The Pianist Herald Theatre – Review

As you wait in the foyer before entering the Herald Theatre to see The Pianist, you may be forgiven for thinking this is yet another school holiday panto aimed at the kids, with the added excitement of a night time performance.

Prepare to be utterly surprised.

Thomas Mockton, a local lad hailing from Patea, has teamed up with Finnish company Circo Aereo. Together they have crafted a whimsical, hilarious and utterly engaging piece of theatre that keeps its entire audience, young and old alike, in stitches for the entirety of its 60 minute running time.

Without a single word spoken, Mockton has us eating out of the palm of his hand with his exuberant facial expressions and seriously clever acrobatic and physical comedy routine. The adults were guffawing, the kids were nearly hopping out of their seats, and there was spontaneous applause with each new trick he showed us.

Focusing on a large grand piano on the stage and following our performer’s trials to finally be able to sit down and play his song, this show is an absolute treat.

The Pianist is on at The Herald Theatre until 18 April. Hurry you’d be a fool to miss it.

Reviewed by Natalie Ridler.

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