Arts events in the region this weekend
For a full list of events visit thepost.co.nz
Blues: Dave Murphy and Neil Billington Thunderbird Cafe, Featherston St, July 19, 5.30pm, free
Acoustic finger picked blues guitar, vocals and virtuoso harmonica. Friendly hospitality, good vibes, food and bevvies.
Limbo
BATS Theatre, to July 20
An original Kiwi stage play inspired by the 1300s epic poem, Dante's 'Inferno'. 'Limbo' was shortlisted in Playmarket’s Playwrights b4 25 competition for 2024. Tickets: bats. co.nz
Handbagged
Gryphon Theatre, to July 20, $15-$30+
Handbagged, written by Mora Buffini and directed by Mary Coffey, is a sharply funny imagining of the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who met weekly for 11 years. Tickets: iticket
Improv Week
BATS Theatre, to July 20
Calling all Improv lovers! Improv Week is back, with four shows performed by some of Aotearoa's top improv troupes. (Various times and dates across the week) Tickets: bats.co.nz
Henry Wong Doe – solo piano
St Andrews on The Terrace, July 21, 3pm, $10-$40+
International contest winner Henry Wong doe will play working including Haydn, Ginastera, Chopin and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Tickets: eventfinda or email sundayconcertsnz@gmail.com
Jonathan Lemalu & Virtuoso Strings Orchestra Concert
St.Paul's Cathedral, July 21, 7pm, koha
Grammy Award-winning bass singer Jonathan Lemalu sings old favourites and new songs, composed and arranged by Craig Utting, with the Porirua-based Virtuoso Strings Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Nikora.
Wellington Ice Rink
Queens Wharf, to July 28, daily 10am-10pm
Wrap up warm and skate away the mid-winter blues. When the day turns to night, it’s time for the adults to hit the ice and every Wednesday is Student Skate Night from 7-10pm with discounted tickets and great music.
Tickets: Adults $24, children $19, pre schoolers $13 (3 and 4 year olds), family pass $65, student night $16 (with ID)
Alice – a musical
KAT Theatre, Cochran Hall, July 18-20 & 25-27, various times, $15-$30+
In this family-friendly musical romp Alice follows the White Rabbit through a non-traditional portal into Wonderland where she meets many of the madcap characters we all know and love. Tickets: kat-theatre.org.nz
NZSM Wind/Brass Solo Recital St Andrew’s on The Terrace, July 24, 12:15 pm, koha.
Enjoy wind and brass solo and ensemble pieces from students of the NZSM.
Opera Screening: Rimsky-Korsakov – Sadko
Te Auaha, July 24, 7pm, $20-$25, door sales
New Zealand Opera Society Inc presents Rimsky-Korsakov Sadko, Kirov Opera and Ballet (1994). This is an opera of myth and magic, demanding a large cast and extravagant production of the kind that the Mariinsky and Gergiev do so well. (2hr 54’)
Book Launch: Corkscrew You and You’re So Vine by Catherine Robertson Unity Books, July 24, 6pm, free
Join us for a celebratory night with HarperCollins New Zealand to launch Catherine Robertson's two new books, Corkscrew You and You're So Vine, the first published in the Flora Valley series.
Sense and Sensibility
Circa Theatre, to Aug 3, various times, $30-$55
By Jane Austen and adapted and directed by Penny Ashton, this is a rambunctious rewrite of the classic tale of sisters, suitors and losing your senses. A Regency-era romp bursting with hilarity, throbbing hearts, and vivid theatricality.Tickets: circa.co.nz
Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Experience
Queensgate Shopping Centre, to July 21, free
Glide, spin and skate for free these school holidays at Queensgate in Lower Hutt.
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder Tākina, to Oct 28, $34.50+
The Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, Where Science Meets Fiction exhibition brings the iconic characters and captivating worlds from the hit television series to life. Explore concepts like time travel, artificial intelligence, DNA manipulation and why the TARDIS is bigger on the inside. Tickets: ticketmaster
Courtenay Precinct Buskers Programme
Friday and Saturday nights, various locations, free
The buskers programme in Courtenay Place showcases local talent while treating punters to free performances around the area. It includes circus acts, music, and comedy.