Love It Up

September 14, 2012

A Bittersweet Mouthful [by Matt Baker] Cowboy Mouth was once described as co-writer Sam Shephard’s ‘most thinly-veiled autobiography.’ However, his resultant abandonment of the production prior to the second night’s performance (he starred alongside his co-writer and lover at the time, Patti Smith) indicates that perhaps the piece was less of a thin veil, and more of a deluge of emotionally […]

REVIEW: The Seven Funerals of Charlie Morris (Elephant Nation)

March 7, 2012

Dying of Laughter [by James Wenley] On a routine visit to the hospital after a blow to the head caused by his best friend re-enacting Fight Club, Charlie Morris is informed he has a terminal illness, and his days are numbered. Now that is a profound life changing moment; too big to even begin to understand for people outside of […]