You'll Need a Password to Enter This Pop-Up Piano Bar

The Auckland Live International Cabaret Season descends on three inner-city venues this week with an 18-night program of disco divas, acrobats and Broadway greats. Head along from September 15 to witness a Kate Sheppard rock opera, a German David Bowie impersonator and a Trans-Tasman mutant story. Pre or post-show, the engine room of Q Theatre will be the place to complete the glitzy experience as it transforms into a late night piano bar.

The matter-of-factly-titled Auckland Live International Cabaret Season Piano Bar will be an exclusive late night hangout, only open to those who retain the daily password or who are willing to sing for their beverages. The capacity is limited to 80 people.

Once authorised by the door host, lucky guests will venture into the subterranean space inside Q Theatre's Vault. The bar will offer a selection of classic cocktails — take your pick from Negroni, Manhattan, French 75 — and a small list of local wines. Local entertainer Jason Chasland, who has lent his voice to Adele and local web series Auckward Love, will provide the in-house entertainment as well as a rotation of cabaret artists.

The Auckland Live International Cabaret Season Piano Bar will be open from 9pm until late Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 14 – 23 September. Find it at 305 Queen St. The entry password will be revealed when you attend an International Cabaret Season performance.