The latest Theatreview Weekly with reviews on A Theatre of Recollections, Double Derelicts, and A Christmas Cracker (OPERA Factory).

See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory.

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Civic Theatre, Auckland - 360 - A THEATRE OF RECOLLECTIONS: Engaging, funny, touching and conceptually original
- reviewed by Nik Smythe

Written by Carl Bland and (also dedicated to) the late Peta Rutter, and co-directed with Ben Crowder, 360 offers a unique insight to the workings of human memory – both figuratively in its poetic, dream-like tone, and literally with its original reverse-round seating arrangement: the audience seated in the centre on swivel chairs, looking out as the action proceeds all around them in a fitting physical analogy to the act of recollection itself.

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Aotea Square, Auckland - DOUBLE DERELICTS: Vagrancy Made Magical
- reviewed by Nik Smythe

As the two lovable bums face off over their disputed territory, an incomprehensible argument develops into a remarkably coordinated clown-dance whereby they take turns bouncing eachother off the couch and chasing eachother around it.

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The Factory Theatre, 7 Eden Street, Newmarket, Auckland - A CHRISTMAS CRACKER (OPERA FACTORY): A wonderful showcase of emerging young talent
- reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe

The cast is enthusiastic and well rehearsed, under the watchful and detailed eye of director Carmel Carroll, who keeps the pace and transitions upbeat and smooth. Carmel’s sensible spacing and intelligent blocking ensures singers and lyrics can be heard at all times. Her inclusive approach to casting and staging ensures everyone in the company has their moment.

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

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