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.
HAMLET: The Video Game (the stage show)
New Plymouth, Auckland, Christchurch
03/06/2017 - 07/10/2017
"Clever concept well executed..
"A clever concept let down in the execution..
More reviews
THE SOUND OF FALLING STARS
Auckland
21/09/2017 - 24/09/2017
"Admirable mediation on fame intertwined with affecting performances..
SUCCESS
Auckland
23/08/2017 - 16/09/2017
"Misses the mark..
"Historical issues remain..
THE WHOLEHEARTED
Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Auckland
18/03/2016 - 27/09/2017
"Leaves us feeling more full of life than when we arrived..
"So Many Soapboxes, So Little Time..
More reviews
BALLS
Auckland
06/09/2017 - 10/09/2017
"Issues raised but unresolved..
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Auckland
18/09/2017 - 01/10/2017
"Children nail Dahl’s genius..
"Children will Listen..
More reviews
NON FLOWER ELEMENTS
Auckland
22/08/2017 - 26/08/2017
"‘There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea…’..
"Enjoyable and thought-provoking in parts..
I AIN'T MAD AT CHA
Auckland, Wellington, Gisborne
20/06/2017 - 19/10/2019
"A completely stimulating theatrical experience..
"A very absorbing exploration..
More reviews
JANE DOE
Auckland, Dunedin, Nelson, Napier, Wellington, Invercargill
06/06/2017 - 02/05/2019
"Important conversations incredibly thoughtfully crafted..
"Extremely engaging and constructive..
More reviews
SWABHOOMI Borrowed Earth
Auckland
25/05/2017 - 04/06/2017
"A lyrical meditation on the ties that bind us..
CLASS COMEDIANS SHOWCASE 2017
Auckland
20/05/2017 - 20/05/2017
"Confident, sometimes surprising and funny..
The Improv Bandits I WASN'T EXPECTING THAT!
Auckland
16/05/2017 - 20/05/2017
"Skilled and generous performers..
COVERT IMPROV NIGHT 2017
Auckland
16/05/2017 - 20/05/2017
"A generally pleasant time..
Nic Sampson JEWEL HEIST
Auckland
09/05/2017 - 13/05/2017
"Inventive twists and turns become surreal..
Tessa Waters OVER PROMISES
Auckland, Wellington
02/05/2017 - 13/05/2017
"Witty, sharp and physically gifted..
PARKER & SAINSBURY D O C ing
Auckland
28/04/2017 - 06/05/2017
"Talented and generous performers generate big smiles and light hearts..
Aiken Hutcheson and Graeme Clarke in UNACCOMPANIED ADULTS
Auckland
28/04/2017 - 29/04/2017
"A fairly undemanding hour..
Mouth: Tongue: Teeth
Auckland
22/04/2017 - 23/04/2017
"Funny, dark, painful, confronting..
The Snot Gobbler
Auckland
22/03/2017 - 19/04/2017
"Very inventive and beautifully styled..
The 13 Storey Treehouse
Auckland
18/04/2017 - 22/04/2017
"Refreshing encouragement of imagination..
HORROR
Auckland
21/03/2017 - 26/03/2017
"Stage frights a little too stock horror..
"Here’s Johnny (and other references)..
More reviews
SCHLUNTED
Auckland
02/11/2016 - 25/03/2017
"Still Stunted..
"Much to admire; could shine even brighter..
More reviews
Elephants / Welfare / Duty – The Musical
Auckland
08/03/2017 - 11/03/2017
"Poor staging dilutes the messages..
