Auckland Live Cabaret Season 2021

Overview

One of the last remaining atmospheric theatres in the Southern Hemisphere will come to life this winter as more than 140 artists and performers assemble for the 2021 Auckland Live Cabaret Season.

Auckland's landmark The Civic theatre will host contemporary cabaret shows from across Aotearoa for ten days and nights (19 June – 4 July). Audiences will see burlesque stars reveal almost all, drag artists dazzle and the theatre return to its roots as a picture palace with classic cinema programming.

Following his sold-out 2019 tour, Tony Award-winning musical Tim Minchin lands back in the country to open the season on 19 June with an encore performance of his show Back.

-Local talent includes Annie Crummer, Anika Moa, Georgia Lines, Paige and Tami Neilson in the Matariki show, Tuawahine. Under the direction of Ria Hall, the live show celebrates the power of wāhine toa with a mix of classics, original songs and waiata with the backing of a live band. Also on the bill is classical crossover singer Yulia as she takes on the songbook of French cabaret icon Edith Piaf, and a drag extravaganza for kids hosted by Wellington drag king Hugo Grrrl.

The Civic's Wintergarden welcomes a lineup of erotic striptease, classy Māori show-band and comedy, and musical collaborations. The theatre also returns to its 1920–40s roots as a sparkling cinema, screening cabaret classics including Funny Girl, All That Jazz, and a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Elsewhere, high tea will be served on the mezzanine balcony and a late-night piano bar will come to life.