By Emma Dyer The opening night of Showbiz Christchurch’s current production, Les Misérables, as per their usual practice was a treat for the senses. Stunning scenery combined with gorgeous costumes and excellent hair and make-up within the beautiful surrounds of the Isaac Theatre Royal. The singing and live orchestral accompaniment really makes you feel immersed…

by Tearaway Reviewer Aaron Dahmen Sassy, stunning and beautiful – the final production of the 2017 Showbiz Christchurch season was near close to perfect. Opening to an energetic crowd at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Sister Act – A Divine Musical Comedy had the audience in stitches from the off. The story follows exploits of a…

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert rolls into town on 24 March for what will be the first production in Showbiz Christchurch’s 2017 season. Utilising over 700 costumes, wigs and headdresses from the UK touring show, Showbiz’s production will be the first New Zealand theatre company staging of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical. The…

By Emma Dyer Showbiz Christchurch’s mid-year concert, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, is as delightful as a box full of chocolates. It is a perfectly sized taster, a wide range of pieces from one of the most renowned composers of musical theatre. If you aren’t familiar with his work, if you are familiar with…

ABBA songs are indestructible. You could fire them into the sun and they would come up smiling. Mamma Mia! is a cheerful jukebox musical built around the Swedish pop group’s most enduring and catchy songs. Since it launched in London’s West End in 1999 it has become a global juggernaut, selling million of tickets on worldwide tours…

Review by Patrick Shepherd, Sep 16 2018 Les Misérables stands apart from its contemporaries as the musical that defines all others of its generation and this production would rank as the best of the three I have seen. The audience knew it intimately, applauding pretty much every major song, rising to its feet for a…

Reviewed by Matt Markham Editor, Ashburton Guardian As someone who has never cared much for the Wizard of Oz, the prospect of a stage show based entirely on the untold story of the witches of the same imaginary land left me feeling a little apprehensive. The process of munchkins, men made from both tin and…

By Kineta Knight Booker If you think belting out pop tunes, while wearing big wigs, big costumes and big makeup and flying was challenging enough, try adding in a fear of heights to the mix. That’s exactly what one of the Divas in Showbiz Christchurch’s Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will be working to overcome this month…

Patrick Shepherd, Stuff, Mar 31 2019 As a reviewer I often get asked by friends or colleagues, “Was it really that good?” or, even better, “Is it worth me buying a ticket?”. My pre-emptive strike on this one is a resounding, “oh, yes!”. If you’ve seen the show already, you know what’s coming; if you…