Review Archive

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[Editor’s note: Max Rashbrooke is a journalist and writer https://www.maxrashbrooke.net/more-about-me ]

Welcome to the review archive.

Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.

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DAWN RAIDS

Auckland, Wellington

18/08/2022 - 24/10/2024

"The impact of the Dawn Raids, laid bare through lives of one Pasifika family..

"A classic that needs to be seen by every generation of New Zealanders..

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TOSCA 2024

Wellington

11/09/2024 - 15/09/2024

"Brilliant casting and gripping pace..

"Tosca the heroine a star turn in Wellington opera..

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Le comte Ory (The Count Ory)

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

30/05/2024 - 29/06/2024

"A production of fizzing vitality and imaginative presentation...

"A comedy of disguises..

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Transmission: Beta

Wellington

18/05/2024 - 15/06/2024

"Living inside history: a chic and powerful success..

"Play offers window into unprocessed pandemic memories..

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Mansfield Park

Wellington, Auckland

17/04/2024 - 21/04/2024

"A most ingenious contrivance - and Fanny is delightful!..

"In times of job cuts, genocide, and climate change, an adventure into the West is a lovely distraction...

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LOST LEAR

Wellington

14/03/2024 - 17/03/2024

"A brilliant premise is found wanting..

"Astonishingly insightful, moving and surprising..

GRAVITY & GRACE

Wellington

07/03/2024 - 10/03/2024

"A triumphant portrayal of failure..

"Refreshing and reassuring insights into fallible humanity superbly presented..

Bluebeard's Castle

Wellington, Christchurch

10/08/2023 - 12/08/2023

"Exceptional production of a dark love story..

"Magnificent performances of a multi-layered masterpiece...

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INTO THE WOODS

Wellington

27/04/2023 - 06/05/2023

"Ensemble cast delivers Sondheim’s all-important lyrics and rhythmic gymnastics with stamina, enjoyment and commitment..

"Crafted with love and attention to detail..

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

Wellington

18/03/2023 - 25/03/2023

"The music and performances are so strong they outweigh the strange design choices..

"Stellar performances in tale of star-crossed lovers..

In Bed with Schoenberg

Wellington

25/02/2023 - 17/03/2023

"Darker notes of a contradictory life..

"Universal themes of being misunderstood, underappreciated and displaced resonate amid the comedy..

IHITAI ‘AVEI’A - STAR NAVIGATOR

Porirua

09/12/2022 - 11/12/2022

"Lead roles full of endeavour..

"Creative, exciting and entirely relevant to present-day Aotearoa..

MACBETH

Auckland, Wellington

21/09/2022 - 09/10/2022

"Opening the gates of hell..

"Brooding set perfect for stars..

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LES MISERABLES

Wellington

19/08/2022 - 04/09/2022

"Tortured tale of redemption – full of energy, pathos and humour..

"Powerful, glorious and jaw-dropping – a must for fans and newcomers alike!..

LA TRAVIATA

Wellington

09/07/2022 - 16/07/2022

"Moving and poignant..

"Carefully designed ingenuity..

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HIS/HERSTORY An Outstanding Double Bill

Wellington

22/04/2022 - 14/05/2022

"Theatre double bill captures the human narrative of war..

"Engaging, inventive, enriching..

RICHARD II

Wellington

18/08/2016 - 27/08/2016

"A Shakespeare for Brexit times..

"Fresh, fruity and pertinent..

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