Review Archive

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[Editor’s note: Dr James Wenley is the editor and founder of TheatreScenes, a platform for reviews and commentary on Aotearoa theatre. https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/james.wenley ]

Welcome to the review archive.

Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.

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TRANSMISSION

Wellington

20/04/2021 - 01/05/2021

"Tells the story of the humanity behind the Covid headlines..

"Holding Leaders to Account..

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RANSOM

Wellington

01/11/2019 - 16/11/2019

"Values Held Hostage..

"Enrols us in a timely enquiry into the nature of contemporary politics..

THIS LONG WINTER

Wellington

10/04/2019 - 20/04/2019

"Break the Cycle..

"An unapologetically feminist condemnation of the patriarchy in all its guises..

MODERN GIRLS IN BED

Wellington

01/09/2018 - 22/09/2018

"What’s Good Wellington? #2..

"Often funny, often moving; always thoughtful and interesting..

WONDERFUL

Wellington

04/09/2018 - 07/03/2020

"A gestalt of three exceptional talents..

"What’s Good Wellington? #1..

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PLEASUREDOME The Musical

Auckland

28/09/2017 - 05/11/2017

"A long way from home..

"A courageous extravaganza – hugely enjoyable..

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MATILDA THE MUSICAL

Auckland

18/09/2017 - 01/10/2017

"Children nail Dahl’s genius..

"Children will Listen..

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NELL GWYNN

Auckland

17/08/2017 - 30/08/2017

"Restoration comedy triumph of superb acting..

"The Rebirth of the Theatre..

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MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Auckland

09/06/2017 - 18/06/2017

"Rock ’n’ Roll Avengers..

"An altogether satisfying entertainment package..

SCHLUNTED

Auckland

02/11/2016 - 25/03/2017

"Still Stunted..

"Much to admire; could shine even brighter..

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PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT The Musical

Auckland

16/10/2016 - 06/11/2016

"And so you’re back… from overseas..

"Sparkling night out with reservations..

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CABARIOT: Frisky and Mannish

Auckland

29/09/2016 - 02/10/2016

"Putting the riot in cabaret..

"Queen St Riots..

SWEENEY TODD The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

17/09/2016 - 15/10/2016

"Can’t be recommended highly enough..

"Fleet Street Clean Sweep..

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NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER

Auckland

29/06/2016 - 02/07/2016

"Towards Perfection..

"Dancers provide exhilarating viewing..

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FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL

Auckland

21/04/2016 - 27/04/2016

"It’s not the fun kind of bad..

"Leg-Warming..

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THE JAMES PLAYS

Auckland

05/03/2016 - 05/03/2016

"Scotland plays no games..

"Two Critics with the Egos of Three Kings..

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THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Auckland

11/02/2016 - 05/03/2016

"Phantom of the Civic a lavishly romantic spectacle..

"Succeeds in the quality of its talents..

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MUCH ADOE ABOUT NOTHING

Auckland

26/01/2016 - 21/02/2016

"Admirable maturity in excellent young assemblage..

"[There’s a double meaning in that!]..

I, PEASEBLOSSOM

Auckland

08/12/2015 - 12/12/2015

"Whanau-friendly ‘skip through fields and flowers’..

"Ready!..

2063

Auckland

12/11/2015 - 20/11/2015

"Present Future-gazing..

"A solid work..

TWISTED – The Musical

Auckland

10/11/2015 - 14/11/2015

"A Whole New Story..

"Saved by passion and potent talent..

GUYS AND DOLLS

Auckland

31/10/2015 - 28/11/2015

"Nicely Nicely..

"The cast give us our money’s worth..

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LE NOIR – THE DARK SIDE OF CIRQUE

Auckland, Christchurch

28/10/2015 - 17/11/2015

"Making the impossible seem easy..

"A fantastical feast for circus lovers..

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