Review Archive
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
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.
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..
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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..
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LOBSTERS
Wellington, Nelson
21/10/2017 - 15/10/2018
"Passionate emotions surrealised..
"A brilliant exploration of the surreal..
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PSS PSS
Tauranga, Wairarapa, Havelock North, Nelson
07/10/2017 - 22/10/2017
"Sophisticated, delightful and awe-inspiring..
"Tender and inviting..
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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..
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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..
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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 ★★★★★..
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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..
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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..
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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..