The Stage Door

Let's get one thing out of the way... it's about so much more than vaginas. This week on The Stage Door, Taryn Utiger joins director Tracey Blake and actors Sharren Read and Donna Yates for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious, heartfelt and unflinchingly honest. Together they explore why this groundbreaking play still matters and what happens when theatre dares to say the quiet parts out loud. From shame and sexuality to joy, violence, ageing, identity and everything in between, this is theatre that refuses to whisper. The Vagina Monologues comes to New Plymouth Little Theatre this August. Consider this your invitation to join the conversation.

What does it take to build a life in theatre? Spoiler alert: it's not all standing ovations and curtain calls. In part two of Taryn Utiger's conversation with Kent Robinson, the pair go beyond Around the World in 80 Days to explore the experiences that have shaped Kent's stage career. From touring with the delightfully chaotic Ugly Shakespeare Company to his love of musical theatre and performing across Aotearoa, Kent reflects on the joy, challenges and unexpected moments that come with life on stage.

Kent Robinson has played all kinds of characters, but this might be his biggest adventure yet! This week on The Stage Door, Taryn Utiger is joined by the Taranaki actor, who takes on the iconic role of Phileas Fogg in New Plymouth Repertory Society's whirlwind production of Around the World in 80 Days. Together they unpack the adventure, the challenge of bringing one of literature's most famous characters to life, and why this fast-paced theatrical journey is packed with laughs, heart and theatrical magic. In part one of this two-part interview, you’ll also get to know the man behind the character, as Kent shares how he fell in love with theatre, the productions that shaped him in Taranaki and Wellington, and why the stage has always felt like home.

Can theatre change the way we see each other? This week on The Stage Door, Taryn Utiger is joined by acclaimed actress and theatre maker Mycah Keall to explore Waenga, a powerful new production that weaves together whānau, identity, and the spaces we occupy between cultures, generations, and communities. Together they dive into the transformative power of theatre as a catalyst for social change, the unique role of theatre marae in Aotearoa, and Mycah's own whakapapa connections to Taranaki. It's a conversation about belonging, storytelling, and why live performance has the power to spark empathy long after the curtain falls. Whether you're planning to see Waenga or simply love hearing the stories behind extraordinary theatre, this episode will leave you thinking about the stories we inherit, the ones we tell, and the ones that can change us.

The curtain is up! One of Taranaki's most iconic stages is ready for its next act. This week Taryn steps inside the newly reopened TSB Showplace with Fraser Ross, the Showplace Lead at the New Plymouth District Council. Together they celebrate the venue's remarkable 100-year journey, from its rich history and beautifully refreshed spaces to the exciting future that lies ahead. They also take a look at The 100, the musical created with New Plymouth Operatic Society, celebrating a century of unforgettable performances through music, memories and a whole lot of theatrical magic. Whether you've taken to the stage, sat in the audience, or simply admired this beloved landmark from afar, this episode is a love letter to one of Taranaki's greatest cultural treasures.