Review Archive
[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.
TRANSMISSION
Wellington
20/04/2021 - 01/05/2021
"Tells the story of the humanity behind the Covid headlines..
"Holding Leaders to Account..
More reviews
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..
More reviews
PLEASUREDOME The Musical
Auckland
28/09/2017 - 05/11/2017
"A long way from home..
"A courageous extravaganza – hugely enjoyable..
More reviews
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Auckland
18/09/2017 - 01/10/2017
"Children nail Dahl’s genius..
"Children will Listen..
More reviews
NELL GWYNN
Auckland
17/08/2017 - 30/08/2017
"Restoration comedy triumph of superb acting..
"The Rebirth of the Theatre..
More reviews
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..
More reviews
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..
More reviews
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..
More reviews
NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER
Auckland
29/06/2016 - 02/07/2016
"Towards Perfection..
"Dancers provide exhilarating viewing..
More reviews
FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL
Auckland
21/04/2016 - 27/04/2016
"It’s not the fun kind of bad..
"Leg-Warming..
More reviews
THE JAMES PLAYS
Auckland
05/03/2016 - 05/03/2016
"Scotland plays no games..
"Two Critics with the Egos of Three Kings..
More reviews
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..
More reviews
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..
More reviews
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..
More reviews