Arts and culture in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Erin Harrington reviews Forna Cape, presented by the Court Jesters, at the Court Theatre, Thursday 18 September. The current Court Jesters’ improvised show was initially programmed as Zeitgeist, a placeholder that would allow the company to respond to whatever was floating to the top of the pop cultural soup. Forna Cape looks to our current… Continue reading Review: Forna Cape – chaotic beachside improv about hot people, pashing, and maybe true love?
Lisa Allan reviews Just Eat the Damn Sausage, written and performed by Harriet Moir, Little Andromeda, Saturday 12 July 2025. The crowd is buzzing as the final few seats in the Little Andromeda theatre fill up. Harriet Moir is on tour with her award-winning stand-up comedy show, Just Eat the Damn Sausage, having already enjoyed a successful season… Continue reading Review: Just Eat the Damn Sausage – a sizzler of a comedy show
Lisa Allan reviews PopRox Improv, at Little Andromeda, Saturday 14 June, 2025. It is Saturday night and the foyer at Little Andromeda is packed with punters who have come out in force to see the Wellington improv comedy troupe, PopRox, perform. It is not surprising to see a cohort from Christchurch’s own professional improv troupe,… Continue reading Review: PopRox Improv – a generous, playful and positive force
Erin Harrington reviews Coro, presented by Mon Platon Productions at Little Andromeda, Friday 13 June, 2025. Coming into the comedy show Coro I’m clearly one of a handful of audience members who’ve never seen a full episode of Coronation Street. Growing up, the woeful wail of the cornet in the show’s opening theme would trigger… Continue reading Review: Coro – a terrific comic homage to the iconic soap opera
Erin Harrington reviews The Māori Sidesteps at the Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, Thursday 12 June, 2025. The Māori Sidesteps are expert entertainers with charisma to die for. They pay full-throated homage to legendary Māori showbands like the Volcanics, the Howard Morrison Quartet and the Quin Tikis, while weaving Māoritanga through… Continue reading Review: The Māori Sidesteps – world class entertainment to warm your Matariki
Erin Harrington reviews The Play That Goes Wrong, by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, directed by Anna Marshall, at the James Hay Theatre, Tuesday 6 May 2025. The multi-award-winning disaster comedy The Play That Goes Wrong has entertained literally millions of people since its London debut in 2014. This Australasian production is directed… Continue reading Review: The Play That Goes Wrong – a chaotic, comic romp that does just about everything right
Erin Harrington reviews Grifted and Talented with Jim Fishwick, presented by Jetpack Theatre, at Little Andromeda, Friday 11 April 2025. Multi-hyphenate creative and improvisor Jim Fishwick knows how to get the best out of performers. Their new improv? performance? comedy? humiliation? show format Grifted and Talented (a title both great and triggering) is a clever… Continue reading Review: Grifted and Talented – a hilarious game show that pits talent against treachery
Steph Walker reviews Keith Preene's Golden Goose Bingo, presented as part of the World Buskers Festival in the James Hay Auditorium, Friday 31 January, 2025. Every year during the festive season I’ve seen Keith Preene calendars hit the market - the long-time Rolleston native’s annual chance to really show off his protrusions and personality. Preene… Continue reading Review: Keith Preene’s Golden Goose Bingo – a fun and chaotic night in with one man and his balls
Lisa Allan reviews Rise of the Olive, presented by Laser Kiwi as part of the World Buskers Festival, at Altiora, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, Wednesday 29 January, 2025. I am seated at Altiora for the second time today, marvelling at how quickly the hard-working crew has transformed the stage and audience set up. Laser… Continue reading Review: Rise of the Kiwi – stunning, comedic circus theatre that soars
Sophie Ricketts reviews The Tape Face Show, presented as part of the World Buskers Festival, at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Thursday 23 January 2025. The prodigal son has returned! From the stages of New Zealand, to stages around the world (including the glitz and glamour of America’s Got Talent and Las Vegas), it is a… Continue reading Review: The Tape Face Show – delightfully silly, absolute heaven
Flat City Field Notes 