Michele Hine is revelling in a trio of rich maternal roles _ from Go Girls' downtrodden parent, to fading theatrical star, to hell-bent control freak in the Auckland production of The House Of Bernada Alba.

Dame Pat Evison, a much-loved stalwart of New Zealand radio, television and theatre who died at the weekend, will long be remembered for her colourful contribution, colleagues say.

One of New Zealand's best known actresses, Dame Pat Evison, has died at the age of 85 after a long illness.

The razor gang behind a new stage production of Sweeney Todd talk to Dionne Christian about bringing the mythical murderer to musical life.

The director has agreed to become the first patron of Opotiki's De Luxe Theatre, in the eastern Bay of Plenty.

This debut work by local drama teacher Andy Saker shows an easy familiarity with the North Shore's casual backyard culture.

The SkyCity Theatre looks set to become a cabaret space or sports theatre, leaving a gaping hole in venues for the city's performing arts.

There are Baxter self-quotations and talk of cut-throats and fowlhouses for literary experts to spot, but you don't have to know a line of the great men's work to enjoy the play.

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.

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.

The cast of stage production Rent are put through their paces during a dress rehearsal at Auckland's Civic Theatre.

Chelsie Preston Crayford plays two desperate housewives, including her own grandmother.

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.

Flight of the Conchords seem to be doing okay when it comes to "business time" (that's not a euphemism).

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.