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.

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.

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

Comedy co-stars Jaquie Brown and Madeleine Sami are dancing to another tune.