Simon Morris

Wellington is a famously Fringe sort of town, particularly at this time of the year. The range of the Capital's New Zealand Fringe Festival is always wide - this year saw shows called Women Drinking… Audio

The recent Oscars made several references to the fact that all those movies were made to be seen in an actual cinema, not on a laptop, phone or device. But in fact most movies in this country are… Audio

Simon Morris wraps up the Oscars and looks at three films driven by the writers. A Novel Prize-winning novelist reshapes a Japanese classic film, a modern Japanese master tips his hat at Dickens and… Audio

After three years in something of a holding pattern, the annual International Comedy Festival comes back to full strength in May, with not only the best local comics, but an impressive selection of… Audio

It's a regular concern among teachers and parents - getting young people, particularly boys, to start reading. One writer who's done just that in this country for 40 years is acclaimed author David… Audio

Tickets are selling like hotcakes for next weekend's WOMAD, with artists coming from far and wide to New Plymouth to strut their stuff. This year sees Zambian rapper Sampa the Great, Pasifika women's… Audio

Creed 3 continues the extended life of the Rocky franchise, though without Sylvester Stallone this time. Directed by star Michael B Jordan, it co-stars rising star Jonathan Majors. Audio

Simon Morris tries, and fails, to get excited about the upcoming Oscars. And he's equally underwhelmed by three slightly disappointing releases this week, including one Oscar Best Film nominee. Audio

For one night only, WORD Christchurch is hosting acclaimed UK historian Ben Macintyre in conversation. Fan Simon Morris jumped at the chance to chat to Macintyre ahead of the event... Audio

This isn't Auckland actor Michael Hurst's first visit to the Classical era, though possibly he's happy to leave his days playing Hercules' side-kick on TV in the past. But his new stage show The… Audio

Last year, classical instrumental trio NZTrio went back on the road after nearly two years locked down by Covid. This year they're performing in a series called The Homeland Tours, playing not only… Audio

Ex-journalist Jemima Khan taps into her experience in the UK and Pakistan. She asks if arranged marriages have a better hit rate than the casual western dating scene? Stars Lily James (Downton Abbey)… Audio

Simon Morris is unimpressed with some remakes of some popular favourites. He looks at the latest Marvel Comics epic, a talky piece elevated by the casting, and socialite Jemima Khan's first movie as a… Audio