Overview
An unruly mash-up of theatre, dance and home videos, five of the country’s best up-and-coming stand-up comedians, a bona fide All-American rock star, a full-scale working replica of the second Globe Theatre, a posh, flash-mob dinner whiteout, and free ice cream for all.
No More Dancing in the Good Room
Having made its premiere at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival in 2015, the unruly mash-up of theatre, dance and home videos, No More Dancing in the Good Room, will return for a run at Q Theatre’s The Loft. Chris Parker's autobiographical show tells the story of a boy growing up gay in middle-class Christchurch, realising he’s more ‘Lord of the Dance’ than ‘1st XV’. It's a little different from the usual song and dance.
When: Wednesday, February 3 - Saturday, February 13
Where: Q Theatre
How much: $25 - 39
Billy T Jams
As part of their quest to take home the highest honour in New Zealand comedy, and a canary-coloured bathroom accessory, five of the country’s best up-and-coming stand-up comedians will take the stage at Q Theatre. In line for this year’s Billy T James Award are the star of ‘How to fold a fitted sheet’ – Alice Brine; almost-famous YouTube sensation – David Correos; toddler trapped inside a teenager’s body – James Malcolm; regular cast member of TV3’s Funny Girls and Jono and Ben – Laura Daniel, and 2015 Billy T nominee Matt Stellingwerf.
The showcase will be hosted by former winner 2014 Billy T Award winner Guy Montgomery, with reigning titleholder Hamish Parkinson rounding out the night.
When: Friday, February 5
Where: Q Theatre
How much: 25 - 29.50
Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema
Following the launch of their flagship New Zealand store in Ponsonby, chunk-filled ice creamery Ben & Jerry’s are bringing their infamous Openair Cinema enterprise to Auckland. Throughout the entire month, Western Springs Park will be home to blockbuster films, outdoor games and truckloads of ice cream. Each Friday will be a mini-music festival in its own right, with performances from some of New Zealand’s newest and best-loved bands, artists and local DJs. The ‘Sundae Sessions’ will be your opportunity to grab a complimentary scoop.
Scheduled screenings include: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, The Hateful Eight, Joy, The Good Dinosaur, Sisters, as well as the 30th anniversary screening of Back to the Future.
When: Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 28
Where: Western Springs Park
How much: $12 - 32
Splore 2016
Three-day music and arts festival Splore will once again set up at one of the most picturesque festival locations in the world: Tapapapakanga Park. The coastal farm park is a breezy one-hour journey from Auckland and enables gig-goers to watch the action unfold while lying on the idyllic beach or taking a dip in the warm water. As per usual, the artist lineup brings together an eclectic range of acts, including: Waxahatchee, The Reverend Peyton and His Big Damned Band, The Dub Pistols, Klangkarussell, Little Simz, Bonaparte and Nightmares on Wax.
When: Friday, February 19 - Sunday, February 21
Where: Tapapapakanga Regional Park
How much: $285
Pop-up Globe
The full scale, working replica of the second Globe Theatre will open its doors on Greys Ave at the end of the month with ten weeks of performances from The Bard’s extensive repertoire. The three-storey building will seat 900 people via three tiers of seating. Taking place over multiple sessions during the night and day, seven nights a week, will be commissioned performances of legendary tragedy Romeo & Juliet, comedy Twelfth Night, an all-female rendition of Henry V, Much Adoe About Nothing from the Young Auckland Shakespeare Co. and much more.
When: Friday, February 19 - Saturday, April 16
Where: Pop-up Globe, Greys Ave CBD
How much: $15
Death Cab for Cutie
Four years after their first New Zealand appearance and indie-rock band Death Cab for Cutie will make their return their first ever show in Auckland. The visit comes on the back of the band’s eighth studio album KINTSUGI, released in March 2015. Reviews from the band’s album release tour report that they perform a well balanced live set of tracks from the new album, fan favourites from their extensive back catalogue and obscure jams.
When:Tuesday, February 23
Where: St James Theatre
How much: $140.42
ASAP Rocky
Rapper and bona fide All-American rock star ASAP Rocky is dropping by for one show at Vector Arena to support the release of his 2015 album, AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP. Kanye, Danger Mouse and Mark Ronson all had a hand in the direction of the album, with guest appearances including the likes of Rod Stewart. While it’s unlikely Rod will make a cameo at his Auckland appearance, you can expect an impeccable hustle game and deceptively deep and fierce lyrics from Rocky.
When: Wednesday, February 24
Where: Vector Arena
How much: $90
Home Front
In an effort to explore the sometimes overlooked aspects of home life during the war, Auckland Museum will host Home Front, an exhibition displaying letters, keepsakes, family photos, postcards and memoirs from families separated during the First World War. Home Front is the third in a series of exhibitions which pay tribute to the WWI centenary and will be on display 26 February – 13 November, 2016.
When: Friday, February 26 - Sunday, November 13
Where: Auckland War Memorial Museum
How much: Free with museum entry
Dinner en Blanc
The posh, flash-mob dinner whiteout is back for its third year after two former successful occasions. Born 27 years ago in Paris, the French enactment of the event now attracts around 15,000 diners annually. Renowned for exclusivity in its crowd and spontaneity in its location, diners only discover where the event will be held the day of. You need to know someone to get an invite, so start asking around.
When: Saturday, February 27
Where: Secret location in Auckland
How much: $48 via registration