Latest news with #BrendaHarwood
Otago Daily Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Review: Globe takes energetic approach to ‘Shrew'
The Star reporter Brenda Harwood The Globe Theatre's bonkers take on one of Shakespeare's more difficult plays keeps the energy high and brings the comedy to the fore, making its production ofan amusing romp. To counteract the play's inherent misogyny, director Thomas Makinson and his enthusiastic cast have given the play a gender-swapping twist and they play it to the hilt. In the central roles of the spicy Kate and her domineering (eventual) spouse Petruchia, Lizzie Thomson and Belle Mullan are both strong and bring some nice touches of humanity to the fore. Fellow principal cast members Jakob Ree (Bianco), April McMillan Perkins (Lucentia), Evie Virens (Gremia), Crispin Garden-Webster (Baptista), Daniel Cromar (Grumio), Louisa Stabnow (Trania), Harry Almey (Biondello), Nic Turner (Vincentio), with Makinson himself filling in with book in hand as Hortensio, make the most of the ridiculous plot, its hidden identities and general silliness. Ensemble members Kate Will-Tofia and Sam Ogden are sterling in support. Stage business is managed briskly and everyone is secure in their lines — apart from the usual young Kiwi actors' tendency to speak a little too quickly. The simple, flexible set, designed by Sofie Welvaert, helps to keep the busy action moving, with sound design by Louisa Stabenow and original music composition by Evelyn Virens and Charlotte Goodyear. From its unusual and tricky opening to a full-on dance party at the end, the Globe's version of The Taming of the Shrew is a feast of experimentation with just how flexible the bard's words can be. The play continues until Saturday. THE GLOBE THEATRE PRESENTS Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew Sunday, July 13 Review by BRENDA HARWOOD
Otago Daily Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Review: Enthralling recital leaves audience breathless
The Star reporter Brenda Harwood Virtuosic flourishes executed throughout a programme of complex works kept a capacity Hanover Hall audience enthralled during Friday's recital by pianist Abhinath Berry. Home for a visit after his first year of post graduate studies at the Guildhall in London, Berry put his extraordinary talents to good work throughout an impressive performance. The programme began with Virtuoso Etudes, featuring well-known Gershwin melodies transcribed by American pianist Earl Wild, given a superb performance by Berry. He managed the many ornate and complicated passages with aplomb, while keeping the melodies singing through. Next up were three movements from Ravel's Miroirs/Reflections suite, in which Berry brought the many moods of the music to the fore — from rhythmic interludes to fiery passion — with precision. Moving into the realm of modern music, Berry introduced the audience to John Corigliano's intriguing Etude-Fantasy — a set of five studies exploring different aspects of piano sounds. From the incredible opening study involving only the left hand to the glissandos and ornamentation of the fourth study, and the gentle melodies of the final study, Berry gave a masterful performance of this unusual and absorbing work. As his final programmed piece, Berry showcased his virtuosic abilities in a thrilling performance of Liszt's fiendishly difficult Hungarian Rhapsody No9 ''Carnival in Pest''. Filled with dramatic flourish and fast-paced runs, the piece left the audience breathless and calling for more. Berry returned with a delightful Etude by Finnish composer Rautavaara to round out a truly superb performance. Bravo! PIANIST ABHINATH BERRY IN RECITAL Friday, July 11 Hanover Hall
