Review Archive

Filter by:

 Ruth Allison has been an English teacher all her working life. She lives and works in Nelson. She is a keen reader, musician and art aficionado. She has been writing art, drama and music reviews since 2007 and to date has written 63 reviews. Her partner Lindsay wrote a poem for her

Things you do
          for Ruth
These things you do
          Scour the bottom of the saucepans to glisten like a coppery moon.
          Hold your family open like big bank doors.
          Leave your plate clean as a slate.

          Fillet blue cod.
          Cry at sad movies.
          Let stories flow from you like a fresh water spring.
          Walk with a purposeful gait.
          Hang pairs of socks by their toes with matching coloured pegs.
          Choose elegance above economy.
          Strive for the best seat in the house.
That I love about you.
And how you say yes and yes and yes to the gifts of the world.

Welcome to the review archive.

Theatre and dance reviews since 2006.

Request a review
CAT vs DOG

Nelson

28/09/2024 - 12/10/2024

"Captivating story line played out with love..

SCATTERGUN: After the Death of Rūaumoko

Auckland, Nelson

28/07/2022 - 04/05/2024

"The audience shout accolades, rising and roaring “Bravo, bravo”...

"A Shakespeare for all New Zealand..

More reviews

RAW! ASMR

Nelson

30/06/2022 - 02/07/2022

"From passion through mayhem to a frenzy of fruit..

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..

More reviews

IRONING MAN

Nelson

21/08/2020 - 25/08/2020

"Flat-out foray into pressing matters with an astonishing musical repertoire..

THE SECRETS I KEEP

Global

13/04/2020 - 31/05/2020

"Something everyone can relate to..

LULLABY JOCK

Global

08/04/2020 - 31/05/2020

"Skilfully blended realities..

MY OWN DARLING

Auckland, Global

16/10/2015 - 31/05/2020

"Extracts humour from adversity with the power of poetry..

"Poetic lens gives fresh perspective on Auckland City’s secret lives..

More reviews

BOX OF BIRDS

Nelson

01/03/2020 - 01/03/2020

"The small but discerning spectators are captivated..

HAMLET

New Plymouth, Nelson, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin

25/06/2019 - 08/09/2019

"Slick production plays at a cracking pace..

"Triumphant revelling in challenges..

More reviews

Katie Boyle in THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

Nelson, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington

04/04/2019 - 21/09/2019

"Played with engaging charm and extraordinary equanimity..

"A mammoth effort and a resounding success..

More reviews

OLIVE COPPERBOTTOM

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga, Nelson, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Dunedin

18/04/2017 - 16/12/2023

"Versatile virtuoso Ashton..

"Caters to a range of tastes with energy and joy..

More reviews

LOBSTERS

Wellington, Nelson

21/10/2017 - 15/10/2018

"Passionate emotions surrealised..

"A brilliant exploration of the surreal..

More reviews

PSS PSS

Tauranga, Wairarapa, Havelock North, Nelson

07/10/2017 - 22/10/2017

"Sophisticated, delightful and awe-inspiring..

"Tender and inviting..

More reviews

MAUNGATAPU

Nelson

16/10/2017 - 25/11/2017

"Warts and all dramatisation impressive..

"Rather forgettable characters..

THE ORCHID AND THE CROW

Wairarapa, Tauranga, Nelson

11/10/2017 - 26/10/2017

"Funny and moving..

"Moving, inspiring, outstanding..

Ben Hurley’s EARTH PLANET WORLD

Nelson

22/10/2016 - 23/10/2016

"Engaging, intelligent and funny..

THE ELEPHANT THIEF

Hamilton, Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth, Auckland

05/12/2015 - 02/07/2016

"Stealing the Show..

"Immensely talented cast but play feels lost and confused..

More reviews

BARNIE DUNCAN in CALYPSO NIGHTS

Nelson, Wellington, Hamilton, Edinburgh, Scotland, Auckland, Dunedin

01/05/2013 - 07/10/2016

"From bewilderment to dancing via calypso..

"Sexy, mysterious and political..

More reviews

ON THE CONDITIONS AND POSSIBILITIES OF HILLARY CLINTON TAKING ME AS HER YOUNG LOVER

Hamilton, Auckland, NYC, USA, Takaka, Nelson, Havelock North, Wellington, Edinburgh, Scotland, Dunedin

16/02/2015 - 08/10/2016

"The real presidential debate..

"Top-notch satire ★★★★★..

More reviews

JEZEBEL OF JAZZ: Songs and Stories with Anita O’Day

Wellington, Nelson

22/02/2014 - 27/07/2014

"Jazz jezebel brought to life..

"Much more than our money’s worth..

More reviews

Frequently Asked Questions: To Be or Not to Be

Wellington, Hamilton, Nelson

02/03/2012 - 27/10/2012

"When shall these four meet again?..

"Thrilling collision of characters..

More reviews

Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen: Dead Men Tell A Thousand Tales

Nelson

21/10/2012 - 22/10/2012

"Darkly quirky, ironic cabaret at its best..

Wellingon City Council
Auckland City Council
PatronBase