REVIEW: Keanu Reeves Saves The Universe (The Basement)

July 18, 2013

Woah [by Matt Baker] Most of the actors in Keanu Reeves Saves The Universe have an adequate understanding of performing on stage, but it feels as if New York based writer/director Rob Reese has given this New Zealand troupe a specific blueprint by which they have to perform his off-off-Broadway show – ironic, considering his work as an improv instructor. Show Bible’s […]

REVIEW: Gravity Hotel (The Basement)

May 30, 2013

Mass Appeal [by Matt Baker] The less said about Gravity Hotel, the better. I say this, not in regards to the incredibly high quality of the work, but of its journey, as it is one that simply must be experienced as opposed to explained. Very rarely does an audience remain seated post show in huddled discussion about the events they’ve just […]

REVIEW: David Ladderman in Battle of the Bastards (Comedy Festival)

April 29, 2013

A show worth fighting for [by Matt Baker] Starting nearly half an hour late can result in an immediate uphill battle for a performer, but, with an enthusiastic energy and true showmanship, David Ladderman quickly has us on his side in his one-man show Battle of the Bastards. The show focuses on the sub-plot to King Lear, namely, the events […]

REVIEW: And I Was Like (The Basement)

March 15, 2013

And I Was Like: Whatever [by Matt Baker] In his programme notes, writer and director Sam Brooks puts forth the question, ‘What happens  when you take one of the fundamental pillars of relationships, the words, out of the equation?’ He  summarises by saying that ‘when it gets from the stage to your faces, maybe you’ll get your  answer.’ If there is […]

REVIEW: La Vie dans une Marionette (Auckland Fringe)

March 1, 2013

Joie de vivre [by James Wenley] It is strange at first to see performers Tama Jarman, Justin Haiu and Jarod Rawiri in the white face, white gloves, and the exaggerated clothing of a mime artist. While the art of mime, along with clowning, is typically taught as a module in drama training, and while it informs a lot of local […]

REVIEW: Elevator (Auckland Fringe)

February 25, 2013

Catharsis of the Confessional [by Matt Baker] 3 women trapped in an elevator. It’s a simple yet possibility problematic premise, however, Jess Sayer’s script, as reflected in her writer’s notes, finds freedom within structure, and, consequentially, an incredibly engaging story. Sayer’s razor sharp wit is acutely vocalised by not only herself, but also by fellow actresses Michele Hine and Lauren […]

REVIEW: Celery Stories (Auckland Fringe)

February 25, 2013

Anarchic Fairy Tales in the Dark [by James Wenley] At the same time as the Lantern Festival lit up Albert Park, Myers Park came to life in quite a different way as a procession of Fairytale characters and creatures prowled its grounds. Myers Park has been associated with Auckland Fringe since the Festival’s original launch in 2009 and has played […]

REVIEW: Dolly Mixture (Auckland Fringe)

February 22, 2013

Gross-out Dolly Horror [by James Wenley] Thomas Sainsbury and Yvette Parsons’s previous work together typically tend to features unsavory oddballs, extracting comedy from social awkwardness and character eccentricities. This style is once again at play in Dolly Mixture in which the premise sees Crispin Merriweather (Sainsbury) boarding at the residence of Beverly Beavington (Parsons) who restores dolls as her hobby. But […]

REVIEW: Tim Dibley. Masterclass (Auckland Fringe)

February 22, 2013

Christ knows he should be charging a lot more [by Matt Baker] After three years of gradually and increasingly leaking the persona of Tim Dibley into the acting community’s collective consciousness, actor and casting director Eryn Wilson has finally taken the step from Facebook and Youtube to the stage in the premiere live performance of his ridiculous yet somewhat veracious […]

This Week in the Theatre Scene: Make The Basement your new home (18-23 Feb)

February 18, 2013

This Week’s Picks: Black Faggot, Elevator, A Night to Dismember and Dolly Mixture [by James Wenley] Auckland Fringe is out in full force from this week, and audiences are  spoilt for choice, you lucky things you. All of our picks are at The Basement this week, giving you the perfect opportunity to check out their classy new bar area. PICK […]

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