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Leigh Sykes moved to New Zealand from the UK in March 2009 and she has been teaching Drama in West Auckland ever since. She trained as a teacher at the University of Durham and is currently studying for a Master of Arts in the Advance Teaching of Shakespeare with the University of Warwick.

Leigh has been an avid theatre goer since she was at school and was fortunate enough to work in West End theatre while taking time out from teaching and living in London.

Leigh particularly enjoys plays by Shakespeare, Brecht and New Zealand writers, but is also keen to experience as much new work as possible. When not immersed in plays, she is a keen scuba diver and loves to be immersed in water.

Welcome to the review archive.

Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.

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The Kingdom of Bling

Auckland, Wellington

22/10/2024 - 22/10/2024

"A salutary and timely folk tale plus random fandom..

"A truly original experience hosted by a great entertainer..

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In Other Words

Auckland

03/09/2024 - 15/09/2024

"Phenomenal performances from powerhouse performers at the top of their game...

Nicola Cheeseman is Back

Auckland

19/06/2024 - 07/07/2024

"Rimmer's delightful, straight-talking character explores how women are perceived in society as they age..

El Jaguar Book (Fight) Club

Auckland

21/05/2024 - 25/05/2024

"The rules of Book (Fight) Club insist I say nothing but this show is too funny to stick to the…..

Prima Facie - Auckland

Auckland

21/06/2023 - 02/07/2023

"Kupe’s outstanding performance dissects painfully topical and relevant issues...

The Tempestuous

Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington

13/06/2023 - 01/12/2024

"Phenomenal energy, vivacity, versatility, inventiveness and humour..

"Wonderful word wrangling and expert audience interaction..

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WAITING FOR WAITING FOR GODOT

Auckland, Gisborne, Palmerston North, Wellington

30/03/2023 - 02/12/2023

"The art of Waiting for Godot..

"Profoundly entertaining. Don’t wait, book now...

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A MIXTAPE FOR MALADIES

Auckland

25/03/2023 - 25/03/2023

"The power of the performances and the responses to them suggest a fully developed production would find an enthusiastic and…..

EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES

Auckland

16/03/2023 - 18/03/2023

"Innovative world-building creates a satisfying blend of action and visual effects..

PARADISE or The Impermanence of Ice Cream

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

23/10/2020 - 28/09/2024

"Another brilliant theatre experience from Indian Ink..

"Secrets, science and vultures come home to roost..

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OUR MODERN EARTH (Is A F*cking Mess)

Auckland

20/10/2020 - 24/10/2020

"Our Current Moment..

"Dense, multi-disciplinary, multi-media experience somehow reassuring..

James Nokise GOD DAMN FANCY MAN

Auckland

08/10/2020 - 10/10/2020

"Enlightened by laughter..

SUNFLOWERS

Auckland

30/09/2020 - 04/10/2020

"Leaning Towards the Sun..

"Bittersweet romance in the face of disaster..

CALL IT A NIGHT

Auckland, Global

20/09/2020 - 20/09/2020

"An existential threat becomes an existential treat..

"A thought-provoking, beautifully crafted, meta-theatrical conceit..

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Global

26/06/2020 - 02/07/2020

"Innovative and enlightening..

EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON

Auckland

15/11/2017 - 25/11/2017

"Melting pot of chaos, coherence..

"More human and moving than apocalyptic and frightening..

PETER AND THE WOLF

Wellington, Auckland

09/11/2017 - 18/03/2018

"Modern puppet show tells simple story in a complex way..

"Mystery and magical adventure in full visual and aural splendour..

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THE MOUNTAINTOP

Auckland

31/10/2017 - 11/11/2017

"The Baton Passes on..

"Mountaintop offers candid view of King Jr’s last hours..

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TWO

Auckland

26/10/2017 - 04/11/2017

"Insights prompt empathy..

A PUBLIC AIRING OF GRIEVANCES

Wellington, Auckland

26/04/2016 - 14/10/2017

"Everything is Surrounded by Storytelling #2..

"Effortless switching from funny to profound..

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EVERYTHING IS SURROUNDED BY WATER

Wellington, Auckland, Palmerston North

10/02/2014 - 14/10/2017

"Everything is Surrounded by Storytelling #1..

"An unusual and bittersweet experience..

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Rose Matafeo SASSY BEST FRIEND

Auckland

05/10/2017 - 07/10/2017

"An outstanding and thought-provoking comedian..

HAMLET: The Video Game (the stage show)

New Plymouth, Auckland, Christchurch

03/06/2017 - 07/10/2017

"Clever concept well executed..

"A clever concept let down in the execution..

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Wellingon City Council
Auckland City Council