Skip Ink

The Mousetrap - Christchurch
2019-04-24 19:30 - 2019-04-28 22:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand
The longest-running show in the world comes to New Zealand in 2019
Written by the Grande Dame of murder mysteries, AGATHA CHRISTIE
‘A truly entertaining classic’ – The Sunday Times, UK
The West End’s legendary murder mystery drama THE MOUSETRAP is the longest-running show, of any kind, in the world. Written by the best-selling novelist of all time (Death on the Nile, Miss Marple, Poirot) and the ‘Queen of Crime’, Dame Agatha Christie, THE MOUSETRAP has kept audiences guessing for six decades.
In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.
Newly opened guesthouse, Monkswell Manor, is snowed in and amongst the seemingly ordinary gathering of guests, a killer lurks.… Having already killed once, the murderer strikes again. The tension is razor sharp: everyone is a suspect; everyone a potential victim. One by one the characters reveal their pasts, and a complex web of deceit and suspicion emerges. But who will be next, and who is the killer?
Christie’s classic ‘whodunit’ opened in London’s West End in November 1952 and has since played over 27,500 performances. THE MOUSETRAP is the longest running stage production in the world and after almost 66 years, continues to delight audiences to this day at London’s St. Martin’s Theatre. Originally written by Agatha Christie as a radio play titled Three Blind Mice and broadcast in 1947, Christie then adapted the radio play for a short story of the same name before again rewriting for the stage as THE MOUSETRAP.
THE MOUSETRAP has never been adapted for film. Christie did not expect the play to run for more than a few months and stipulated that no film of THE MOUSETRAP be made until six months after the West End production closed. As the show is about to enter its 67th year and continues its historic London run a film adaptation looks unlikely.
During the play’s phenomenal run there have been no fewer than 474 actors and actresses appearing in the play – including Richard Attenborough and Sheila Sim in the original cast – as well as 279 understudies, 116 miles of shirts have been ironed, over 415 tons of ice cream sold, and an estimated 10 million people have been riveted by this gripping tale.
Award-winning director Alan Swerdlow says “THE MOUSETRAP has remained popular for so long because it is so well constructed, with a terrific twist quite unlike Dame Agatha Christie’s other works. It was one of the first murder mysteries really to explore the psychology and motivations of the killer. And it is both thrilling and fun – the audience has a great time working out who the next victim is going to be and who the killer is. Dame Agatha keeps on surprising us!”
The play is set in 1952, when it was originally staged. “That is part of its charm,” says Mr Swerdlow. “The spirit of Britain in the early 1950s informs so much of the play – the attitudes, the speech patterns, the mores.”

Legendary Mavis Staples Live
2019-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | The Civic, Cnr Queen & Wellesley Streets, Aucland, New Zealand
Legendary singer Mavis Staples — the embodiment of everything that’s good in the world right now — will return to New Zealand in April 2019 in a special one-off concert featuring our own treasure, Tami Neilson, in support.
Having continuously crossed genre lines like no musician since Ray Charles, from gospel, soul, folk, pop, R&B, blues, rock, and hip hop over the past 60 years, Mavis has seen and sung through so many changes, always rising up to meet every road.
She continues to thrill and inspire audiences around the world, with fans describing her performances as “stunning and moving”.
“She had many thousands of people in the palm of her hand. It was a beautiful sight to see. Kind of a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says a critic after her appearance in front of a record crowd at an American festival last month.
Since her first recording at age 13 in 1954, Mavis has been in the company of countless legends. From the Delta-inflected gospel sound she helped create in the 1950s with her family as The Staple Singers, to the freedom songs of the Civil Rights era, to pop stardom during the Stax era with hits “I’ll Take You There” and “Respect Yourself,” to The Last Waltz, to serving as muse to both Bob Dylan and Prince, to collaborations with Van Morrison, Billy Preston, Zac Brown, Ry Cooder, Chuck D. and Willie Nelson, her GRAMMY®-winning partnership with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and most recently with Hozier on his latest song Nina Cried Power.
Mavis is here, having weaved in and through all that fabric for all these many years, to show us that true joy lies simply in living for others. It’s the sermon Dr. King gave all those years ago, and we must be grateful that she is able to echo it for us now. Mavis takes us—not only there, but back, up, and through.
“I’ve been singing for a lifetime and I love it so much … You all better look out, because God is not through with me yet. I’m not stopping. I’m gonna keep on pushing.”
“It’s still the same message,” she says. “I’m still trying to bring us together and make the world a better place through songs. We need one another more than ever now—things ain’t no better now that when I started 70 years ago.”
Like Mavis, Tami was brought up in a musical family and, like Mavis, she paid tribute to her late father by performing his songs. Neilson, a country and soul singer, winner of the prestigious Silver Scroll award and slew of country music awards, has just completed tours of New Zealand, Australia and Europe with her latest album Sassafrass! and championed to convince her idol Mavis to return to New Zealand to perform.

Potted Potter
2019-04-17 19:30 - 2019-04-21 19:30 | ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey St, Auckland, New Zealand
Playing to sold-out houses all over the world, Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into 70 hilarious minutes.
This fantastically funny show features all your favourite characters, a special appearance from the fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwart’s magic!
Created by double Olivier Award Best Entertainment nominees Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the show is a must-see for Potter addicts and a great introduction to the series for anyone who’s ever wondered what all the fuss is about.
Even if you don’t know the difference between a Horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter. This brilliant family entertainment is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed).

Cats the musical
2019-04-12 19:30 - 2019-05-05 22:00
CATS is based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot. The musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make what is known as “the Jellicle choice” and decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.

Cats tour of NZ – 2019

April
12
Blenheim
ASB Theatre
7:30pm
Ticketek

14
Christchurch
Town Hall
4pm & 8pm
Ticketek

15
Ashburton
Event Centre
7:30pm
Ticketdirect

16
Oamaru
Opera House
7:30pm
Ticketdirect

17
Dunedin
Regent Theatre
7:30pm
Ticketdirect

18
Invercargill
Civic Theatre
7:30pm
Ticketdirect

23
Whangarei
Forum North
7:30pm
Ticketek

24
Kerikeri
Turner Centre
7:30pm
The Centre

26
Auckland
BMC
7:30pm
Ticketmaster

27
Hamilton
Claudelands
7:30pm
Ticketek

29
Gisborne
Memorial Theatre
7:30pm
Ticketdirect

30
Tauranga
Baycourt Theatre
7:30pm
Ticketek

May
1
Tauranga
Baycourt Theatre
7:30pm
Ticketek

2
Napier
Municipal Theatre
7:30pm
Ticketek

3
Wellington
MFC
7:30pm
Ticketmaster

4
P North
Regent Theatre
7:30pm
Ticketdirect

5
New Plymouth
TSB Showplace
4pm & 8pm
Ticketek

Nashville Live - Wellington
2019-04-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Wellington Opera House, 13/111 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
For the very first time in New Zealand, Nashville Live is set to transport country music fans right into the heart of downtown Nashville, celebrating the atmosphere and energy of an evening in the home of country music.
Featuring live some of the hottest country musicians, prepare be taken back to the Grand Old Opry and through the country music history featuring songs from Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton to Carrie Underwood and Garth Brooks.
In the style of a ‘live radio broadcast’ and with a setlist of 44 hit songs including Folsom Prison Blues, Crazy, Jolene and The Gambler, this trip through country music’s greatest moments is an evening not to be missed.
Nashville Live will feature four of the top country music acts stepping up alongside the live house band to perform. Complete with a Grand Old Opry announcer to reveal the hidden histories of country music, audiences can sing and dance to a mixture of classic solos, stellar duets and fantasy group harmonies.
With Musical Direction by Luke Thomas, British Country Music Association ‘Musician of the Year’ (2017), Nashville Live follows in the traditions of Tennessee to recreate a truthful evening straight out of Nashville.

Nashville Live - Napier
2019-04-07 19:00 - 21:00

Nashville Live - Palmerston North
2019-04-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Regent on Broadway, 53 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Nashville Live - Tauranga
2019-04-05 19:00 - 21:00

Nashville Live - Auckland
2019-04-04 19:00 - 21:00 | ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, CBD, Auckland, New Zealand

The Mousetrap - Auckland
2019-04-02 19:30 - 2019-04-14 19:30 | ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey St, Auckland, New Zealand

Madiba the musical - a celebration of Nelson Mandela's life
2019-02-14 19:30 - 2019-02-17 20:30 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand
Revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela – known by his tribe as Madiba – would have been 100 this year. In celebration of his birthday and his legacy, a compelling new stage show Madiba the Musical – a Celebration of Nelson Mandela is coming to New Zealand.
Beginning its world tour in France and soon to arrive in Australia, this international production is interwoven with stories of the fight against apartheid and forbidden love in a troubled land. The musical pays tribute to New Zealand and the dramatic part it played in bringing an end to apartheid.
Also timed to mark 25 years since the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, Madiba the Musical features African dance and vocal traditions set alongside eternal love songs and stirring anthems in a show that tells of Mandela’s lifework as a lawyer and activist for peace through the story of young artist Will, who is the victim of apartheid in South Africa.
French writers Alicia Sebrien and Jean-Pierre Hadida said in creating Madiba The Musical, they wanted to tell the story of Mandela’s pursuit of peace and reconciliation in his homeland.

Madiba the musical - a celebration of Nelson Mandela's life
2019-02-07 19:30 - 2019-02-10 20:30 | Wellington Opera House, 13/111 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

Mission Estate Concert featuring Phil Collins
2019-02-06 11:00 - 21:30 | Mission Estate Winery, Napier, 198 Church Road Napier, New Zealand
Phil Collin’s highly-anticipated comeback tour Not Dead Yet: Live! began in the UK and Europe last June, with his 5-night show at Royal Albert Hall in London selling out within 15 seconds. He also sold out all 5 arena shows in Germany and 5 arena shows in France, along with successfully headlining a 65,000-capacity show at Hyde Park. With his South & Central America tour just completed and a North American tour scheduled for October 2018, Not Dead Yet: Live! has received both fan and critical acclaim, with The Guardian raving, “Collins’ voice slips into gear, and a run of great songs sets the hall alight with excitement”, while Irish Independent said “…pop legend Phil Collins proved he could still deliver…”, and The Sheffield Star reported, “…he started with a standing ovation and finished with one that almost brought the house down.
The hit-maker’s backing band will feature longtime touring members – guitarist Daryl Stuermer (his former touring mate in Genesis), keyboardist Brad Cole, bassist Leland Sklar and percussionist Luis Conte, along with a horn section and backup vocalists. Phil Collins’ 16-year old son, Nicolas, rounds up the band on drums, walking in his father’s footsteps with a “show-stopping performance” set to “send the crowd into ecstasy” as enthused by The Daily Mirror.

Madiba the musical - a celebration of Nelson Mandela's life
2019-01-24 19:30 - 2019-02-03 20:30 | Bruce Mason Centre, The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand

The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour
2018-12-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Spark Arena, 42 Mahuhu Cres, CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
Kevin Hart is bringing his widely successful and massively hysterical ‘The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour,’ to New Zealand in 2018 and will perform 360º in-the-round – a first for a stand-up comedy tour of this scale.
Hart’s last tour What Now sold out large venues across the world, including Kevin being the first comedian to sell out an NFL stadium, selling over 50,000 tickets in one show at Lincoln Financial Field.
He sold out over a dozen arenas in the European market, selling over 150,000 tickets, and sold out arenas across Australia, selling 100,000 tickets. Hart’s hit comedy tour grossed over $100 million worldwide.
2017 was a banner year for Hart, his memoir I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons debuted at Number One on the New York Times Bestseller list and remained on the list for 10 consecutive weeks. The book also topped records on the Audible platform, selling over 100,000 copies in the first five weeks.
Last year Kevin also appeared in the Sony reboot of the classic film Jumanji alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jack Black. Jumanji has been Kevin’s highest grossing box office release to date.
The movie has made over $800 million worldwide.
Hart launched digital comedy streaming service, LOL Network (Laugh Out Loud), to promote new comedians, develop scripted and unscripted comedies and stand-up specials last year, in partnership global content leader Lionsgate.
Kevin Hart is one of the most followed people on social media with 100+ million followers. His Irresponsible New Zealand will sell out. Book now!
Recommended for audiences 16+. Times subject to change.
About Live Nation Entertainment:
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Advertising & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management.
For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong- Christchurch
2018-11-28 19:30 - 2018-12-02 19:30
Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Peter Pan Goes Wrong turns the J.M. Barrie classic, Peter Pan, into ‘a joyous masterclass of physical comedy and general disaster’ (London Evening Standard).
Christchurch | Isaac Theatre Royal | 28 Nov – 2 Dec | Tickets: Ticketek

Booking fee may apply

Peter Pan Goes Wrong- Wellington
2018-11-21 19:30 - 2018-11-25 21:30
Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Peter Pan Goes Wrong turns the J.M. Barrie classic, Peter Pan, into ‘a joyous masterclass of physical comedy and general disaster’ (London Evening Standard).
Wellington | OPERA HOUSE | 21-25 November | Tickets: Ticketmaster

Booking fee may apply

Social Climbers
2018-11-02 19:30 - 2018-11-26 22:00
Gore | Invercargill | Dunedin | Ashburton | Christchurch | Nelson | Nelson |Blenheim | Wellington | Kapiti | Taupo | Hamilton |Whangarei |Kerikeri | Tauranga | New Plymouth |Wanganui |Palmerston North | Napier |Auckland
New Zealand’s most celebrated playwright Roger Hall pits a groups of female teachers together with a school counsellor and a reluctant daughter for a weekend of bushwalking, sparkling wine and sparkling comedy!
The perfect pre-Christmas party for your friends, social club and work colleagues!
What do you call six women stranded on a mountain in the rain: ridiculous! Or you could call them social climbers … but just not to their faces!
Once at the hut, not only do they unload their packs full of food, wine, and a souvenir rock; their hang-ups get unloaded as well.
Torrential rain and a flooded bridge keep them stranded for three days. What they get up to, to help pass the time, raises a few eyebrows and will have you laughing, tearing up and applauding enthusiastically as they bare all.
Of course, it’s not just souls that are exposed, there’s a little nudity, a cracking thunderstorm, explosions, screaming bloody murder, ghostly stories, a birthday celebration, a séance, a drunken party, confessions, melt downs and revelations that will keep you and your friends entertained throughout.
Perfectly timed for your own social group’s ascent into summer, don’t miss this hilarious play when it comes to a town near you in November.
Check Eventfinda for locations and ticketing.
SOCIAL CLIMBERS, written by Roger Hall, the first playwright to win a Prime Minister’s Literary award.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong -- Auckland
2018-10-31 19:30 - 2018-11-04 19:30 | The Civic, Cnr Queen & Wellesley Streets, Aucland, New Zealand
Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Peter Pan Goes Wrong turns the J.M. Barrie classic, Peter Pan, into ‘a joyous masterclass of physical comedy and general disaster’ (London Evening Standard).

Booking fee may apply

SHATNER’S WORLD - THE RETURN DOWN UNDER (WELLINGTON)
2018-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Wellington Opera House, 13/111 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
William Shatner, pop culture icon, television superstar and raconteur extraordinaire, is returning to NZ with SHATNER’S WORLD – THE RETURN DOWN UNDER this October in Auckland, and for the very first time, Christchurch and Wellington.
Sharing more stories, songs, jokes and musings Shatner’s World, THE RETURN DOWN UNDER takes audiences on a 100 minute theatrical voyage through his life and career, from Shakespearean stage actor to internationally acclaimed icon and raconteur, known as much for his unique persona as his expansive body of work including Star Trek, Boston Legal, the publication of 30 books and the release of several spoken word albums, his latest, a soon to be released country music album and Christmas album!
“I’ve done this one-man show on Broadway and in many cities across the United States,” said William Shatner. “At the curtain call, the audiences’ reaction, their love and appreciation, moved me to tears. This show has been one of the highlights of my life.”
Bringing it back to where it all started is very special. With “The Return Down Under” I’ll be bringing more stories and songs. When you have been around and have worked in this business for as long as I have, there’s a heck of a lot to share. New Zealand audiences will also be able to hear some of my latest musical endeavours performed live for the very first time. It’s going to be a hell of a lot of fun.
Shatner’s World has been described as a, “chatty, digressive, and often amusing tour of his [Shatner’s] unusual acting career,” by the New York Times, “a fun evening of personal reminiscence, gossip, video clips and old-fashioned humor,” by AM New York and “equal parts endearing and funny – a mixture of two worlds, really: every day and rarefied,” by The Philadelphia Enquirer. Shatner himself has been praised as, “the most confident of performers,” by The Record and “a personality of galactic proportions,” by the New York Post. Shatner’s humour and ability to poke fun at himself, make this show a must-see memoir of a Hollywood veteran’s life.
Shatner is an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist, philanthropist and horseman. In 1966, he introduced the character of Captain James T. Kirk in the television series “Star Trek.” The series became a film franchise with Shatner as Kirk in seven movies, one of which he directed. He also played the title role in the hit series “T.J. Hooker” before hosting TV’s first reality-based series “Rescue 911.” Shatner won two Emmys and his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of Denny Crane on “The Practice” and “Boston Legal” and received four additional Emmy nominations as well as Golden Globes and SAG Awards.
Off screen, Shatner has authored over 30 bestsellers in both the fiction and non-fiction genres. His autobiography “Up Till Now” was a New York Times bestseller and in 2011 he released “Shatner Rules,” a collection of rules illustrated with stories from his personal life and career. In 2016 Shatner released “Leonard: My Fifty Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man” about his enduring friendship with the late Leonard Nimoy.
He has also been successful in another area—horse breeding. A dedicated breeder of American Quarter horses, he has had enormous success with the American Saddlebred, developing and riding world champions and has won numerous world championships in several events.

SHATNER’S WORLD - THE RETURN DOWN UNDER (CHRISTCHURCH)
2018-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand

SHATNER’S WORLD - THE RETURN DOWN UNDER (AUCKLAND)
2018-10-13 20:00 - 22:00 | The Civic, Cnr Queen & Wellesley Streets, Aucland, New Zealand

Oh What A Night!
2018-10-07 19:30 - 2018-10-21 21:30
Direct from Las Vegas, and incredible sold out concerts around the world, Oh What A Night! announces it’s returning to New Zealand to celebrate the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
Oh What A Night! promises two hours of superb entertainment… Jersey style.
Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off Your, My Eyes Adored You, Working My Way Back to You, Let’s Hang On and Who Loves You as well as Frankie Valli’s biggest
solo hit from the blockbuster movie Grease.
The show features a talented group of performers who look, act and sound just as amazing as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons did so many years ago. Oh What A Night! is an exciting musical revue written by Motown producer and creative consultant George Solomon, directed by award-winning producer-director Michael Chapman with choreography by Paul Holmquist.
Between the score of recognisable tunes, Oh What A Night! delivers informative and often hilarious banter between our stellar, high-spirted cast. The result is an exhilarating show that is as fresh and relevant today as it is nostalgic for the purists.
The audience gets to know and love the four dynamic talents and cheer their boundless energy, great choreography, humour and, of course, the instantly recognisable timeless classic hits.
Experience 2 hours of superb entertainment from these stars from Vegas.

Chicago -- Wellington
2018-09-13 19:30 - 2018-09-23 19:30
A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, a smooth-talking lawyer and a cell block of sin….. so the story unfolds in the award-winning Broadway and West End musical Chicago, which comes to New Zealand in August 2018 and opens at The Civic in Auckland before moving to the Opera House in Wellington in September.
Winner of six Tonys, two Oliviers, one Grammy, two Baftas and six Academy Awards, plus thousands of standing ovations, Chicago is the longest-running musical revival in Broadway history and truly is “The sharpest, slickest show on the block” (The Times, UK).
Chicago has everything that makes Broadway and the West End great – a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another, including Razzle Dazzle, Cell Block Tango and All That Jazz; the sexiest, most sensational dancing; and a sharply sophisticated set which incorporates the 11-piece orchestra.
It’s no surprise that this devilishly delicious musical has brought cheering audiences to their feet all around the world, from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. An estimated 31 million people have seen Chicago, which has played over 30,000 performances worldwide.
Set in the Prohibition-era 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer with ambitions of Vaudeville stardom, who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.
Chicago is a stunning spectacle full of social satire, intrigue, love, betrayal, rivalry and friendship, a pageant of music and dance that adroitly shifts between reality and fantasy, as Roxie Hart’s world moves from prison to the courtroom to the stage.

An Evening With Jane Fonda
2018-08-30 19:30 - 22:00
A once-in-a-lifetime audience with one of the most recognizable women of our generation.

The Ultimate Queen Celebration (Christchurch)
2018-08-26 19:00 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand
Get ready to rock with Marc Martel, the greatest Freddie Mercury voice on the planet.
It’s one night only. It’s the ultimate Queen celebration.
“That voice. You listen, close your eyes and you think it’s Freddie. It’s uncanny.” – Roger Taylor, Queen
No stranger to fronting Queen projects, Marc Martel was handpicked by Roger Taylor and Brian May to front their official Queen tribute in 2012.
Martel launched his own The Ultimate Queen Celebration project in March 2017.
“I get a little more artistic freedom in this show,” Martel said. “I feel like I have a good feel for how Freddie interpreted the music. Later in life, he branched out and did his own things, a few covers and some opera. I’ll pick a couple of songs that I wish Freddie recorded in his lifetime and perform them along with the songs that these legendary artists made famous including “Radio Gaga”, “Tie Your Mother Down”, “Fat Bottomed Girls”, “Killer Queen”, “Somebody to Love”, “Bohemian Rhapsody” and many more.
An absolute must for Queen fans!

Chicago - Auckland
2018-08-25 14:30 - 2018-09-02 19:30

The Ultimate Queen Celebration (Auckland)
2018-08-24 20:00 - 22:30 | ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, CBD, Auckland, New Zealand

Romeo & Juliet
2018-08-24 17:30 - 2018-08-26 21:00
New Zealand’s brightest opera stars will celebrate their swansong performance on home soil in a fiery yet intimate production of one of the world’s best-known stories of thwarted love, Romeo and Juliet at the Mercury Theatre.
Award-winning singers Madison Nonoa and Filipe Manu will play the leads in Auckland Opera Studio’s two 90-minute, two-act production of the great and angry Vincenzo Bellini opera I Capuleti e i Montecchi.
Written in 1829 it is the story of Romeo & Juliet and the Libretto is from the from the Italian Giulietta e Romeo written two years before. It has remained a staple on the Opera Stages of the world since its first performance on the 11th of March, 1830.
This Opera, is full of drama, anger, courage, love and desperation as the two opposing Mafia families fight it out over the consequences of the proposed union (desired by Romeo and Juliet) of these historically opposed families.
A collaborative effort, it will result in a wonderful evening for the audience and a lovely enrichment to their lives, seeing a work of genius being brought to life again as it has done countless times in the world since its first performance on the 11th of March 1830.
Tickets to this spectacular production on 24 & 26 August are on sale now via iTicket.

Irish Celtic -- Spirit of Ireland
2018-08-15 18:30 - 2018-08-19 19:30 | The Civic, Cnr Queen & Wellesley Streets, Aucland, New Zealand
Irish pub takes to the stage for thrilling night of music, storytelling and dance!
A thrilling Irish dance show is set to get feet tapping in Auckland, when Irish Celtic makes its debut in August.
Direct from a highly successful tour of France and Germany, Irish Celtic features the finest performers from the top Irish dance companies, who show their incredible talent and their infectious love for dance in a thrilling evening of high energy dance and explosive rhythms.
Set in a traditional pub in southern Ireland, Irish Celtic brings the warmth and conviviality for which Ireland is famed, onto the theatre stage. The audience is welcomed by genial landlord and owner Paddy to share an unforgettable night of music, storytelling and dance.
The five-piece on-stage band get the evening going with infectious rhythms and passionate music, including romantic theme tunes from Braveheart and Last of the Mohicans, while the 12 exceptional dancers recreate scenes from throughout Celtic history; from the days of the Druids, the great migrations, to the voyage of the Titanic, through spectacular choreography, scorching tap dancing and nail-biting precision.
At the heart of Irish Celtic is the love of dance which has permeated Irish culture through the centuries, and through dance the story of Ireland’s history is vividly illustrated – and where better to appreciate it than in an Irish pub with traditional musicians, swirling skirts and flagon-loads of friendliness.
Irish Celtic has been created by the talented trio of Toby Gough, Artistic Director, Jim Murrihy as Choreographer, and Musical Director Anthony Davis. Toby Gough is the international award-winning director of the Cuban dance show Lady Salsa which was resident on London’s West End for two years. In 2012 his show Brazil Brazil! was performed on Broadway. He has toured the US with The Merchants of Bollywood and has travelled around the world with the highly successful The Bar at Buena Vista featuring stars of The Buena Vista Social Club.
Jim Murrihy is a former original cast member of Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames and has performed in Las Vegas and all over the world. As an expert in Irish Dance, Jim’s extensive network of performers enables him to cast the top dancers from Ireland’s leading commercial dance shows as well as draw on Ireland’s undiscovered traditional dance community to form a diverse, professional and highly talented company. He collaborated with the talented Denise Flynn, former star of Lord of the Dance, for Irish Celtic.
Anthony Davis has uniquely arranged and created both original, traditional songs, and the scores of the iconic film tracks for Irish Celtic. Throughout his career he has played and composed for the World Championships of Irish Dance as well as for numerous other Irish dancing events and original choreographies. He has released numerous CD compilations and has become a much sought-after musician in his field.
So come on down to the Irish Celtic Pub, meet the people of Ireland, and discover the songs, legends, traditions and dances of a culture whose heritage is as rich as it is old.
Irish Celtic is presented by Indigo Productions, Diamond Dance Productions, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and David Atkins Enterprises.
