A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week.

See more recent reviews at http://www.theatreview.org.nz, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week.

See more recent reviews at http://www.theatreview.org.nz, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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Basement Theatre, Auckland - THE KEEPERS: Abstract, eccentric, original

- reviewed by Nik Smythe

The inaugural production from fledgling company Thread Theatre, The Keepers is an unusual, abstract work with a distinct nautical theme. Devised and designed by the cast, and mentored by seasoned practitioners, it is a deceptively brief exploration of the psychological and emotional trials of lives spent in isolation.

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Centrepoint, Palmerston North - FLIPSIDE: Raw and rugged, dramatic, compassionate and uplifting love song of the sea

- reviewed by Richard Mays

“There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simplymessing about in boats.” Literally upending Kenneth Grahame’s whimsical Wind-in-the-Willows-ism, Ken Duncum’s Flipside is about four characters boating about in a mess.

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Globe Theatre, Dunedin - CARLUCCIO AND THE QUEEN OF HEARTS: Scots pretender portrayed in Florentine decadence

- reviewed by Barbara Frame

“Life,” insists Charles Stuart, “is unfair.” His 30-years-younger wife, Louise de Stolberg, can only agree: passing yourself off as the Queen of England while living in Florence with a coarse, cantankerous and bitter Pretender for a husband is a fate that can be alleviated only but taking lovers – lots of them.

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Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge, Auckland - THE BROTHERS SIZE: Art and life as one

- reviewed by Lexie Matheson

If you engage with no other theatre experience this year, you must see The Brothers Size. Everything about the production is superb. I could leave it at that but what would be the point? And there are a couple

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Globe Theatre, Dunedin - CARLUCCIO AND THE QUEEN OF HEARTS: Trapped by lost dreams

- reviewed by Kimberley Buchan

The royal blood of Charles Edward Stuart and Louise de Stolberg has been degraded to such a state that their intimate laundry items are being searched and every detail of their boredom-filled lives are thoroughly reported to opposing political factions who pull strings from afar.

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Galatos, Auckland - JAILBAIT: About as elegant as it is awkward

- reviewed by Lillian Richards

Jailbait, by American playwright Deirdre O’Connor, is ostensibly a play about sex but ultimately, by subtle turns, it becomes about belonging.

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Leigh Hall, 4 Cumberland St, Leigh, north of Auckland - SHINE LADY: A bejewelled celebration of the primordial feminine

- reviewed by Bernadette Rae

Elizabeth Kirk, Julie van Renen and Liana Yew are the transcendent dancers, faultlessly powerful and yielding, lyrical and angular, quirky, cute, quicksilver, compelling - and immeasurably serene.

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TAPAC - The Auckland Performing Arts Centre, Auckland - SHINE LADY: A fluid, feminine performance

- reviewed by Roxanne de Bruyn

The audience is left with the impression of witnessing something which is far above and beyond the everyday world. Like the great oral traditions of the past, Shine Lady gives us insight into nature, the divine and the cycles of the earth, using dance instead to words to do so.

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Aotea Centre at THE EDGE®, Auckland - STRAVINSKY SELECTION - ROYAL NZ BALLET: Two tough acts for poor Petrouchka to follow

- reviewed by Bernadette Rae

The Royal New Zealand Ballet's celebration of Stravinsky's music, including Diaghilev's short ballet Petrouchka, again celebrates the [triple bill] form in an intense and explorative programme.

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BATS, Wellington - SHEEP: The crowning glory of Willem Wassenaar’s four-year tenure

- reviewed by John Smythe

Legend has it Arthur Meek pitched this idea to Willem Wassenaar over a bowl of curly fries at Sweet Mothers. Now, after two years of devising, writing, workshopping and rehearsing, Sheep’s seven well-wrought scenes, performed by 12 young actors, follow several generations of interlinked families over 149 years. (Next week a second team of 12 will take over the 34 roles.)

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