Arts and culture in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Charlotte Thornton reviews Judy's Encore - The Return of a Star, performed by Ali Harper, produced by Ben McDonald, at the Court Theatre, Tuesday 11 August 2026. Let’s follow the lead of Judy’s Encore and begin at the end. The show concludes with a voiceover calling Judy Garland “the eternal star” – this is actually… Continue reading Review: Judy’s Encore – The Return of a Star – a star is reborn in this well-made tribute
Charlotte Thornton reviews Defending the Caveman, written by Rob Becker, directed by Ross McKellar, produced by Ben McDonald and Theater Mogul, at the Court Theatre, Tuesday 11 August 2026. Defending the Caveman is the longest-running solo play in Broadway history. It was written by American comedian Rob Becker in the era of Men Are From… Continue reading Review: Defending the Caveman – a charming performance of a dated show
Ruth Agnew reviews The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, directed by Kathleen Burns, produced by TheatreWise, at the Papa Hou Black Box Theatre, Thursday 6 August 2026. Full disclosure: I am a freak for words. If you want to get on my good side, a decent game of Scrabble makes me weak at the… Continue reading Review: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – an absolutely outstanding production
Erin Harrington on the lack of South Island investment in Creative New Zealand's Arts Organisations and Groups (AOG) funding round, including the news that South Island organisations collectively received less than 10% of the total funding offered, and that Christchurch theatre Little Andromeda and the Dunedin Arts Festival have been defunded entirely. Hello, world There’s… Continue reading If you don’t look you can’t see, or, the consequences of Southern invisibility in national arts funding
Nick Harte reviews de Castro-Robinson, Mahler, Berlioz, presented by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Northey, at the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium in the Christchurch Town Hall, Saturday 1 August 2026. Eve de Castro-Robinson’s Hour of Lead (2024) takes its namesake from the Emily Dickinson poem which reads: After great pain, a formal feeling comes… Continue reading Review: de Castro-Robinson, Mahler, Berlioz – a triptych of works circling heartbreak, grief and the macabre
Breeze Robertson reviews the Royal New Zealad Ballet's Winter Season at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Friday 31 July 2026, RNZB’s Winter Season triple bill was somewhat of a whiplash tour through the evolution of ballet - from the tutus and tights of the traditionally classical Birthday Offering, through the playful contemporary quartet Ultra Folly, and… Continue reading Review: Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Winter Season – a triple bill that’s pretty, playful and political
Naomi van den Broek reviews Dear Stalker, written and performed by Harriet Moir, at Little Andromeda, Friday 24 July 2026. Dear Stalker is a tight, frank, and riotously hilarious stand up hour about the trials and tribulations of looking for love, from comedian Harriet Moir. It opens with a David Attenborough-esque voice over introducing us… Continue reading Review: Dear Stalker – a bloody funny show that works the audience like a pleasure device
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
Charlotte Thornton reviews Pierre & Randy’s Gameshow Roulette, presented at Lyttelton Arts Factory as part of the Lyttelton Arts Festival, Satuday 18 July 2026. Back in March, I reviewed The Gigantic Gay Late Night Game Show at The Court Theatre during its Rainbow Festival. It featured Dan Pengelly as sassy, French-accented compére Pierre, Criss Grueber… Continue reading Review: Pierre & Randy’s Gameshow Roulette – a great show lost in its crowd
Flat City Field Notes 