Theatreview Weekly: 22/12/11

A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week including This is a Stand I Made, Toys, The Santa Clause Show and A Very Merry Scriptless 2011.

See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory.

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1 Cross Street - an apartment, Auckland - THIS IS THE STAND I MADE. (SOMEWHAT OF A SOLO SHOW): Entirely enterprising and admirable

- reviewed by Raewyn Whyte

The highlight of the evening was the electrifying and complex finale, Bitch 21, an interactive collaboration between Giesen and Josh Rutter in which cueing of sequences shifted to and fro between Giesen's movement and Rutter's live mixing of sampled sound and live voice with triggered lighting and sonic effects.

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Heaton Intermediate Theatre (133 Heaton St, Merivale), Christchurch - A VERY MERRY SCRIPTLESS 2011: Trust and solidarity gifts a right cracker

- reviewed by Lindsay Clark

There have been many popular formats for improvised shows over the years but the current showcase for the talents of this merry band would have to be one of the most successful on record.

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BATS, Wellington - TOYS: R rated hilarity

- reviewed by Craig Beardsworth

Who killed seven year old Charlie? He choked on a Lego-man’s body. Who aided and abetted? Was it Barbie? Snake Eyes action figure? Teddy? Jack-n-the-Box?

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BATS, Wellington - TOYS: Well worth a second visit

- reviewed by John Smythe (2)

On a second viewing Toys seems much more coherent – a function of three factors: my prior knowledge; actors more settled into their roles (at the 9pm show last night I don’t think anyone was up for the first time); a more attentive audience (i.e. not a hugely upbeat opening night audience more into perFORMance than content).

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The Pumphouse, Takapuna, Auckland - THE SANTA CLAUS SHOW (2011): Heart-warming haven away from hassle

- reviewed by Lexie Matheson

There’s a rumour doing the rounds that Santa Claus aka Father Christmas isn’t real. Well, here’s the truth of it: he is. If you want proof you need go no further than The Pumphouse Theatre on any day except Sunday between now and 23 December and you’ll find the jolly gentleman in residence sharing his version of the Christmas story.

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Circa One, Wellington - ROGER HALL’S ALADDIN: THE PANTOMIME: Out of the bottle

- reviewed by Alison Hodge

Roger Hall’s Aladdin has plenty to entertain, including some very funny gags featuring John Key, Winston Peters and the Rugby World Cup. The show is fast paced and broad with a lot of audience participation, which the capacity crowd entered into with great gusto.

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BATS, Wellington - SILENT NIGHT: Fresh and satisfying

- reviewed by Craig Beardsworth

This one woman one act one hour play is a prime example of what theatre is meant to do. That is, take the audience on a journey.

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Circa Two - return season, Wellington - I, GEORGE NEPIA: Lyrical and layered; lovingly and simply told

- reviewed by Helen Sims

Although those with a high degree of rugby history knowledge will enjoy watching memorable match moments acted out, and the imaginings of behind the scenes of sporting triumph, this is a deeply human story and no prior knowledge is necessary.

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Mt Eden War Memorial Hall, 487 Dominion Road, Auckland - THE WASTE LAND: April is the cruelest month...

- reviewed by James Wenley

Last week I was fortunate enough to experience a profound theatrical event. It’s been a few days now – most productions wash off soon after viewing – but in this one I keep returning to its moment in my head.

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TAPAC Theatre, Western Springs, Auckland - SILENT NIGHT: Spend the Night with Irene

- reviewed by James Wenley

Irene McMunn’s Christmas cheer has been charming audiences in small venues across the country.

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See more recent reviews at theatreview.org.nz, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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