John Shand Posts

August 22, 2025 / Concert Reviews
August 19, 2025 / Features

  As a teen, pianist Judy Bailey usually heard classical or pop music coming from the cream-coloured Bakelite radio that hunched on the Formica kitchen bench of her family’s home in Whangarei, New Zealand. But on this particular afternoon, her 13-year-old ears heard something new. She recognised the song, East…

August 13, 2025 / Theatre Reviews

Hayes Theatre, August 6 4/10 I don’t recall attending another show at the Hayes Theatre where the best part was strolling past the El Alamein Fountain. That Once on This Island won an Olivier Award (Best New Musical) and a Tony Award (Best Revival of a Musical) beggars belief. Even…