Written and performed by
Helen Brown

“In the great kitchen of life everyone makes their own banana cake. We all start out with the same ingredients. It’s how we put the cake together that counts.”

Helen’s life story based on a banana cake recipe has been performed to critical acclaim and sell out audiences in New Zealand and Australia.

Radio New Zealand recorded the show for broadcast on national radio at a later date.

What the critics say –

“A very special and entertaining evening in the company of the humorously delightful Helen Brown” [more...]
J.L.T., R iver City Press July 27 2006

"A hungry audience devoured the ingredients” [more...]
Janine Rankin, Manawatu Evening Standard

“Brown’s one woman show is like her newspaper columns embodied on stage. The strength of her writing, great sense of humour and timing make this unusual idea for a show a wonderful success.” [more...]
Lucy Reed, Waikato Times

“Known for her witty, insightful writing, Brown is an engaging raconteur. Natural and genuine, her warmth and wry humour shine through.”
Rachel Hawkey, The Press, Christchurch

“An excellent show,” The Age, Melbourne

“The appreciative audience went away with new-found respect for bananas, banana cake, the mountain, life, death, friendship, love, family and the various stages of life.”  - Jo Hills Taranaki Daily News

Interviews -

No subject is sacred. A child’s sea sickness, a son’s colostomy, Brown’s own romances and heart-breaks are picked up, wryly examined by the writer, then worked into 1000 sharp-edged yet heartfelt words that make you smile as well as wince. [more...]
by Carroll du Chateau NZ Herald

The combination of all her skills and media experience equipped her for taking on the role of stage entertainer. The first version of the show with McNeill was called Words and Music and sold out at Court Theatre in Christchurch. On this tour Brown is accompanied by well known jazz musician Terry Crayford. [more...]
By Richard Mays, Manawatu Evening Standard

“Every night people listen really intensely. There are times when you cold hear a pin drop.” [more...]
By Laurel Stowell, Wanganui Chronicle