This week it is the 15th anniversary of one of Auckland’s most inspiring dance companies.

Touch Compass Dance Company presented Run! Slip! Spring! at Q Theatre in Auckland to a much appreciative audience.

This unique company features dancers with disabilities in a show that was like nothing I had ever seen before, a true original which redefines not only what dance is but also who should be able to dance.

Each piece evoked new emotions as the vast stage was used to its fullest through movement and use of props. 

The use of live vocals from Tracy Z in the performance was especially poignant and powerful.

I particularly enjoyed the performance from Jesse Johnston-Steele, who I later found out has been with the company since day one! His energy and enthusiasm was infectious.

Jesse Johnston-Steele and Melanie Turner from Touch Compass Dance Company

I second half of the show and uses aerial bungee allowing for a whole new experience to a dance show.

It’s a shame that I have not seen any performance, let alone dance, that featured disability before.

Founder Catherine Chappell was emotional in her post performance speech making it obvious just how dedicated and proud she is of her uniquely talented dancers.

Founder of Touch Compass, Catherine Chappell after the show.

I found this show both inspiring and challenging and it definitely opened my eyes to how we move and how dance can incorporate all types of movement. A great live arts experience!

In the 90’s Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy called television  ’the drug of the nation.’

Square Eye Pair have used this drug as their muse and created a fun and clever comedy production around the friendship of two twenty something TV obsessives, Richard and Max. 

Part of a generation raised by the ‘idiot box’ these two odd ball best friends tell us their story from the very inception of their bromance.

Like all good TV schedules we get soap opera, drama, flashbacks, classic movies and infomercials, not forgetting the odd break for some gaming too!

Richard, Hamish Parkinson, was described as being like a ‘giant praying mantis’ in his school days due to his unconventional looks and skinny fame. He seemed to have a mixture of Emo Phillips and Rik Mayall about him, with over the top expressions and awkward body movements. I really enjoyed his performance and felt that he was able to showcases his talents well in this show.

Max, Eli Mathewson, is still carrying the emotional weight of his previous teenage obesity and so has escaped in to this permanent state of man-child which is mostly amusing and entertaining but sometimes moving.

Max and Richard make for a hilarious double act who not only give a great comedic performance but also have some brilliantly written dialogue with a fantastically fun use of language.

Their lives also include a few female incarnations who were played by  Elise Whitson . She represents the outside world with all the fear and joy it involves. She is expertly comical while taking her time in the limelight to shine. Elise is a real asset to the cast.

The action is predominately set in the lounge of Max and Richard’s digs which enables them to play around with their modest set which fits perfectly with these young quirky characters.

Slightly unexpected was the plays mature side which added a depth that was surprising but didn’t feel out of place.

This enjoyable play will flood you with pop culture references that are smartly intertwined with what turns out to be a strong comedy with a message, I am sure they have made ‘Dawson Leery’ proud!

For more info go to http://www.basementtheatre.co.nz/ and Awesomeness 

On the 18 October the World’s most supercalifragilistic musical opens at The Civic in Auckland!

Based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, MARY POPPINS, the world’s most magical musical arrives in New Zealand and lucky Auckland will get a chance to see this amazing show for a limited season!

The New Zealand production of MARY POPPINS comes direct from a sell out  Australian tour, and follows productions in London, New York, and Holland as well as as British and North American touring productions.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher for Disney Theatrical Productions this is truly a show not to be missed!

“A roof-raising, toe-tapping, high flying extravaganza”
New York Daily News

“The music theatre event of the year”
The Sydney Morning Herald

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Call 0800 BUY TICKETS

Visit www.marypoppinsthemusical.co.nz

In Person Aotea Centre Box Office, Auckland or any Ticketmaster outlet