New Zealand Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations

Review: PIP at Wellington Repertory
by Neil Brewer - November 28, 2024

An ambitious undertaking turning a well loved novel into a musical...

Review: COSI at Hutt Repertory
by Neil Brewer - November 25, 2024

Cosi is a play by Australian playwright Louis Nowra, first performed in 1992 at the Belvoir St Theatre in Sydney. The play is set in a Melbourne mental institution in 1971 and is semi-autobiographical, serving as a sequel to Nowra's earlier work 'Summer of the Aliens'....

Review: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at Harlequin Theatre
by Monica Moore - November 19, 2024

High School Musical premiered on the Disney Channel on January 20, 2006. It became the most commercially successful Disney Channel television film and launched the careers of stars such as Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. The catchy music, lyrics and 'Grease-style' teenage love story gained many fans ...

Review: SLEEPING BEAUTY: THE PANTOMIME at Circa Theatre
by Neil Brewer - November 15, 2024

What did our critic think of SLEEPING BEAUTY:THE PANTOMIME at Circa Theatre?...

Review: RENT at Manukau Performing Arts
by Monica Moore - November 12, 2024

What did our critic think of RENT at Manukau Performing Arts?...

Review: NICK DEAR'S FRANKENSTEIN at Coasters Musical Theatre
by Neil Brewer - November 07, 2024

The play is notable for it's unique perspective, telling the story from the creatures point of view rather than Victor Frankenstein's. The shift allows the audience to experience the Creatures journey and struggles firsthand. The plot follows the Creature as he navigates a hostile world, seeking acc...

Review: THE TEMPESTUOUS at Circa Theatre
by Neil Brewer - November 06, 2024

What did our critic think of THE TEMPESTUOUS at Circa Theatre?...

Review: CALL GIRLS BY JAMES CARRICK at THE PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - October 18, 2024

What did our critic think of CALL GIRLS BY JAMES CARRICK at THE PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland? Read the review. ...

Review: EVITA at Glen Eden Playhouse
by Monica Moore - October 15, 2024

Currently lighting up the stage at Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre is Evita, produced by Playhouse Theatre Inc. and directed by Robin Lane. This production showcases stunning vocals and exceptional musical direction. Under the skilled direction of Musical Director Erin Fagan, assisted by Rebecca Hu...

Review: MRS WISHY-WASHY at PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - September 24, 2024

Prepare to be entirely entertained and amused yourself when you take the young ones along to see Tim Bray’s hilarious holiday production, Mrs Wishy-Washy.  Well-respected Auckland’s leading theatre for children and for ingenious interpretation, this is yet again imaginative theatre at its finest. In...

Review: PROOF at Dolphin Theatre
by Monica Moore - September 15, 2024

Dolphin Theatre’s production of Proof by David Auburn, under the direction of Mike Daley, delivers a compelling narrative that intricately weaves themes of familial bonds, the complexities of genius, the challenges of declining mental health and the transformative power of love....

Review: PRIMA FACIE by Kavanah Productions and BRAVE theatre
by Neil Brewer - September 10, 2024

It was famously performed at the West End in 2022, with the title role being played by Jodie Comer (Killing Eve,) where it was recorded for NT Live and shown in theatres around the world. The production then transferred to Broadway in Spring of 2023, earning Jodie the Tony Award for Best Actress in ...

Review: IN OTHER WORDS at Q Theatre
by Monica Moore - September 06, 2024

'In Other Words' is a testament to the power of theatre to move and transform. Under the direction of this remarkable team and with Ward-Lealand and Hurst on stage, it becomes an authentically affecting experience that lingers long after the final bow....

Review: BLACK COFFEE at Dolphin, Onehunga
by Monica Moore - July 29, 2024

Directed by Glenda Pearce; her vast experience and meticulous attention to detail in both set design and costume has created a visual feast for the audience, transporting them effortlessly into the 1928 world of intrigue and suspense. ...

Review: MAMMA MIA! at Civic Theatre, Invercargill
by Neil Brewer - July 16, 2024

Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical featuring the timeless songs of the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA. It is set on a picturesque Greek island and tells the story of a young bride-to-be, her mother and three possible fathers....

Review: HANDBAGGED by Stagecraft
by Neil Brewer - July 09, 2024

An outstanding play performed by an outstanding cast...

Review: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY at Circa Theatre
by Neil Brewer - July 09, 2024

“Sense and Sensibility” is a classic novel by Jane Austen, published anonymously in three volumes in 1811. It offers a vivid depiction of 19th-century middle-class life in England, following the romantic relationships of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood....

Review: AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS at Howick Little Theatre
by Glenda Pearce - July 07, 2024

Looking for family theatre – for the July holidays – this is definitely worth investigating. Get along on this exciting journey! Even if you’re not usually live theatre goers, this latest treat at HOWICK LITTLE THEATRE will definitely appeal to school aged children, parents and grandparents… and it’...

Review: NICOLA CHEESEMAN IS BACK at Herald Theatre
by Monica Moore - July 08, 2024

Kathryn Burnett's insightful script, coupled with Jodie Rimmer’s extraordinary performance, makes this show a must-see for anyone seeking poignant reflections on resilience, identity, and the pursuit of happiness. And a damn good belly-aching laugh....

Review: SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Court Theatre
by Neil Brewer - July 08, 2024

Something Rotten! premiered on Broadway in 2015 and was nominated for ten Tony Awards. It is the story of the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who strive for success in the theatrical world as they compete with their incredibly popular competitor, one William Shakespeare. Desperate to out-Bard the B...

Review: FIVE GO ON AN ADVENTURE at Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland
by Glenda Pearce - June 30, 2024

What did our critic think of FIVE GO ON AN ADVENTURE at Pumphouse Theatre, Auckland?...

Review: WHEN HARRIET MET SALLY by New Players Theatre Company
by Neil Brewer - June 24, 2024

When Harriet met Sally by Cherol Filbee is a short one act play that centres on two main characters, Sally a florist who is about to go on a short holiday with her new man and Harriet, his wife....

Review: HEARTBREAK HOTEL at Bats Theatre
by Neil Brewer - June 20, 2024

Heartbreak Hotel is the latest offering by EBKM, Eleanor Bishop and Karin McCracken who have worked together since 2017 and have written a number of plays, notably Jane Doe and Body Double, both award winning productions....

Review: PRIMA FACIE at Pumphouse
by Monica Moore - June 20, 2024

Michael Hurst’s direction ensures that the play’s heavy themes are expertly managed, bringing a sharp focus to Tessa's internal and external battles. The staging is both minimalist and effective, allowing the strength of the script and the power of Woodhouse’s performance to shine through. ...

Review: THE PROM at Up-Stage Theatre, 26A Moonshine Rd, Upper Hutt
by Neil Brewer - June 24, 2024

The Prom is a musical with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and a book by Bob Martin and Beguelin. The story follows four Broadway actors who travel to the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana, to help a lesbian student who has been banned from bringing her girlfriend to the high s...