Gen Fowler Rose Matafeo is everybody’s Sassy Best Friend - brassy, supportive, dorky, endearing and lightening-quick to a punchline. Her hour-long stand-up show is a delightful mismatch of wildly varied, relatable stories about her quest for confidence; stories about leaving her side-kick tendencies behind to become the leading lady in her own life. It’s a masterclass in call-backs, self-deprecating humour and distinctly Kiwi stand-up comedy.
Gen Fowler Escape From Gloriavale is a gorgeously camp and outlandish character comedy. It follows the story of Providence Gratitude, a naïve young resident of the infamous cult, as she adventures out into a world of colour and temptation in pursuit of fame, fortune and celebrity. The set-up is a recipe for disaster and hilarity, upon which Brynley Stent absolutely delivers.
 Alexandra Frost“Psychological flexibility is the sign of a healthy mind. A friend once told me ‘people have the right to their own stories’. Both of these things seem true, and yet they work against each other.” We May Have To Choose demonstrates, even in its very title, that ideological conflicts don't necessarily live on either side of a fence called truth.
 Bethany MillerWho are you? Who? by Best on Tap bravely explores this difficult question through an equally brave form. They present audience members’ anonymous self-assessments as a string of improvised scenes and stories, where improvisation stems from truth over comedy. By playing towards “Honest Truths” Best on Tap aim to challenge the preconception that improvisation should primarily be funny. But how truthful can an interpretation be? We write our brief identity blurbs onto cards, place them in a bowl and witness the portrayals of ourselves unfold.
Bethany Miller These are a Few of my Favourite Sings is a delightful end of year musical show which brings together theatre goers, music lovers and those who just fancy some familiar songs, sing-alongs, and a healthy dose of Julie Andrews enthusiasm. I am one of many in the audience who grew up with Andrews so the numbers and Georgia Jamieson Emms’ autobiographical recounting of musical family life, brings a wonderful nostalgia.
Laura Ferguson James Nokise’s Rukahu began in a more unusual way from any other show I have experienced by starting in the foyer and led us in the style of a traditional powhiri into the Propeller Stage of BATS. After much love and greetings were given to us in Samoan by Nokise’s character, Jon Bon Fasi, we were arranged into a gendered formation and, lifting his phone in the air, he played an untradtional waiata and allowed us entry. His personable nature warmed the audience early on and made us willing participants in whatever this soloist star of Rukahu, had in store. This turned out to be a impromptu and energetic dance from Jon Bon Fasi and caused a dedicated following in the audience members who joined in.
Swati Bhatt The Vultures
Written and directed by Mīria George Presented by Tawata Productions as part of Kia Mau Festival 2016 The Vultures presented by Tawata Productions is the second show of the Kia Mau Festival that opened last night. The development season of the play was presented as part of the Pūtahi Festival 2015 at Studio 77, written and directed by playwright Mīria George. The premiere season of the show, now at Bats Theatre, revolves around the human desire of wealth, the connection of the whānau (family/community) to the whenua (land) and the status quo within a wealthy Māori family. Julz Burgisser With expectations of Sex Dungeons, and stories of lust and sadism; I attended De Sade with great excitement and trepidation. I wasn’t disappointed. The start of the show full of imagery of decadence and pleasure despite his imprisonment. De Sade is written by, directed by and performed by Alexander Sparrow, who appears in full nakedness with riding crop in hand, beginning the show with a visceral introduction to what awaits.
Aimee Smith
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