The devised work is clearly actor-driven and the huge cast of 17 all get a chance to get their teeth into well-rounded characters.

John Leigh talks about acting as though it still isn't really his idea, as if he has no idea how he ended up being an actor and that it has, just this minute, occurred to him that he is one.

Given actor/writer Tim Balme's workload, it's amazing he answers interview questions so coherently and affably.

Adventurous actress Morgana O'Reilly takes theatre around the world and to your place.

It was when the drag queen in the Santa coat started banging her drumsticks on the scaffolding, singing about sending a barking annoyance to "doggie hell" that Rent came to life.

English theatre luminaries Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench are on a heavyweight list of artists and historians calling for the reopening of Auckland's St James Theatre.

Dionne Christian meets a theatre group with a conscience and discusses the risks facing the new generations.

Annie Crummer is ready to 'bring it' for the upcoming production of a hard-edged rock opera.

The play may be the thing, but the costumes actors wear bring their characters to life.

Frisky and Mannish are musically adroit, vocally gifted and brilliant mimics teaching Pop Philosophy 101 at fast forward and delivered on high rotate.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet's triple bill seasons are always an opportunity for dancers and audiences to explore new territory.

The myth of dancers being drama kings and queens couldn’t be further from the truth.

In the world of chamber music the Borodin Quartet reigns supreme. The Russian ensemble can boast a lifespan of 65 years, with the late Valentin Berlinsky, who died in 2008, spending 62 of them as cellist.

The risk is part of the itching in the oyster shell that makes the pearl. It's an essential part of what makes the performing arts so exciting.

Auckland's Nightsong Productions and Theatre Stampede have premiered in Wellington a joyous, theatrical tour de force.

Calexico's instrumentals get the best reaction - with guitar twangs and big-echo whistling, whip-cracks and rodeo yelps - writes Chris Bourke.

Mark Amery reviews 11 and 12 at the New Zealand Arts Festival.

Sing the Truth is a tribute to feisty, brilliant jazz diva Nina Simone.