Aotea Square Ice Rink
2024-06-28 10:00 - 2024-08-11 22:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Aotea Square, Auckland City, 291-297 Queen Street, Auckland, AUCKLAND CITY, 1142, New Zealand
Auckland’s coolest winter experience, the Aotea Square Ice Rink, returns with more fun than ever before
Opening Matariki weekend on Friday 28 June in Auckland’s Aotea Square, the pop up ice rink will not only offer the thrill of skating in the middle of New Zealand’s biggest city but, for the very first time, visitors will be able to try their hand at the Olympic sport of curling.
There will be a fantastic two-lane, 12-metre long curling rink, perfect for beginners and pros and great for friends, family and team building, pitting two teams of four against each other for 25 minutes of entertainment.
On top of this, there’ll be specially themed party nights like Student Wednesdays, Skate & Date Night Thursdays with romantic music and lighting, and Groovy Fridays featuring the coolest beats spun by a DJ from a booth on the ice. The rink will also feature a stunning lighting installation that will leave you feeling like you’re skating underneath the magical starlit winter’s night.
The Aotea Square Ice Rink has returned 11 times in the past 12 years and has hosted a quarter of a million skaters since 2012. It will kick off this year with an opening night Matariki celebration featuring a DJ spinning Kiwiana hits

Come Together - Led Zeppelin IV - Christchurch
2024-07-19 20:00 - 22:00 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand
Arguably Led Zeppelin’s best album IV will be recreated track by track by some of our biggest artists as the Come Together juggernaut continues its rampage in 2024.
Led Zeppelin’s defining and game-changing blues-folk opus of ’71 will be performed in its entirety, with a bonus set of deep cuts and classic hits.
Starring the Come Together band Jol Mulholland (MD), Brett Adams, Matthias Jordan, Alistair Deverick, Mike Hall, Finn Scholes and Nick Atkinson and a soon to be announced line-up of some of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed artists.

Come Together - Led Zeppelin IV - Wellington
2024-07-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Wellington Opera House, 13/111 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

Come Together - Led Zeppelin IV - Auckland
2024-07-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Civic, Cnr Queen & Wellesley Streets, Aucland, New Zealand

Fun Home
2024-08-10 19:30 - 2024-09-14 21:00 | The Court Theatre, 129 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand
After smash-hit seasons on Broadway and in London, Fun Home comes to Christchurch’s The Court Theatre in a soaring, brand-new production.
Winner of three Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score, and a finalist for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Fun Home has been hailed as a “beautiful, heartbreaker of a musical” (New York Times) and “one of the best new musicals of our era” (LA Times).
Fun Home is a heartfelt story about coming out and coming of age based on Alison Bechdel’s pivotal graphic novel.
After the unexpected death of her father, Alison is forced to confront his secrets that come to light. Shifting between past and present, we meet Alison, a successful graphic novelist; college-age Alison on the cusp of self-discovery; and precocious child Alison, who plays in coffins instead of sandboxes in the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home.
With a score that ranges from exuberant 70s pop to aching melodies and dissonant harmonies of characters longing to be known, Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

We Will Rock You - Wellington
2024-08-15 19:30 - 2024-09-01 22:00 | St James Theatre Wellington
WE WILL ROCK YOU, the world’s favourite rock musical featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits, is coming to Wellington for the very first time in 2024.
With a hilarious script by Ben Elton, WE WILL ROCK YOU rivals the scale and spectacle of the band’s legendary live performances.
Brought to Wellington by the Capital Theatre Trust and G&T Productions – the same companies who’ve just celebrated a sold out season of Wicked and last year’s Les Miserables – WE WILL ROCK YOU will again offer audiences a world-class theatrical experience.
First premiering at London’s Dominion Theatre in 2002, WE WILL ROCK YOU was seen by six million people over 4600 performances during an astonishing 12-year run, becoming one of the most successful musicals in West End history. It also found unprecedented popularity around the world, playing to a global audience of 20 million across 28 countries.
WE WILL ROCK YOU tells the story of a globalized future without musical instruments. A handful of rock rebels, the Bohemians, fight against the all-powerful Globalsoft company and its boss, the Killer Queen; they fight for freedom, individuality and the rebirth of the age of rock. Scaramouche and Galileo, two young outsiders, cannot come to terms with the bleak conformist reality. They join the Bohemians and embark on the search to find the unlimited power of freedom, love and rock!

Come Together - The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club - Christchurch
2024-08-30 20:00 - 22:00 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand
The pop-psychedelic Beatles’ masterpiece that birthed ‘The Album’ as the currency of rock, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band will be recreated track-by-track by some of our biggest artists as the Come Together juggernaut continues through 2024.
It will be performed in its entirety, with a bonus set of deep cuts and classic hits.
Starring the Come Together band Jol Mulholland (MD), Brett Adams, Matthias Jordan, Alistair Deverick, Mike Hall, Finn Scholes and Nick Atkinson and a soon to be announced line-up of some of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed artists.

Bridgerton by Candlelight - Auckland
2024-08-31 19:30 - 21:00 | Bruce Mason Centre, The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
Bridgerton By Candlelight promises an evening of romance and intrigue, featuring enchanting music that has captivated audiences worldwide, performed by the renowned New Zealand String Quartet – Te Rōpu Tūrū O Aotearoa.
From Ariana Grande’s thank u, next, to Madonna’s Material Girl, these concerts will transport you to the heart of Regency-era London, where every note ignites passion and excitement.
Presented by the renowned New Zealand String Quartet – Te Rōpu Tūrū O Aotearoa – and Ben McDonald, Bridgerton By Candlelight offers a unique fusion of classical elegance and contemporary flair.
In its 37th year, the New Zealand String Quartet has an established international reputation for its interpretations and compelling communication. Prepare to be swept away by a mesmerizing selection of hits from the beloved series, performed by this world-class quartet of musicians. Just like every episode of Bridgerton, this concert series promises to thrill and entertain.

Come Together - The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club - Wellington
2024-08-31 20:00 - 22:00 | Wellington Opera House, 13/111 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

Come Together - The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club - Auckland
2024-09-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Mayoral Drive, Auckland City, Auckland central

Bridgerton by Candlelight - Christchurch
2024-09-15 16:00 - 18:30 | James Hay, 86 Kilmore St, Christchurch, New Zealand

An Evening with Andy Summers: The Police - Wellington
2024-09-19 20:00 - 22:00 | Wellington Opera House, 13/111 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the greatest guitarists ever, The Police’s Andy Summers announces a three-venue tour his critically acclaimed show, The Cracked Lens + A Missing String.
A five-time Grammy Award winner, an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Guitar Player Hall of Fame, with the keys to New York City and recipient of the Chevalier De L’Ordre Des Arts et Des Lettres by the Ministry of Culture in France, Andy’s innovative guitar style created a paradigm shift for guitarists in the 80s and has been widely imitated ever since.
As a celebrated author and photographer with recent exhibitions in France, The Cracked Lens + A Missing String offers fans a fantastic and intimate evening with Andy playing guitar(s) including The Police classics, and sharing stories along with his celebrated photographic work he’s taken over the years. This multimedia show gives fans a great insight into his work and a moment with a legend.

An Evening with Andy Summers - The Police: Christchurch
2024-09-20 20:00 - 22:00 | James Hay, 86 Kilmore St, Christchurch, New Zealand

Matilda the Musical
2024-09-25 19:30 - 2024-10-13 21:00 | Bruce Mason Centre, The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination, a sharp mind and psychokinetic powers, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
This Barfoot & Thompson season will be strictly limited and is presented by North Shore Music Theatre (Wicked, Auckland; Miss Saigon, Auckland), The Amici Trust (Mary Poppins, Les Misérables) and the Encore Theatre Collective (Elf, Disney’s The Little Mermaid), in association with G&T Productions (Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots).
Tickets from Ticketmaster starting at $72.60* adults and $42.60* for children (15 and under). No extensions are possible so fans are urged to move swiftly to avoid disappointment.
Matilda is unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognise but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and quick wit, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

An Evening with Andy Summers - The Police - Auckland
2024-10-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Auckland Town Hall, Queen St, Auckland CBD, New Zealand

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. With The Auckland Philharmonia
2024-10-10 19:30 - 22:00 | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Mayoral Drive, Auckland City, Auckland central
In the words of Beyoncé, “Who run the world? Girls.”
Who’s been running the pop diva charts since the dawn of pop music? Girls!
Four of New Zealand’s best-loved “girls” are set to pay homage to the most powerful divas in music history, with two very special concerts in Auckland and Christchurch this October.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. promises an unforgettable journey through the chart-topping anthems of legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Nina Simone, Carole King, Celine Dion, Adele, Taylor Swift, Tina Turner and many more. The second concert will be at the Christchurch Town Hall on 26 October.
Featuring the extraordinary talents of Hall of Famer Annie Crummer (Netherworld Dancing Toys, When the Cats Away), soul and R&B star Deva Mahal (daughter of American blues musician Taj Mahal), Betty-Anne (Ardijah), and jazz queen Naomi Ferguson (The Music is Bond).

Neilson Sings Nelson - Wellington
2024-10-11 19:00 - 21:30 | Wellington Opera House, 13/111 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Award-winning artist Tami Neilson and her band perform in three very special concerts Neilson Sings Nelson in honor of her friend and music legend Willie Nelson.
Tami will perform her favorites from Willie’s songbook including his mega hits Always on My Mind and Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain as well as I Never Cared For You, Sister’s Coming Home, and their hit duet Beyond the Stars. Tami will also perform a selection of her own classics, as well as share stories of what it’s been like working alongside one of the world’s greatest music icons
A six-time winner of Country Music Album/Artist Awards, four-time Country Music Song Awards, Best Solo Artist and Best Producer for Kingmaker, and an APRA Silver Scroll Award, Tami’s Neilson Sings Nelson Tour promises a magical evening for fans of the two music legends.

Richard O'Brien's The Kingdom of Bling
2024-10-12 19:30 - 2024-11-02 21:30 | Touring NZ, New Zealand
All royalties to the Starship Children’s Hospital in perpetuity
Ashburton | Event Centre | 12 October | 7.30pm | www.asbeventcentre.co.nz
Oamaru | Opera House | 13 October | 6.30pm | www.oamaruoperahouse.co.nz
Invercargill | Civic Theatre | 14 October | 7.30pm | Ticketek
Dunedin | Regent Theatre | 15 October | 7.30pm |www.regenttheatre.co.nz
Christchurch | Isaac Theatre Royal | 16 October | 7.30pm | Ticketek
Blenheim | ASB Theatre | 17 October | 7.30pm | Eventfinda
Nelson | Theatre Royal | 20 October | 6pm | www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz
Auckland | Bruce Mason Centre | 22 October | 7.30pm | Ticketmaster
Hastings | Toitoi Hawkes Bay Opera House | 23 October | 7.30pm | Eventfinda
Taupo | Great Lake Centre | 24 October | 7.30pm | Eventfinda
Hamilton | Clarence St Theatre | 26 October | 8pm | Ticketek
New Plymouth | TSB Showplace | 27 October | 6pm | | Eventfinda
Gisborne | Memorial Theatre | 29 October | 7.30pm | Ticketek
Tauranga | Baycourt Theatre | 30 October | 7.30pm | Eventfinda
Wellington | Opera House | 31 October | 7.30pm | Ticketmaster
Kapiti | Te Raukura ki Kapiti | 1 November | 7.30pm | Eventfinda
Palmerston North | Regent on Broadway | 2 November | 7.30pm | Ticketek
Seen by over 30 million people, The Rocky Horror Show is one of the world’s most successful musicals ever. Today, as its 50th anniversary party continues to have people doing The Time Warp around the world, the show’s creator Richard O’Brien has done a “bit of a mind flip” and penned a new satirical musical, The KINGDOM OF BLING.
Inspired by the madness of American politics and the ripple effect it has on the rest of the world, the 82-year-old Tauranga-based twisted genius announces the world premiere “Celebration of Kindness Tour” this October, ahead of the chaos of the 5 November election.
Starring O’Brien as The Narrator alongside an extraordinary ensemble cast, this cautionary tale has the wacky hallmarks of Rocky Horror while featuring giants, a menacing fox, trolls, and the king of the land – the obnoxious ‘The He’ (guess who?). The musical is backed by a stonking rock band, belting out original songs in a style that made Rocky Horror such a blast.
The KINGDOM OF BLING is set in “a time of confusion, when so many madly, strange beliefs collide. A time when kindness had been demonised, while crafty blindness wined and dined in a world it had divided”.
The KINGDOM OF BLING breaks the fourth wall, giving audiences the rare treat of playing along with one of the world’s most celebrated authors and actors whose production has been performed in 20 different languages and been seen by 30 million people globally. As a bonus track, production will feature a second act – a Q&A with O’Brien talking about his life, The Rocky Horror Show, the theatre and inspiration for his latest project.

The Dire Straits Experience - Christchurch
2024-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Christchurch Town Hall, New Zealand
Since the iconic riff of Sultans of Swing first captivated the world 46 years ago, Dire Straits has solidified its place in music history. Today, we announce that fans in New Zealand are in for an electrifying treat as the Dire Straits Experience makes its triumphant return this October with their Shiver in the Dark World Tour.

Led by Dire Straits’ own Chris White and featuring the extraordinary talents of singer-guitarist Terence Reis alongside six world-class musicians, the Dire Straits Experience promises an unforgettable concert experience. This exclusive event showcases the band’s greatest hits, transporting audiences back to an era when rock music reigned supreme.
Despite disbanding over 35 years ago, Dire Straits’ influence remains as potent as ever. Their catalogue of legendary tracks continues to inspire new generations of music lovers around the globe. With over 120 million albums sold worldwide, Dire Straits’ music transcends time, resonating deeply with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The upcoming concert Shiver in the Dark World Tour is a celebration of Dire Straits’ enduring legacy. From timeless classics like Money for Nothing to the soulful melodies of Brothers in Arms, the Dire Straits Experience promises an evening filled with nostalgia, energy, and pure musical excellence.

The Dire Straits Experience - Wellington
2024-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | St James Theatre Wellington

The Dire Straits Experience - Auckland
2024-10-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Mayoral Drive, Auckland City, Auckland central

Neilson Sings Nelson - Auckland
2024-10-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Auckland Town Hall, Queen St, Auckland CBD, New Zealand
Award-winning artist Tami Neilson and her band perform in three very special concerts Neilson Sings Nelson in honor of her friend and music legend Willie Nelson.
Tami will perform her favorites from Willie’s songbook including his mega hits Always on My Mind and Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain as well as I Never Cared For You, Sister’s Coming Home, and their hit duet Beyond the Stars. Tami will also perform a selection of her own classics, as well as share stories of what it’s been like working alongside one of the world’s greatest music icons.
“Hey NZ Fam! I’m coming in hot off my USA tour with my brother Jay to celebrate the release of my new album Neilson Sings Nelson and play it for you live in Oct 🎶 The only place we’ve performed this show is at Willie Nelson’s ranch in Texas, so, I’m bringing it home just for you, performing some of my favourite songs from Willie’s songbook. We might even have a few stories from the ranch to share. So, braid your hair, tie your bandana and ROLL UP to the show! I promise you we’ll have ourselves a HIGH TIME! 😉🙌🏼”
A six-time winner of Country Music Album/Artist Awards, four-time Country Music Song Awards, Best Solo Artist and Best Producer for Kingmaker, and an APRA Silver Scroll Award, Tami’s Neilson Sings Nelson Tour promises a magical evening for fans of the two music legends.

Neilson Sings Nelson – Christchurch
2024-10-19 19:00 - 21:30 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. With The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
2024-10-26 19:00 - 21:30 | James Hay, 86 Kilmore St, Christchurch, New Zealand
Performing songs by Aretha Franklin • Whitney Houston • Nina Simone • Carole King • Celine Dion • Adele • Taylor Swift • Tina Turner and more!
In the words of Beyoncé, “Who run the world? Girls.”
Who’s been running the pop diva charts since the dawn of pop music? GIRLS!!
Featuring the extraordinary talents of Hall of Famer Annie Crummer (Netherworld Dancing Toys, When the Cats Away), soul and R&B star Deva Mahal (daughter of American blues musician Taj Mahal), Betty-Anne Monga MNZM (Ardijah), and jazz queen Naomi Ferguson (The Music is Bond).
Backed by the sensational Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, audiences will be transported to the heights of musical greatness, reliving the timeless classics and current hits that have defined generations.
The setlist will include Aretha’s RESPECT, Carole King’s I Feel the Earth Move, Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off, Amy Winehouse’s Valerie through to our own Margaret Ulrich’s Escaping.
Enjoy a fun night filled with nostalgia and pure entertainment with R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL
2024-11-23 19:30 - 2025-02-01 19:30 | The Court Theatre, 129 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand
Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical is set to cha-cha into Christchurch for the very first time at The Court Theatre next month and will be the last tango at The Shed before the theatre company moves into its brand-new, purpose-built home in the city.
Directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson who helmed the smash-hit productions of Something Rotten! and Little Shop of Horrors for The Court Theatre, this splendidly camp comedy-musical will have you foxtrotting through summer in a haze of sequins, satin and hairspray!
Dig out the voting paddles as it also features choreography by Kira Josephson (Something Rotten!, Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar), and specialist ballroom choreography by the one and only Jonny Williams who became a household name competing in eight seasons of Dancing with the Stars, partnering Angela Bloomfield, Megan Alatini, Miriama Smith, Barbara Kendall, Chrystal Chenery, Jess Quinn, Carolyn Taylor, and Eli Matthewson.
Not only that but the music, under the direction of groove meister Richard Marrett, will have audiences in their own boogie wonderland. Every song is a banger, including John Paul Young’s Love is in the Air, Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, Doris Day’s Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps, new music by David Foster, Sia Furler, and Eddie Perfect, and many, many more.
We’re raising the barre this summer!!

COME TOGETHER: END OF YEAR BASH: Christchurch
2024-12-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand
December 5 – Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch – Ticketek
Having featured in the sold out Led Zeppelin tour, Devilskin’s Jennie Skulander powerful and compelling voice will have you aboard the Led Zep juggernaut that filled stadiums across America in the 70s, making it one of the biggest bands ever.
Also on board is Wellington’s Seamus Johnson (Sea Mouse) who thrilled audiences “with his vocal dexterity when he opened up to sing Communication Breakdown. What a set of pipes!” says The 13th Floor who describes the Come Together experience as being better than Led Zep’s own 40th anniversary concert!
Come Together favorites Milan Borich (Pluto), Julia Deans (Fur Patrol) and Dianne Swann (The BADS and When the Cats Away) will all front this spectacular concert series.
The End of Year Bash will showcase the standout songs that have captivated over 50,000 Kiwis, bringing together beloved artists like Jon Toogood, Julia Deans, Sam Scott, and Dianne Swann.
After a challenging year, there’s no better way to wrap up 2024 and gear up for an incredible 2025 than with an unforgettable night of rock music. We’ve handpicked the finest tracks from legendary artists including Led Zeppelin, U2, David Bowie, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beatles.
This is your official invitation to a super rock soirée you won’t want to miss!
Secure your spot at the Best of Come Together – Big End of Year Bash and let’s make this a night to remember! Last year’s event sold out in a flash, so don’t wait—book your tickets now!

Come Together: End of Year Bash - Auckland
2024-12-06 20:00 - 22:00 | The Civic, Cnr Queen & Wellesley Streets, Aucland, New Zealand
Having featured in the sold out Led Zeppelin tour, Devilskin’s Jennie Skulander powerful and compelling voice will have you aboard the Led Zep juggernaut that filled stadiums across America in the 70s, making it one of the biggest bands ever.
Also on board is Wellington’s Seamus Johnson (Sea Mouse) who thrilled audiences “with his vocal dexterity when he opened up to sing Communication Breakdown. What a set of pipes!” says The 13th Floor who describes the Come Together experience as being better than Led Zep’s own 40th anniversary concert!
Come Together favorites Milan Borich (Pluto), Julia Deans (Fur Patrol) and Dianne Swann (The BADS and When the Cats Away) will all front this spectacular concert series.
The End of Year Bash will showcase the standout songs that have captivated over 50,000 Kiwis, bringing together beloved artists like Jon Toogood, Julia Deans, Sam Scott, and Dianne Swann.
After a challenging year, there’s no better way to wrap up 2024 and gear up for an incredible 2025 than with an unforgettable night of rock music. We’ve handpicked the finest tracks from legendary artists including Led Zeppelin, U2, David Bowie, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beatles.
This is your official invitation to a super rock soirée you won’t want to miss!
Secure your spot at the Best of Come Together – Big End of Year Bash and let’s make this a night to remember! Last year’s event sold out in a flash, so don’t wait—book your tickets now!

Come Together: End of Year Bash - Wellington
2024-12-13 20:00 - 22:00 | St James Theatre Wellington

MAMiL: THE FINAL RIDE
2024-12-16 19:30 - 22:00 | Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central,, Christchurch, New Zealand
One of New Zealand best-loved theatre productions MAMiL (Middle Aged Men in Lycra) will take a final ride on Monday, 16 December at the Isaac Theatre Royal.
This special one-night-only charity screening of the production, filmed LIVE at Weta Workshop, will be followed by a Q&A with three masters of the entertainment business.
Achingly funny and poignant, MAMiL presents the male mid-life crisis in all its lurid glory. This unique fundraiser for the Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation and The Professional Theatre Company as the Middle-Aged Man in Lycra takes the final ride and prepares you for what’s coming next. Saddle yourselves in!!
The star of the iconic production, Mark Hadlow ONZM (The Hobbit, King Kong, SNAG) together with Weta Workshop’s Academy and BAFTA Award winning creative director Sir Richard Taylor KNZM and author, actor and director Gregory Cooper will share their stories and answer questions in the second act.
This is a rare opportunity for actors, filmmakers, writers and other creatives to learn from the masters.

Rainbow Theatre Festival
2025-03-20 08:00 - 2025-03-23 17:00 | The Court Theatre, 129 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand
Rainbow Theatre Weekend runs 20 – 23 March 2025 at The Shed, featuring nine marquee events aimed to entertain not only the LGBTQIA+ community but the entire community.
Tickets starting from just $5. Weekend binge passes are also available for those who want to see everything. This pass gets you one ticket to every single event over the four days. Grab them while they last at https://courttheatre.org.nz/.
The party starts as it means to continue with none other than the queen of queens herself, RuPaul’s Drag Race Downunder winner Kita Mean in Club Musicals. For one night only The Court Theatre becomes a fully decked out nightclub, but with a theatrical twist. A nightclub playing all the biggest musical theatre bangers, but wait there is even more… Kita will take to the decks for this one-night-only event. We are even throwing in sickening lip syncs, epic dance offs, and a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Expect to hear: Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, Six, Legally Blonde, Disney, Les Mis, Chicago, Rent, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Wicked – and many more in between. This is a fully interactive dance party like you’ve never experienced before.
On Friday night, award-winning comedian Eli Matthewson explores everything from love languages to the rudest way possible to consume a Berocca, in his hilarious solo show,Heaven’s Devil. This show will answer questions like what happens after we die and what exactly is the plot of The Passion of the Christ 2!
Friday’s action-packed programme continues with muthaf*ckin’ Spankie Jackzon and the Court Jesters in Queered Scriptless. The 80 minutes of improv, known for its unexpected, unplanned and unscripted anarchy, will be ramped up even further when Spankie joins the Jesters for this one-off show.
Saturday nights don’t get much bigger than this. RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Mrs. Kasha Davis comes to New Zealand for the first time with her acclaimed cabaret show There’s Always Time for a Cocktail – the true-life story of little Eddie Popil’s transformation from a young boy in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to ‘International Celebrity Housewife, Mrs. Kasha Davis’, one of the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Join the ultimate hostess for an evening of music, stories, and party games with a heartfelt story of love, acceptance, and finding your own path.
Later in the evening, Spankie Jackzon returns to the stage as MC for the Big Gay Variety Show – a cheeky, naughty, wild and daring variety show featuring Mrs. Kasha Davis, Aunty Tamara, Captain Kidd, Cam Clayton, and a special performance by Tusiata Avia. Featuring all of our festival acts in one neat little package this show is going to be a smorgasbord of joy, laughter, camp-ery, glitter and a damn good time.
On Sunday, join Mrs. Kasha Davis in Imagination Station – a show for the kids and their families. This event includes stories, original music, a dance party, and a themed craft activity. Imagination Station teaches love and acceptance, encourages kids of all ages to live authentically, and celebrates the beauty of how kindness and diversity can change the world!
Who doesn’t love a good Sunday brunch? We do!! If you’re going to bring over a ‘RuGirl’, you simply must get her to MC a Drag Brunch – especially when she is one of the best at it!
Join MC Mrs. Kasha Davis, the delightfully naughty Spankie Jackzon, the fireball Aunty Tamara, and local icon Little Miss Cinnamon as they whip The Court Theatre foyer into an absolute frenzy like never before with lip syncs, songs, dance, energy, comedy, audience participation and more in Drag Queen Brunch!
Also on Sunday, Moana Vā and The Court Theatre are proud to present: Two Fat ‘Fine: LIVE!, their biggest show to date. Hosts Alex and MahMah bring you an unfiltered and joyous celebration of life in all its vibrant dimensions. Unapologetically fat, queer, and proud, these dynamic personalities will embark on a podcasting journey filled with laughter, heart-to-heart conversations, and a kaleidoscope of stories that reflect the diverse tapestry of the Moana Vā community. Embracing the beauty in every curve and the strength in every story.
Bookending the weekend is the deeply moving theatre piece, The Laramie Project – a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable.
