Arts and culture in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Erin Harrington reviews Let the Right One In, adapted by Jack Thorne from the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist, directed by Dan Bain, at the Court Theatre, Saturday 23 May 2026. The coming-of-age horror drama Let the Right One In is a real departure from the Court Theare’s usual programming. The play is based on… Continue reading Review: Let the Right One In – an ambitious gothic coming-of-age story that challenges the audience
Erin Harrington reviews The First Annual Parnell Croquet Club Facebook Live Telethon, created and performed by William Burns (and friends), at Little Andromeda, Friday 22 May 2026. The Parnell Croquet Club is in danger of folding, and community stalwart Pat Stevens (Will Burns) is here with her zip up vest, sensible shoes and tenuous wi-fi… Continue reading Review: The First Annual Parnell Croquet Club Facebook Live Telethon – so good (so good, so good)
Ruth Agnew reviews Animal Farm, presented by Canterbury Repertory Theatre, adapted for the stage by Tatty Hennessy from the novella by George Orwell, directed by Dimitri Gibara, at the Elmwood Auditorium, Wednesday 20 May 2026. What better way to escape the rising tide of corruption in a sea of political power play flooding the world… Continue reading Review: Animal Farm – strong barnyard performances brighten an ambitious production
Charlotte Thornton reviews Heathers: The Musical, produced by GMG productions, music, book and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O'Keefe, directed by Andy Fickman, choreographed by Gary Lloyd, with musical direction from Martine Wengrow, at the James Hay Theatre, Friday 15 May 2026. Heathers is Mean Girls with murder. High school outcast Veronica Sawyer abandons… Continue reading Review: Heathers: The Musical – a powerhouse production that’s the most fun you can have with a toxic ex
Erin Harrington reviews Nosferatu Looking for Love, created and performed by Rhiannon McCall, directed by Abby Howells, at Little Andromeda, Thursday 14 May 2026. Nosferatu is back from the dead (again). Count Orlok, better known colloquially as Nosferatu, is the vampiric star of the 1922 German expressionist film of the same name, and more besides.… Continue reading Review: Nosferatu Looking for Love – a chaotic and heartfelt hour of comic-gothic comedy
Sophie Gray reviews Les Misérables, presented by North Canterbury Musicals, directed by Tom Hart, with musical direction from Gavin Hurley, at the Rangiora Town Hall, Thursday 7 May 2026. Les Misérables is a show that is so incredibly well-known and beloved, it is hard not to arrive with expectations in place. Luckily, my expectations were… Continue reading Review: Les Misérables – an electrifying production of a beloved show
Jordon Jones reviews Death at Murder Manor, directed by Brendon Bennetts, at the Court Theatre, presented as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival, Thursday 7 May 2026. The audience falls into a hush as the lights dim. The entrance music—a series of songs one might find in Noël Coward's personal record collection—fades out. There… Continue reading Review: Death at Murder Manor – clever improvised theatre that’s dead funny
Erin Harrington talks with Ōtautahi-based theatremaker Will Burns about the history and development of three upcoming solo shows, each back for a return season in the next three weeks. Shit Finds Love is a chaotic, prop heavy show in which a silent character explores the world of dating and relationships with the help of the… Continue reading Interview: Will Burns on theatremaking, quirky characters, and devising creative chaos
Charlotte Thornton reviews the 2026 Best Foods Comedy Gala, presented by the NZ International Comedy Festival, at the Christchurch Town Hall, Sunday 3 May 2026. North Island envy is real. The New Zealand International Comedy Festival, sponsored by mayonnaise giant Best Foods, takes place in Pōneke Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland every autumn. Down in… Continue reading Review: The 2026 Best Foods Comedy Gala – Christchurch finally gets a terrific spread (and some comedians)
Juanita Hepi reflects on Wahine Mātātoa: The (Mostly) True Story of Erihāpeti Pātahi, written by Cindy Diver, directed by Kim Garrett, with musical direction by Ariana Tikao, at the Court Theatre, Saturday 18 April 2026. Six weeks ago, my sister, Jeni Leigh Walker passed away. She was 48. Three weeks later, the writer of this… Continue reading Review: Wahine Mātātoa: The (Mostly) True Story of Erihāpeti Pātahi – we see ourselves, properly
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