Review Archive
Involved in theatre from adolescence and at uni, and briefly professional, Richard was diverted into radio.
As a presenter he previewed and reviewed performances from the wider Manawatū region on local stations, and for a time contributed on RNZ National.
Richard has also reviewed professionally over the past three decades for Manawatū newspapers the Guardian, Tribune and (until kiboshed last year by Covid) Manawatū Standard while keeping his hand in as an occasional community actor.
During the subsequent years he has been prominent as an awards assessor/adjudicator attending around 30 regional productions a year, recognising, rewarding and championing the achievements of local community performers and performance groups.
Welcome to the review archive.
Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.
Kinky Boots
Palmerston North
06/09/2024 - 21/09/2024
"These boots be made for loving and that’s just what you’ll do..
PRIMA FACIE
Wellington, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Nelson
24/06/2023 - 01/11/2024
"The judicial system masterfully examined and embodied..
"Cracking courtroom tour-de-force mentally and emotionally spellbinding..
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Cringeworthy - Swinging in the 60s!
Wellington, Palmerston North
01/04/2023 - 17/03/2024
"Bingo for boomers: A sashay through the 60s at a thousand miles an hour..
"Smooth, confident, quality pop – enthralling and memorable..
Morgan and Justin Get Ambitious
Palmerston North
09/02/2024 - 09/02/2024
"Gettin’ ambitty wit’ it – a meander through millennial angst ..
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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Romeo & Juliet
Palmerston North
24/02/2023 - 04/03/2023
"Authentically raw emotion combines with robust fight scenes in this punchy action-packed social drama..
An Act of God
Palmerston North
25/02/2023 - 30/03/2023
"Cribbed glibness on a wing and a prayer – more B-musing than A-musing..
THE OPENING NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Palmerston North
12/11/2022 - 17/12/2022
"Cornball caper a cheesy Christmas cracker..
CRINGE WORTHY 80s!
Palmerston North, Wellington
06/11/2021 - 11/06/2022
"Cringeworthy and so much fun..
"A unique blend of warmth, humour and spirit..
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THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF PALMERSTON NORTH – Abridged
Palmerston North
24/07/2021 - 22/08/2021
"Looks certain to clip a lot of local tickets..
THE BICYCLE & THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER
Palmerston North, Nelson, Wellington
10/09/2020 - 11/11/2023
"The totality is inspiring – not least as a superb example of the ephemeral alchemy of live theatre..
"An entertaining ride across bike-break mountain..
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WINDING UP
Palmerston North
27/03/2021 - 24/04/2021
"Classy slapstick works a treat..
ITHACA
Palmerston North, Auckland
26/11/2015 - 05/12/2020
"Jaw-dropping, spellbinding stadium spectacular..
"Fantasy and escapism..
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TWELFTH NIGHT
Palmerston North
27/02/2020 - 07/03/2020
"Frisky, feisty and funny alfresco frolic..
UP DOWN GIRL
Wellington, Palmerston North
28/02/2020 - 01/05/2021
"Show filled with love affection and music..
"A richly layered and uplifting experience..
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NIU SILA
Palmerston North
03/08/2019 - 25/08/2019
"Kiwi classic shows its contemporary heart..
"Beautiful, funny and packs a real punch..
CELLFISH
Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North, Gisborne
08/03/2017 - 15/10/2019
"A standout in a shimmering sea of wonderful presentations and productions..
"A superbly performed prison pas de deu..
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Don PASQUALE
Palmerston North, New Plymouth
02/02/2019 - 07/02/2019
"Affectionately crafted effervescence..
"Palpable impact..
PETER PAN
Palmerston North
07/07/2018 - 29/07/2018
"Peter Pan has a real hook..
"Boisterous, riotous and punchy..
SCHOOL DANCE
Palmerston North
18/03/2017 - 29/04/2017
"Much ado about not all that much?..
"Laugh-out-loud funny..
THE WINTER’S TALE
Palmerston North
02/03/2017 - 11/03/2017
"A strong team..
"Summer Shakespeare scores with an adventurous outdoor performance..
FRIDAY'S FLOCK
Feilding, Wellington
17/11/2016 - 10/06/2017
"Rich fusion fare..
"A resonating and memorable experience..
THE GOOD NEWS
Wellington, Palmerston North
24/03/2015 - 04/07/2015
"Chaotic and coherent..
"Seamless ensemble ring bells..