Review Archive
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.
A Doll's House, Part 2
Auckland
14/11/2024 - 01/12/2024
"Thought-provoking and modern take on Ibsen's original...
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
"Ashton conjures a tale that’s as salutary as it is richly entertaining..
"Phenomenal energy, vivacity, versatility, inventiveness and humour..
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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..