Dressed for Power: ‘Helen Clark in Six Outfits’ Strikes with Wit, Style, and Political Bite

Autumn is the perfect time for a visit to Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre, and for audiences seeking a vibrant mix of comedy and true-life political storytelling, Helen Clark in Six Outfits is an absolute must-watch. Auckland Theatre Company delivers a lively, engaging production that feels tailor-made for theatre devotees craving something smart, stylish, and deeply entertaining.

A Bold Theatrical Portrait of a Political Icon

Crafted by acclaimed playwright Fiona Samuels and directed with precision by Sophie Roberts, Helen Clark in Six Outfits presents a bold and striking portrait of Helen Clark. Structured as a two-woman show, the play unfolds through six defining fashion moments, blending political insight with sharp comedic timing.

The narrative introduces two versions of Clark: the ambitious young Helen, portrayed by Lauren Gibson, and the seasoned elder Helen, embodied by Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand. Together, they engage in a dynamic back-and-forth, charting Clark’s ascent through New Zealand’s political landscape; her determination to effect change, her resilience in the face of scrutiny, and her role in breaking glass ceilings.

Sharp Writing Meets Energetic Direction

Samuels’ script is whip-smart and consistently engaging, brimming with clever insights and comedic flair. The decision to anchor the narrative through Clark’s wardrobe proves a masterstroke, adding both visual dynamism and thematic depth. Each outfit becomes a marker of transformation; identity expressed through fabric, colour, and presence.

Roberts’ direction keeps the production moving at a lively pace, infusing the play with energy and spontaneity. There’s an infectious sense of fun throughout, with off-the-cuff humour and theatrical inventiveness ensuring the audience remains fully engaged from start to finish.

Two Performances, One Unified Voice

The production’s success rests firmly on its two leads, and both performers rise to the occasion with remarkable synergy. Ward-Lealand’s elder Clark serves as both narrator and conscience, guiding her younger self through the trials of political life. Her command of Clark’s distinctive voice, combined with impeccable comedic timing, creates a performance that feels both authoritative and warmly engaging.

Opposite her, Gibson delivers a standout turn as the younger Clark. Tasked with embodying the future Prime Minister’s evolution across decades, she brings a vibrant energy and emotional depth to the role. From early idealism to steely determination, Gibson captures Clark’s unwavering self-belief and dedication with striking clarity. Her performance grows in confidence and intensity, making her a true revelation on stage.

Together, Ward-Lealand and Gibson form a seamless partnership, their dual portrayal merging into a single, cohesive voice that captures the essence of Clark’s character.

More Than Comedy: A Conversation on Power and Perception

While Helen Clark in Six Outfits is undeniably sharp-tongued and entertaining, it also carries a deeper thematic weight. The play explores the broader political landscape, particularly the challenges faced by women in positions of power, and the scrutiny that often accompanies leadership.

It invites audiences to reflect on the qualities we value in those we elect, and the barriers that still exist within systems of power. Yet it does so with a lightness of touch; balancing thought-provoking commentary with humour and theatrical flair.

Final Verdict: A Stylish, Spirited Theatre Experience

Filled with energy, colour, and plenty of visual flair, Helen Clark in Six Outfits is a thoroughly enjoyable theatrical experience. It’s a production that delights as much as it provokes, anchored by two exceptional performances that bring its central figure vividly to life.

Smart, funny, and effortlessly engaging, this is a show that pulls you in and keeps you captivated; leaving you both entertained and with something to think about long after the curtain falls.

Helen Clark in Six Outfits is now playing at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.

Image: Auckland Theatre Company/Andi Crown