Review Archive
Jennifer Aitken trained as a classical dancer for 10 years before an injury forced her to stop dancing. She gained an Honours Degree in Theatre Studies from Otago University in 2010. During her time at University she created, devised, acted in and provided technical support for a number of productions at Allen Hall Theatre.
While at University Jen was awarded a University of Otago Graduates’ Association Outstanding Contribution to Arts and Culture Award. Throughout her studies she was a regular contributor to the Otago University Student Association magazine Critic, writing reviews, previews and other performance related pieces. Following three years writing for Critic she became the Performance Editor for her remaining two years at University, by which time she had begun writing for Theatreview.
Jen was a member of the judging panel for the Dunedin Theatre Awards in both 2010 and 2011. Following her time at University she was a Stage Manager at the Fortune Theatre for two years. Since this time she has continued studying and is now (2016) based in Melbourne.
Welcome to the review archive.
Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.
SRINGARAM
Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin, Auckland
10/10/2015 - 08/10/2016
"An exquisite performance full of surprises..
"Emotive, animated, visceral, alluring - extraordinary..
More reviews
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Dunedin
02/09/2015 - 05/09/2015
"Strong performances subverted by lighting..
FARLEY’S ARCADE: The Wildest Place in Town
Dunedin
28/08/2015 - 06/09/2015
"A truly remarkable achievement..
"Great amusement in this arcade..
More reviews
GRIMEY TIMES
Dunedin
05/12/2014 - 07/12/2014
"Howells of laughter a joy..
CAEDMON’S HYMN
Dunedin
16/07/2014 - 19/07/2014
"Very deserving of large audiences..
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
Dunedin
10/04/2014 - 12/04/2014
"Short show about private bits popular with public..
"All very natural..
MOOSE MURDERS
Dunedin
01/08/2013 - 03/08/2013
"So bad it is hilarious: a travesty of a travesty..
BARE
Dunedin
18/10/2012 - 20/10/2012
"Promising debut for new young company..
MILLY WONKA and THE BURLESQUE FACTORY
Dunedin
22/03/2012 - 24/03/2012
"Fab warm-up to disaster..
PINK SPIDER MEN
Dunedin
21/03/2012 - 24/03/2012
"An aural and visual assault..
BE GLAD YOU’RE NEUROTIC
Wellington, Dunedin
21/02/2012 - 17/03/2012
"Somewhat pointless?..
"Normal neuroses..
More reviews
The Tutor
Dunedin
08/07/2011 - 30/07/2011
"Very funny, passionate and very New Zealand..
Mates & Lovers
Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Hamilton
17/11/2010 - 30/06/2012
"Universal resonance..
"Entertaining, informative and moving..
More reviews
The Visitor
Dunedin, Wellington
22/02/2011 - 26/03/2011
"Unexpected..
"Powerful portrayal of a little known phobia..
More reviews
Once Upon A...
Dunedin
19/03/2011 - 20/03/2011
"Winning over children and adults alike..
Hotel - A Cabaret
Auckland, Dunedin
14/10/2010 - 03/07/2011
"Phenomenal talents..
"Consummate showmanship in theatrical equivalent of a compilation tape..
More reviews
Backwards in High Heels
Dunedin
13/10/2010 - 13/10/2010
"Intimate and focused..
"A genuine community event..
