Review Archive
Holly Shanahan has worked professionally in the arts since graduating from Victoria University in 2002 with a degree in Theatre. As an actor she has worked extensively in theatre and film in NZ and Australia, with a particular interest and passion for physical and collaborative work.
She has lived in London, Munich and Melbourne and worked as theatre editor for Salient and as a reviewer for The Daily News and Theatreview in theatre, music and dance.
She currently works full time as a Mum, part time as a performer, and part time leading a new contemporary Youth Theatre initiative in Taranaki.
Welcome to the review archive.
Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.
The Messy Magic Adventure: KITCHEN CHAOS!
Wellington, New Plymouth
17/04/2018 - 07/07/2020
"Gleefully played physical slapstick..
"Riveting, delightful, exciting and highly amusing..
THE ABSURDITY OF HUMANITY
New Plymouth, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington
24/08/2016 - 20/09/2017
"From the jocular to the jugular and beyond.....
"Poignant moments of tenderness..
More reviews
PERHAPS, PERHAPS... QUIZÁS
Wellington, Taranaki, Christchurch
01/03/2016 - 08/09/2017
"Great clowning, much of it missed by many..
"Totally engaging, extraordinarily funny..
More reviews
UNDERNEATH
Taranaki, Christchurch
31/08/2017 - 10/09/2017
"Utterly captivating and powerful..
"Dark, disarming, comedy mystery: bloody fantastic..
THE REBEL PINK
Christchurch, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Auckland
25/03/2017 - 08/04/2017
"Pinkly energising..
"Strikingly vigorous..
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THE GRUFFALO
Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North, New Plymouth
30/09/2016 - 30/10/2016
"Inventively told with delight, energy and skill..
"Excellent fun with a valuable message..
More reviews
DUST PILGRIM – A Tale of Freedom
Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington, Invercargill
04/06/2015 - 03/05/2018
"An audio-visual treat that respects the intelligence of its audience..
"Dusty yes, but fresh and original..
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THE ELEPHANT THIEF
Hamilton, Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth, Auckland
05/12/2015 - 02/07/2016
"Stealing the Show..
"Immensely talented cast but play feels lost and confused..
More reviews
LUMINA
Auckland, Napier, Wellington, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Christchurch, Nelson
19/08/2015 - 23/05/2018
"Precision, passion and athleticism..
"Stunning!..
More reviews
A DORIS DAY SPECIAL
Christchurch, Invercargill, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Wellington
24/04/2016 - 14/10/2017
"Beautiful, quirky, gutsy..
"Charming and touching..
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THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES
Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland, New Plymouth
09/03/2013 - 06/09/2015
"Uplifting, edifying, impressive..
"Gentle and meandering..
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BETWEEN THE CRACKS – Yana Alana
New Plymouth
20/08/2015 - 21/08/2015
"Crude, classy, outrageous and never sleazy..
LIVE LIVE CINEMA: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Auckland, New Plymouth, Christchurch, Tauranga, Dunedin, Havelock North, Nelson, Global
14/05/2015 - 27/03/2022
"Wholeheartedly worth watching..
"Most of all it is really, really clever..
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THE UNDERARM
Gisborne, Nelson, Wellington, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Napier
28/10/2014 - 29/11/2014
"Very funny and thought-provoking..
"A ball-busting comedic night out for everyone..
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THE TOPP TWINS GRAND OLE TOPPREY TOUR
Wellington, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Auckland, Palmerston North
24/10/2014 - 02/11/2014
"A Variety Show with real class..
THE STATUS OF BEING
Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington
16/10/2014 - 25/10/2014
"provocation, polemicism, playfulness, physicality..
"Striking, confronting, profound and delightful..
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MUNTED
Auckland, New Plymouth, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton
24/01/2012 - 19/08/2014
"Charming openness and commitment..
"Honest and heart-warming..
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Tutus on Tour (2013)
Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin
23/10/2013 - 29/11/2013
"A little something for everyone..
"Cheerful and Lively new Peter and the Wolf..
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Footnote Dance Made in New Zealand 2013
Wellington, Hamilton, Auckland, New Plymouth
09/08/2013 - 15/10/2013
"Beautiful, unsettling and poignant..
"Colt, Carnival Hound and Fatu Na Toto at Tempo..
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DIE ROTEN PUNKTE: SUPERMUSICIAN
New Plymouth, Nelson
30/08/2013 - 26/10/2013
"In your face entertainment..
"Fun, flippant, mad – a crazy hysterical ride..
GIFTED
Southland, Nelson, Cromwell, Queenstown, Tauranga, Dunedin, Invercargill, Wanaka, Alexandra, Oamaru, Wellington, Christchurch, New Plymouth
22/08/2013 - 31/10/2015
"Evocative gesture to literary treasures..
"A rich and resonating theatrical experience..
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THE ANIMALS & CHILDREN TOOK TO THE STREETS
New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch
08/03/2012 - 01/09/2013
"Magical mayhem..
"Distracted by its own inter-media brilliance..
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ENNIO
New Plymouth
17/08/2013 - 18/08/2013
"Clever cartoon cabaret..
