Arts and culture in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Charlotte Thornton reviews Folk Tales, presented by Rollicking Entertainment for the Lyttelton Arts Festival, at the Lyttelton Arts Factory, Sunday 19 July 2026. Let’s talk about the apocalypse. It’s hard to say if we’re properly in it now, or still dodging it Matrix-style, but this year has seen a distinct mood shift. Blues and folk… Continue reading Review: Folk Tales – a much-needed cuddle in dark times
Ruth Agnew reviews At the Wake, by Victor Rodger, directed by Tanya Muagututi'a, at the Court Theatre, Satrday 18 July 2026. Recently a friend told me we have reached the age of funerals; we have moved through the era of every weekend being crammed with 21st parties, weddings, christenings, and reached a time in our… Continue reading Review: At the Wake – A poignant account of love, loss and connection
Jordon Jones reviews Shakespeare's Greatest Comedy, by Joe Bennett, presented at Lyttelton Arts Factory as part of the Lyttelton Arts Festival, Sunday 5 July 2026. Thanks to the Lyttelton Arts Festival, which kicked off last week, I had the pleasure of going along to see local legend Joe Bennett discuss the Bard in Shakespeare's Greatest… Continue reading Review: Shakespeare’s Greatest Comedy – wit, energy, and infectious enthusiasm
Erin Harrington reviews Oceania's Eleven, performed, produced and designed by Vincent Andrew-Scammell, at Little Andromeda, Thursday 25 June 2026. A few figures before the review: Creative New Zealand, which “encourages, promotes and supports the arts in New Zealand for the benefit of all New Zealanders through funding, capability building, our international programme and advocacy”, hasn’t… Continue reading Review: Oceania’s Eleven – a terrific one-man caper about the true crime at the heart of the arts
Erin Harrington reviews Friends to the End, created and performed by Wiremu Tuhiwai and Brendon Bennetts with Criss Grueber, at Little Andromeda, Friday 12 June 2026. The award-winning improvised theatre show Friends to the End feels like it needs a graphic novel rather than a written review. There’d be a lot of pow and thwop… Continue reading Review: Friends to the End – not even the apocalypse can bust up this delightful bromance
Jordon Jones reviews Face/Off: Comedy vs. Poetry presented by Dave Adams and Jor Dansaren, at Little Andromeda, Saturday 6 June 2026. You might think that the question "who is funnier: comedians or poets?" would be fairly self-explanatory. But, then, you probably don't know enough poets. It's certainly a question that has inspired comedian Dave Adams… Continue reading Review: Face/Off: Comedy vs Poetry – quick wit and wordplay make for a quality grudge match
Erin Harrington reviews Babyface, written and performed by Nick Tipa, directed by Sara Georgie, with music and sound design by Zac Nicholls, at Little Andromeda, Thursday 4 June 2026. Kahu’s a Māori kid in a small rural town that can’t tap its ‘r’s. Professional wrestler Whiplash is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world with… Continue reading Review: Babyface – a total suplex to the heart
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
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