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
Sophie Ricketts reviews Spotlight Series: Alyssa Parkinson - Beyond the Ingénue, presented by Ovation Theatre at Volstead Trading Company, Saturday 19 July, 2025. Ovation Theatre is a company pulsing with ideas and enthusiasm to provide more local talent with more performance opportunities, more often. An admirable goal in a city that is bursting with dynamic… Continue reading Review: Spotlight Series – Alyssa Parkinson – an excellent, intimate night of story and song
Sophie Ricketts reviews False Idol, written and performed by Andy Manning, directed by Melanie Luckman, and produced by Ben Freeth, at Little Andromea, Friday 1 March 2024. The theatre was dark, and from the shadows emerged a cloaked figure who began to play powerchords on the centre-stage keyboard. Dramatic lighting and gospel-esque sounds signalled to… Continue reading Review: False Idol – all types of fabulous
Erin Harrington reviews Drop Dead Gorgeous! A Drag Murder Miss-tery, presented by Les Femmes at Little Andromeda, 24 March 2022. The smell of poisoned lip gloss is in the air at the debut of Drop Dead Gorgeous! A Drag Murder Miss-tery. The show features Auckland-based drag cabaret act Les Femmes - Miss Manage (Jeremy Hinman),… Continue reading Review: Drop Dead Gorgeous! A Drag Murder Miss-tery – sequins, shade, and big chaos energy
Erin Harrington reflects on issues of space and autonomy in three gender-focussed shows that played over two nights at Little Andromeda: feminist cabaret The F-Word by Tatjana T on Friday 26 March, and Two Productions' MAINMAIN, and the panel show / podcast Feminist Yarns with Kathleen Burns on Saturday 27 March 2021. About two thirds… Continue reading Taking Up Space: A reflection on The F-Word, MAINMAN and Feminist Yarns with Kathleen Burns
Flat City Field Notes 