Cityscape Issue 15 November 2018 by SOMO Creative

NOV 2018

CHRISTCHURCH CURATED | YOUR MONTHLY FIX We kick back and ‘lax at the new Hoyts Lux, catch up with Kiwis Jay Laga’aia and Mel Parsons, take a flight of fancy with Tui Mamaki, indulge in top nosh at Terrace Tavern and Sister Kong, scope out this season’s hottest gifts, gadgets and stocking fillers plus scour the city for all things buzzing.

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CHRISTCHURCH CURATED FOR LOVERS OF STYLE, FOOD, MUSIC,

IMAGE: UNIVERSO BRASSERIE & BAR

LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL, BEAUTY AND CULTURE

CONTENTS November 2018 CITYSCAPE

Issue 15 | November 18

Publisher Andrea Rickerby Group Editor Isaac Wilson Editor Mark Wilson Deputy Editor Majka Kaiser Digital Marketing & Content Manager Penny Newton Editorial Assistants Jessica Wells & Clementine Page Creative Tristan Brehaut Account Manager Derek Thorp Accounts Administrator Claire Ross Editorial and Advertising Enquiries: 03 366 3340 info@somocreative.co.nz www.cityscape.co.nz

PUBLISHED BY

SOMO Creative Ltd PO Box 13 717 Christchurch Cityscape is a division of SOMO Creative Ltd. Cityscape is subject to copyright in its entirety. Opinions expressed in Cityscape are not necessarily those of Cityscape. Editorial contributions welcome. No responsibility taken for unsolicited submissions. Prizewinners will be notified by phone and email. If Cityscape is unable to contact the winner within 14 days, Cityscape reserves the right to draw another winner. Cityscape reserves the right to use image/ name of competition entrants for publicity purposes.

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In this issue

06 THE DROP Tip-offs, trends and more. 09 THE LUST LIST What’s hot this month. 10 CULTURE CALENDAR The month in culture. 16 PETER PAN SYNDROME Cityscape catches up with Kiwi actor Jay Laga’aia. 18 TAKING FLIGHT Songstress Tui Mamaki. 20 BREAKING GLASS Indie-folk singer-songwriter Mel Parsons. 22 CHARACTER STUDY Musical theatre royalty Elaine Paige.

24 AND THEY’RE OFF! Cityscape’s Cup Week guide. 25 THE CITYSCAPE 2018 CHRISTMAS EDIT Get your Santa on. 33 STYLE FILES Fierce festive fashion. 36 BY DESIGN Hot looks for the home. 38 ENTERTAIN ME Film, music, books, games & TV. 41 FOOD & DRINK Eating and drinking in the city. 46 THE LAST WORD Local artist Hannah Beehre.

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International Standard Serial Number ISSN 2537-933X print, ISSN 2537-9348 online

ON THE COVER

Indie-folk singer-songwriter Mel Parsons has a yarn with Cityscape ahead of her December gig. Turn to our Q&A with her on page 20. Image: Lisa MacIntosh Photography

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The Drop TIP-OFFS, TRENDS & MORE

HO, HO, HO, LET’S GO!

Nothing signals the festive season in Christchurch like Ballantynes’ Christmas window displays and the retail icon’s Christmas Shop. In the Fashion Atrium on the store’s first floor, the latter is the city’s slice of Santa’s workshop, chockfull of the best in decorations and yuletide décor. Image: John Stapels

ballantynes.co.nz

EARLY WARNING

Aww, Crumbs

Some of the planet’s fiercest fringe talents will combine with the tastiest local eats and drinks at the new-look summer festival extravaganza Bread & Circus – World Buskers Festival 2019. B&C kicks off 25 days of madcap mayhem, pearl-clutching spectacle and general hilarity on January 10, with busking acts from 15 countries. The lineup includes Piff the Magic Dragon, fresh from slaying audiences in Las Vegas; Hot Brown Honey, a fierce sass-fest that puts the grrr in girl power; and LIMBO, a heady fusion of cabaret, circus and acrobatics. The first ten days are a whirlwind of free events, busking and ticketed shows in and around central-city hotspot The Festival Hub (with the famed Spiegeltent, pictured, its crowning jewel) followed by events through to February. breadandcircus.co.nz

CHE BELLO! Looking for a dash of Italian mid-century modern to finesse your vibe? Two exhibitions featuring the spoils of mr mod’s latest buying trip to the Land of Style are sure to deliver. Ross “mr mod” Morrison’s showroom will have pieces on display and for sale from designers including Osvaldo Borsani, Gio Ponti and Carlo de Carli. That exhibition opens November 29 and runs till December 22. The Nadene Milne Gallery, in Bath Street, features more of his Italian collection in an exhibition by potter Paul Maseyk, from November 15 till December 15. And for a global sampler, don’t miss Mid-Century Modern: the Morrison Collection, at CoCA until November 17. mrmod.co.nz

ON A ROLL

Tasty Malaysian street eats are guaranteed when hospo duo Josh Emett and Fleur Caulton roll out their famed Hawker & Roll restaurant on Cashel Street this month. Named after the celeb chef’s famous dish from sibling eatery Madam Woo, the new venue is part of a chain renowned for its fast-casual dining featuring Malaysian laksa, Nasi lemak, dumplings and of course, the famous Hawker Roll. hawkerandroll.co.nz

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EXHIBITIONS

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CLASSIC HITS

PICTURE-ESQUE Join the CSO as they ring in the final performance of the 2018 Lamb & Hayward Masterworks Season by performing Maurice Ravel’s spin on Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition (Nov 10) at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Hailed as one of the finest young pianists of his generation and with performances at prestigious venues such as the Louvre Auditorium and Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall under his belt, Jayson Gillham is a fitting musician for this showpiece, led by CSO Chief Conductor Benjamin Northey. cso.co.nz

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/ THE DROP

MUSIC ICON

BYRNE BABY BYRNE

WELL READ

TURNING THE PAGE The long-awaited and super tricked-out Christchurch central library Tūranga is here and it’s so much more than a funky bookworm’s paradise! Rocking more than 180,000 items from novels to videos, Tūranga is also a technology hub offering services like laser cutting, 3D printing (school projects just went up a few notches), virtual reality and robotics, not to mention a video-editing suite, music studio and … New Zealand’s largest digital touch-wall – a virtual world of photos, videos and info spanning seven metres. Add onsite Foundation Café to the mix and we may never leave!

New wave pioneer, oversized suit wearer and former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is bringing his critically acclaimed American Utopia album tour to Horncastle Arena on November 15. Expect a visually stunning performance with a side of quirk – the opening number sees Byrne seated at a table stroking a brain(!) For this tour, Byrne has roped in the creative genius of Annie-B Parson, and has also called on Kiwi muso Kimbra for support. davidbyrne.com

Awk-word: Self Saucing Rising to prominence on Radio Hauraki’s Matt & Jerry breakfast show, a self saucer is someone who takes any opportunity to big themselves up. The literal, modern-day take on the classic wanker.

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/ THE DROP

FITSPO

GETTING GAINS

REVIEW

At the Movies Cityscape kicks (way) back in the

refined surrounds of Hoyts Lux, where the classic datenight staple of dinner and a movie has been launched into the stratosphere. It’s the cinematic equivalent of flying first class; we’re stretched out on the dangerously comfortable buttery leather recliners (think near flatbed) sipping chilled flutes of bubbles, surrounded by that spanking new luxury car aroma someone really oughta bottle. On screen, Ryan Gosling, channelling Neil Armstrong, is getting a bead on eyeing off the groaning pop rivets in his archaic spacecraft when our starters ‘appear’ on the illuminated table. Any preconceived ideas of how intrusive dinner service during a movie might be slinks away into the darkness with Hoyts Lux manager Stuart Jones’ stealthy, black-clad ninja moves. Stuart’s welcoming smile greets us as the tinted glass rolls back to reveal the city’s swankiest new bar. Perched above EntX, Hoyts Lux is a capacious, dark and broody space working some effortless New York loft cool, where plush booth seating is orbited by satellites of tables and chairs, creating a sense of intimacy. Perusing the specially crafted menu by celeb chef extraordinaire and My Kitchen Rules host Manu Feildel, we opt for starters of Southern Style Fried Chicken and the Duck Bao Trio followed by the Grilled Chicken and Nam Duck salads. With our glasses of bubbles on the tray, Stuart escorts us to our seats, opening doors along the way. Futuristic and super high-tech (there’s

cordless mobile phone chargers on the arm rests and USB ports for those kicking things ol’ skool, a call attendant button for additional drinks and/or eats and a handy cupboard for stashing handbags, jackets and anything else you don’t want to trip over if you have to hit the swishy bathrooms mid movie), the theatre features tiered seating and partitions, ensuring we can’t see the people in front of us. And with our closest neighbours beyond arm’s reach, it feels like we have the theatre all to ourselves. The cinema experience is immersive, the sound and picture quality is so crisp that, at times, it feels like we’re sitting alongside Gosling (albeit on much better seats) launching into space. Feildel’s menu doesn’t disappoint either. It’s seriously restaurant quality – the fried chicken is tender, crunchy-coated, fiery-sauced and soothed by a ranch dressing while the (huge) bao would have to be among the city’s finest. What’s more, when the salads of exceptional size and flavour arrive later in the movie, they’re joined by the two glasses of Russian Jack Pinot Noir we ordered earlier. Cinema-going will never be the same again! hoyts.co.nz

Heads up Cityscapers, there’s a new player on the fitness scene! The Gallery Fitness is a swanky new contemporary family-run gym where elite athletes, personal trainers and owners Jamil Rehman and Kristy Thomson offer their expertise alongside a fully qualified team and state-of-the-art gym equipment including Hammer Strength, Cybex and Life Fitness. Slick, sharp and effortlessly cool, the friendly, nonjudgmental and clean Montreal Street gym with a difference is open 24/7 – just in time to get your bod beach ready. thegalleryfitness.co.nz

INTERIORS

ECO FRAME AND MIRROR With hundreds of mirrors on display, the showroom at Eco Frame and Mirror is nothing short of a feast for the eyes! From contemporary rounds to ornate, antique living-room showpieces, they have mirrors to suit any style or budget. The experienced staff can help guide you through the process of choosing the right mirror for your space, or even assist you in designing a custom, one-of-a-kind mirror. 394 Colombo Street, 03 377 0223 frameandmirror.co.nz

WIN! WE HAVE 5 X DOUBLE MOVIE PASSES TO HOYTS ENTX TO GIVE AWAY. TO ENTER, EMAIL US AT INFO@SOMOCREATIVE.CO.NZ WITH ‘HOYTS’ IN THE SUBJECT LINE AND TELL US WHAT MOVIE YOU HAVE TO SEE. ENTRIES CLOSE NOVEMBER 30.

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Lust list 9 This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must haves for the home and wardrobe.

1 Sylvester Dancehall Trench (RRP $399) from Ballantynes 2 Tom Dixon Copper Round Pendant Blue (POA) from ECC 3 Reebok Sneakers (RRP $160) from Issimo 4 Arowm Jelly Beans Earrings (RRP $45) from Infinite Definite 5 Fruit Salad Print by Jen Sievers (RRP $89) from The Clever Design Store 6 Marimekko Mini Vase (RRP $49) from Bolt of Cloth 7 Reign Cardinal Ring (POA) from Filigree Fine Jewels 8 Miami Footstool (RRP $2,219) from BoConcept 9 Lonely Lingerie Lena Underwire Bra & Lena High Waist Brief (RRP $90 & RRP $55) from Infinite Definite 10 Tatcha Smooth, Poreless Skin Obento Box (RRP $126)

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NOV THE MONTH IN CULTURE

SCAPE PUBLIC ART 20TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON 2018

EXHIBITION The team behind

SCAPE Public Art are ringing in two decades with an epic lineup of works. Various venues, until Sat 17 Nov, scapepublicart.org.nz

MID-CENTURY MODERN: THE MORRISON COLLECTION EXHIBITION mr mod’s Ross

Morrison is bringing out the big guns and putting the best in his collection up for display. Centre of Contemporary Art, until Sat 17 Nov, coca.org.nz

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION Stunning images

celebrating the diversity of the natural world are on show in this special exhibition. Canterbury Museum, until Sun 18 Nov, canterburymuseum.com

LUIGI ROSSINI: LE ANTICHITÀ ROMANE EXHIBITION Luigi Rossini’s

dramatic and large-scale engravings from his first major

SCAPE PUBLIC ART

portfolio take up residence at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Christchurch Art Gallery, until Sun 20 Jan, christchurchartgallery.org.nz

JULIET PETER: WHERE THE LINE LEADS EXHIBITION Explore the

wondrous works of New Zealand painter, printmaker and potter Juliet Peter. Christchurch Art Gallery, until Sun 20 Jan, christchurchartgallery.org.nz

BEHIND THE LINES: ROB RUHA & RIA HALL LIVE MUSIC Māori music icons

Rob Ruha and Ria Hall head to Christchurch as part of their first dual national tour. The Piano, Fri 2 Nov, thepiano.nz PETER PAN GOES WRONG

FERRYMEAD NIGHT MARKET

UPROAR MUSIC FESTIVAL

MARKET Get your craft and food

including some of Christchurch’s up-and-coming artists, will take to the stage for a day of spectacular sounds. Ferrymead Heritage Park, Sat 10 Nov, ferrymead.org.nz

fix at this funky night market, set in the historic surrounds of Christchurch’s iconic Ferrymead Heritage Park. Ferrymead Heritage Park, Sat 3 Nov, ferrymead.org.nz

GRIFF RHYS JONES: WHERE WAS I? COMEDY British comedian Griff

Rhys Jones brings his hilarious live show of stories, anecdotes and stand-up to the city. Isaac Theatre Royal, Wed 7 Nov, isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND CUP AND SHOW WEEK FESTIVAL Expect a big week of

frocks, fascinators, racing, events and general good times when Christchurch’s annual spring party returns. Various venues, Sat 10 – Sat 17 Nov, nzcupandshow.co.nz

CSO: PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION

JAMES

LIVE MUSIC Award-winning

rock musos James return to New Zealand shores, rocking tunes from their brand new album Living in Extraordinary Times, alongside a swag of British classics. The Bedford Marquee, Mon 12 Nov, wearejames.com

Australian/British pianist Jayson Gillham joins Chief Conductor Benjamin Northey to perform some of the greatest piano concertos from the Romantic era to the modern day. Air Force Museum of NZ, Sat 10 Nov, cso.co.nz

LIVE MUSIC Iconic Mancunian

DIONNE WARWICK

THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURAL SHOW

LIVE MUSIC Soul music legend

EXPO Welcoming thousands of

and five-time Grammy Award winner Dionne Warwick brings her timeless classics to town for an intimate show. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sat 10 Nov, isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

FESTIVAL Local music icons,

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visitors through the gates, this annual agricultural extravaganza celebrates all that is great about rural life. Canterbury Agricultural Park, Wed 14 Nov – Fri 16 Nov, theshow.co.nz

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DAVID BYRNE: AMERICAN UTOPIA LIVE MUSIC Talking Heads’

bandleader, solo artist, author and music legend David Byrne is heading Down Under as part of the international tour for his latest album American Utopia. Horncastle Arena, Thu 15 Nov, premier.ticketek.co.nz

NZSO: PROKOFIEV & TCHAIKOVSKY

enchantment for all ages with The Nutcracker. Isaac Theatre Royal, Thu 22 – Sat 24 Nov, rnzb.org.nz

COCA-COLA CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

PETER PAN GOES WRONG

FAMILY Spread a little pre-

COMEDY Another triumphant

Christmas cheer with one of the city’s most iconic annual events, now in its 25th year! Hagley Park, Sat 24 Nov, coke.co.nz

disaster will stumble into the Isaac Theatre Royal following the success of the West End’s The Play That Goes Wrong – prepare to ache from laughter! Isaac Theatre Royal, Wed 28 Nov – Sun 2 Dec, peterpangoeswrong.co.nz

PERFORMANCE Under the baton

of maestro Edo de Waart, Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen and members of the NZSO will treat Christchurch to a collection of virtuosic works. Horncastle Arena, Sat 17 Nov, nzso.co.nz

COLOUR ZONE RUN

RNZB: THE NUTCRACKER

AN EVENING OF GRAND DESIGNS WITH KEVIN McCLOUD

PERFORMANCE The RNZB are

returning to the city for another fabulous show and festive

Designs host and renowned designer Kevin McCloud when he comes to the city. Air Force Museum of NZ, Mon 26 Nov, premier.ticketek.co.nz

FAMILY/FITNESS A 5km run/walk

brings a welcome hit of vibrancy to the red zone – prepare to be blasted with colour! Donnell Sports Park, Sun 25 Nov, colourzonerun.co.nz

TALK Tap the genius of Grand

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TUI MAMAKI LIVE MUSIC Kiwi songstress Tui Mamaki is returning home from training in Bulgaria in light of her new album release Fly and will be accompanied by percussionist Doug Brush. Blue Smoke, Thu 29 Nov, tuimamaki.com

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DIARIES OUT

The hottest upcoming events and international acts.

LOCAL Time to raise a wine glass at the South Island Wine and Food Festival (Dec 1), drop in on Fat Freddy’s Drop at Hagley Park (Jan 12), sing along with legends TOTO (Jan 13), tuck into top nosh at the Night Noodle Markets (Feb 6 – Feb 17), get nostalgic at Nostalgia Festival (Feb 16), and laugh with comedy legend Eddie Izzard at his Wunderbar World Tour (Feb 27).

OUT OF TOWN Let’s go girls to Shania Twain in Auckland (Dec 18/Dec 19) or Dunedin (Dec 22), send off 2018 at Rhythm & Vines (Dec 28 – Jan 1) in Gisborne, Rhythm & Alps (Dec 29 – Jan 1) in Wanaka, Bay Dreams at Mount Maunganui (Jan 2) or the Nelson edition (Jan 4).

Culture HOME JAMES

Mancunian rockers James will rock The Bedford Marquee with classic tunes and smash hits from their latest album Living in Extraordinary Times on November 12.

STRINGS THEORY Under the baton of Edo de Waart, the NZSO are set to impress audiences when they hit Horncastle Arena with some of history’s best classical music hits (Nov 17) alongside guest violinist virtuoso Vesa-Matti Leppänen, who will take on the elaborate composition of Prokofiev’s colourful Violin Concerto No. 2. Leppänen and the NZSO will conclude two hours of lush tunes with the bold melodies of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, which remains one of his most loved large-scale creations. nzso.co.nz

Critically acclaimed British comedian and actor Catherine Tate is bringing her gang of hilarious personas to the Isaac Theatre Royal (Dec 3 – 5). Accompanied by long-term collaborator Niky Wardley and Irish filmmaker and actor David O’Reilly, Tate’s much-loved characters from the hugely successful BBC series The Catherine Tate Show – ‘Nan’ Taylor, Irish nurse Bernie, Geordie Georgie, Essex girl Sam, and her most iconic ‘not bovvered’ teenage schoolgirl Lauren – will unite for three evenings of riotous wit and uproarious humour, along with a brand spanking new series of sketches. So popular is her new show, an additional two shows have been added for Christchurch, so don’t miss out! isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

Image: Paula Beetlestone, Channel 4

Not a Bovver

wearejames.com

WINE NOT?

Soon to herald the arrival of summer is the annual South Island Wine & Food Festival (Dec 1), where more than 40 expertly curated wines meet primo eats and some seriously sweet sounds. winefestival.co.nz

Image: Murray Irwin

CLASSIC HITS

DESIGN GURU

HOME IMPROVEMENTS It’s been almost two decades since Kevin McCloud began hosting Britain’s hit design series Grand Designs and now the main man is Christchurch bound (again) to bring his extensive knowledge on all things design to the Air Force Museum of NZ (Nov 26). Don’t miss out on your chance to tap the genius of McCloud when he divulges his insights into an array of topics including architectural and design concepts like sustainable architecture. premier.ticketek.co.nz

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WHOLE LOTTA KILT

Embrace your inner Scot, the annual Hororata Highland Games is coming to Hororata Domain (Nov 10) for a day of games, feats of strength, eats, treats and sounds. hororatahighland games.org.nz

/ CULTURE ACTION PACKED

CUTTING EDGE Spice up your social calendar with some chainsaw juggling and a side of sword swallowing at The Laboratory (Nov 12). Fronted by husband and wife duo David Ladderman and Lizzie Tollemache, their latest nail-biting – albeit macabre – venture, Seven Deadly Stunts, ups the ante on your run-of-the-mill stunts while throwing some Houdini-esque illusion into the mix as they tackle seven of the most notorious stunts in carnie history.

SOLID GOLD

Muse to the duo who crafted the iconic hit ‘I Say a Little Prayer’ – soulful songstress Dionne Warwick is bringing her legendary artistry to the city for an intimate performance at the Isaac Theatre Royal (Nov 10) that’s bound to include hits like ‘Walk On By’ and ‘That’s What Friends Are For’.

aotnz.co.nz

isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

TIME WARP

TUTU TALES

MAMMA MIA!

FAIRY ENTERTAINING

Internationally acclaimed ABBA tribute band ABBAsolutely fABBAlous are bringing their full-scale theatrical show, which includes classics like ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Waterloo’ and ‘Fernando’, to Horncastle Arena (Dec 9). Known for perfectly recreating the iconic songs with as much sensational harmony and dynamic showmanship as the original band, they also make sure all the little details like accents and mannerisms that made ABBA such an iconic ensemble are on point.

Get stuck into some early festive entertainment with the RNZB’s splendorous rendition of The Nutcracker (Nov 22 – 24). Taking on Tchaikovsky’s famous score, the CSO will set the musical backdrop to this traditional fairytale ballet that follows young Clara’s journey to the enchanting wonderland of the Marzipan Castle. Revel in one of ballet’s most beloved pieces, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, when you dance your way down to the Isaac Theatre Royal this month.

theabbashow.com.au

rnzb.org.nz

TRACK STARS

Ladies, unleash your inner glamazon; lads, take your threads to dapper heights, NZ Cup and Show Week is coming in hot! The swankiest event on the city’s social calendar (Nov 10 – 17) is a fashion maven’s dream. Turn heads, drop some coin on the ponies and pop the champers! nzcupandshow.co.nz

CRACK ME UP

JONESING FOR JONES Known for his witty quips and banter on screen, Griff Rhys Jones now brings his hilariously crafted anecdotes to the Isaac Theatre Royal (Nov 7) with Where Was I? Touching on his days in the satirical comedy Not the Nine O’Clock News through to traversing Britain’s well-known rivers in Rivers with Griff Rhys Jones, he shares a few secrets from behind the camera, like when he jumped from a burning boat and rode the ‘train of death’. A guaranteed crack-up. isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

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SHOW TIME

Country comes to town with a new name when The New Zealand Agricultural Show (formerly the Canterbury A&P Show) unleashes three days (Nov 14 – Nov 16) of tractor demo-ing, wood chopping, Shetland pony romping, eats and beats with Kiwi muso Hollie Smith headlining. theshow.co.nz

AOTEAROA TUNES

BLURRED LINES Treat yourself (and your ears) to a sensational night of Kiwi music courtesy of Ria Hall and Rob Ruha who are set to take Christchurch audiences by storm when they call into The Piano as part of their Behind the Lines tour (Nov 2). In what will be a collab first for the pair, the performance will fuse Hall’s Rules of Engagement and Ruha’s Survivance – two albums which have racked up critical acclaim, the former nabbing a No.1 spot on the New Zealand Music Charts and the latter shooting straight to the top spot on iTunes – and will offer what the pair are describing as an “explosive sonic and sensory experience”. The musos will also be accompanied by band The Witch Dr., a collective of some of the finest musical talent New Zealand has to offer. Tapped as a performance not to be missed – best believe! jacman.co.nz

LOCAL TALENT

/ CULTURE

HOMEGROWN

CANDICE MILNER Lyttelton lass Candice Milner has caused quite a buzz on the music scene with her folk-soaked tunes since kick-starting her music career at 13. Her debut album Evergreen has earned the now 20-year-old a nom’ for Best Folk Artist at the 2018 Vodafone NZ Music Awards, and under the wing of Lyttelton Records producer Ben Edwards (who has worked alongside another Lyttelton native, Marlon Williams), there’s talk of a sophomore album next year. candicemilner.com

GROUP THERAPY

MUSICAL HEALING

SPARKS FLY

PUBLIC ART

KIRTAN YOGA

CHRISSY BANGER

THE GREAT (E)SCAPE

Expel negative energy and increase your wellbeing at Kirtan Yoga Christchurch. Founded by Ananda Mohini, who began her spiritual journey almost two decades ago, the concept of Kirtan Yoga is based on the chanting of mantras in a group. Embrace your inner spirituality, clear your mind and experience a state of bliss and pure happiness with Ananda’s KirtanWave. Check out their website for where and when to catch the next KirtanWave.

Kick-starting the festive summer season with another spectacular evening of fun, the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park celebrates its 25th anniversary with Kiwi powerhouse Hollie Smith and country queen Tami Neilson when it rolls into town (Nov 24). Round up your friends and family and head down to Hagley Park for another fabulous showcase of top-notch singers, dancers and musicians who are set to light up your night with a mix of all-time Christmas favourites and Kiwi classics alike.

SCAPE Public Art is celebrating its 20th year with a smorgasbord of art installations, videography and live performances dotted around the city from renowned local and international artists such as Tony Cragg (pictured work), Christopher Ulutupu, Tom Dale and Hannah Beehre. This year’s theme, Our Braided Future, takes on twin metaphors, the braided rivers in Canterbury and the woven tapestry of shared understanding. Get out and about and immerse yourself in the stunning works.

coke.co.nz/christmas-in-the-park

scapepublicart.org.nz

kirtanyogachristchurch.com

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/ CULTURE

TRUE COLOURS

MAN’S BEST FRIEND

OUTDOOR OASES

RAINBOW WARRIORS

DOG TALES

GARDEN OF DELIGHTS

Bringing vibrancy to the red zone this month (Nov 25), the 5-kilometre Colour Zone Run (or walk, no judgement here) is destined to be a lively day of fun and fitness! Prepare to be drenched in all the colours of the rainbow (plus some) as you traverse through what was once a beautiful residential subdivision. Devastated by the quakes, Burwood’s red zone has seen its fair share of destruction, but this high-spirited, family-friendly event is guaranteed to inject new life into the area.

A must for hound lovers and those with a sense of adventure, Canterbury Museum’s exhibition Dogs in Antarctica: Tales from the Pack tells the equally sombre and uplifting tales of the four-legged friends who accompanied explorers on the various Antarctic expeditions and braved perilous conditions to save the crew members from death by scurvy. Told through photography, objects from the Museum’s Antarctic collections and video interviews with the dog handlers at Scott Base.

City getting a bit too hectic? Escape the hustle and bustle and make for the quaint surrounds of bucolic Tai Tapu and take a leisurely stroll through six local gardens on a self tour, with a limited option to indulge in the Otahuna Garden Tour Package/ guided tour of Sir Heaton Rhodes’ former estate, as part of the town’s Garden Tour event (Nov 11). From small-scale gardens through to sprawling estates, each garden tells its own tale through various features, themes and architecture.

colourzonerun.co.nz

canterburymuseum.com

taitapugardentour.nz

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cityscapemagazine_chch

Peter Pan Syndrome Cityscape catches up with Kiwi actor Jay Laga’aia about crazy fan requests, how acting shaped him as a father and what it was like being part of the Star Wars franchise ahead of his performance as narrator and pirate in Peter Pan Goes Wrong this month.

ow would you describe Peter Pan Goes Wrong? The great thing about Peter Pan Goes Wrong is that as an actor – I mean I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed – to have a show that tells you what it’s about in the title … winner winner chicken dinner! It’s a ‘dad show’, you laugh at the most stupidest things and, for kids, it’s a visual show, for example Mr Darling walks in with his jacket over his arm and goes to hang his jacket up on the hook and then the jacket falls down, then they all turn around and look at the door and the hook is actually just painted on! Anyway, stupid things, just little things like that, but they’re magnified. It’s organised chaos. I think the biggest thing with Peter Pan Goes Wrong is that if there is an actual accident we won’t know. I can see myself going “Wow he is a great actor, he looks like he’s really knocked out and that looks like real blood too! Bravo bro, bravo!” You really have to be a talented actor to pull off a part in the Goes Wrong plays – how do you prepare for such a role? Firstly, make sure that the contract is signed! You can never celebrate until the contract is signed. Sign the contract, then we’ll dance. It’s difficult when it’s a show you’ve never done before, I’ve never done comedy as such, I do theatre sports and other dramatic stuff, but to do this kind of physical comedy which is sort of old

vaudevillian comedy all-in-response kind of comedy, it’s fast, you know it’s Fawlty Towers meets Spike Milligan. Tell us about your Groundhog Day technique. It’s the idea of remembering to forget, every night. For us as actors, we have the same text, the same cues and the same scenes, so the trick is to always try and forget as much as you can so you still have a genuine reaction. For me it’s always about ensuring everything comes from a place of truth. Audiences are not stupid, they’ll know if you’re phoning it in and if they don’t feel it, they will not come on that journey with you and our job is to make people forget their lives for three hours. At the end of the day, you have to be able to tell good stories, but you have to be relatable. You’re pulling double duty as both the narrator and a pirate – which character is most like you? I think a little bit of both. As much as you are a storyteller, you want to be a player as well. But sometimes you just don’t have the bones for it. I play various characters, but my role as the narrator is a bit like the Rocky Horror narrator and my job is to advance the scene to explain stuff, and ring the fire department if something happens, but it’s a great and pivotal role that allows us to advance if we need to as far as the story is concerned.

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With eight children you’re obviously wellversed in multitasking – how has being a father shaped you as an actor? What parenthood has done is allowed me to pretend that I know what I’m doing. My wife goes “I carried them for nine months”, yeah but I’m carrying them for 25 years financially and they just won’t leave the house! It’s also allowed me to, in certain times, lose my ego because you have to get money for that school uniform, a trip or, you know, lunch or anything. For me, I’m a father first and foremost and when people go “I want to do what you do, I want to be famous” I tell them, “If you want to be famous, rob a bank.” Because what I do is a job, 95% of our work is unpaid, it’s training, it’s rehearsals, it’s flying up to do things, it’s freebies, it’s all of that stuff and nine times out of ten, you have to go sideways to go forward. People go “Well, what did you want to do when you were young?” Well, I wanted to be an astronaut – you know, and I’m glad to say that I achieved that. First Samoan in space. And if you don’t believe me, have a look at Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

/ PETER PAN SYNDROME

Has anything gone wrong when you’ve been on stage or in front of the camera? When I did the opening of the Lion King, I had to stand on Pride Rock with Simba and say “Everything the light touches is our kingdom. A king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun”, and as I was going through that spiel, an idea popped into my head … did I lock the car? Oh crap! And then in my head I go, I’ve stopped talking, I looked around and I’m still up there, well … what the far out?! All the other characters in the grassland scene were all standing there with boards of grass on their heads and because we’re up high, we can see the grass down there and I’m going where am I? How far along am I? And I look down

and all I can see is the grass swaying as they’re laughing and I look down out to the orchestra who are still playing and I could see our conductor looking back at me through the monitor and he’s going “What?! Round! Round again! What?!” and in the end, I had to bite the bullet and I went, “As I said, everything the light touches is our kingdom. A king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun”. You’ve been in two of cinema’s biggest blockbuster franchises, Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings – what was it like making these and being part of their legacy? As a child growing up in South Auckland in ’77 I saved up refundable bottles with my brother so we could go to The Civic to watch Star Wars and I just fell in love with that genre, so working on the series itself was huge for me because I got to meet up with my good mate Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen and I’d say to them, “Don’t stand together, we look like a gang!” We spent most of our time doing shallow stuff like what’s your costume like? And then you walk around and it’s one of the biggest sets I’ve ever worked on where you have 450 on-set and 600 off-set, so when you had lunch it was like a small nation. You had different food all over the place and you’re sitting on-set next to the big blue guy and you eat your meal and everything was confidential – and you end up getting an action figure out of it as well. I was shooting

Street Legal and it was hilarious because Hasbro rang me up and said “We can deliver a box to you, and could you sign another box?” And I said, “Oh yeah, sure”, so they deliver this box and I open it up and go “Wow” and the other cast members come around and go “Ohhhh, you got a toy?!” And I went “Oh, oh now you respect me.” And how about watching these movies with your family? Kids are always really hilarious because they will watch it on their own and only acknowledge you when they’ve got friends around. My nine-yearold acts like my publicist, she goes “Yes, this is Jay Laga’aia”, it’s funny when you go out with your kids and people are like “Are you Jay Laga’aia?” and they interject and go “Yes! This is Jay, you’ve probably seen him on shows such as Home and Away, Nim’s Island …” and I go “OK, OK you need to be quiet now”. These films have a very specific fan base – what’s been your most unusual fan request? Doing Star Wars you have some crazy convention goers and I do some big conventions like [Star Wars] Celebration and with doing Star Wars and Xena and all of that stuff, the fans do go a bit crazy. We had fans in Manila who were just wonderful. They’d come to the stage door, get signatures and give you gifts like dried shrimp and packaged things, and the cast would go “Why are they giving us this crap?” and I go “You need to understand, they would have had to have paid money for this, they bought you something instead of buying something for themselves”. Or you have those people like when I was doing Water Rats that come up and go “Will you sign my breasts?” and I go “Yeah, no”, and you realise that you have to represent people and you have to have your own code of conduct. Grab a piece of paper or your hand, I don’t sign butts and I don’t sign breasts – I don’t play rugby league. What was the career plan when you started out on Heroes? Well it’s interesting because Heroes was the first production that I did for TVNZ and with director Mike Smith, working alongside Margaret Umbers, and they said they were looking for musicians so I show up and I played like eight or nine different instruments and I thought I was pretty cool and then they gave me a script and I read it like a three-year-old and I thought well, there goes that idea. You just go in for a laugh and you don’t expect anything. I mean, I wasn’t an actor, but I got a phone call and

they were like “We’d love to cast you in a role” and I went “All right”. So I went in there and I did the first series … I was terrible. I saw some of the snippets and I just went “Holy moly”. It’s one of those things where you just want to talk over yourself. What has been the most surreal moment in your career to date? Every day is a real surreal experience for me. A friend who was a professional driver for international guests rang up and said, “Guess who I’m driving?” and I go “Who?” and he responds with “Sam Neill, he’s doing this whole series of the new James Cook travel show”, and I go “Sammy! Say hello to Sammy for me all right and send him my best”. I did Daybreakers, which is a vampire movie, with him, Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe and we had a great time. I’d go next door because I was doing Nim’s Island at the time with Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster and Gerard Butler. And we went over there to scare them because we had our fangs and eyes in and it was lots of fun. It’s funny, because I’ve had people like Russell Crowe ring me up and leave a voicemail. I go to my wife “Someone just did the greatest Russell Crowe impression on my cell phone”, and she goes “Well, did you ring him back?” And I’m like “No?” So I ring him back, reach his voicemail and I leave a message: “Yeah Russ, uh, you rang me, just drop me a line … mate” and I went, “Russell Crowe rang me and he probably wants me to be in a movie, no hold on, what’s the lowest common denominator? He’s got a rugby league team”. Sure enough, he says “Bro, is it possible to get you up? My team is coming up to Coffs Harbour, I’d love you to come up and just do some inspirational stuff with them you know, have a chat with them”. And I go, “Sure bro, not a problem”. Best piece of advice you’ve been given? Don’t let your acting get in the way of the story. Favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Kicking back watching the All Blacks playing somebody, with a cup of tea and maybe some apple pie or a blueberry muffin and all the kids somewhere else. What TV show are you addicted to? I’m not so much addicted to a lot of TV shows but I do love the idea of Netflix, the idea of streaming and the idea of being able to just go back to a show and it’s waiting for you, it’s stopped where you left it. I think one of the biggest things that really annoys me is when my daughter starts to like the show that I’m watching and changes the episode to her episode and then you open that up and go “Hey, wait hold on … I’ve seen this before”.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong, November 28 – December 2, peterpangoeswrong.co.nz 17

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Taking Flight Cityscape catches up with polyglot songstress Tui Mamaki on heartbreak and the healing power of Bulgarian folk music ahead of her hotly anticipated album release tour Fly, which is set to blow hearts and minds at Blue Smoke this month.

ouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made a childhood dream a reality with Fly, how does that feel? When I was twelve years old, I heard the record Le MystĂ¨re des Voix Bulgares. This phenomenal vocal music moved me to a state of cosmic connection. I literally felt like I belonged and had found my place in the universe. Twenty years later I travelled to Bulgaria for the first time. Little could I anticipate that I would move there in 2014 to study the old songs and end up staying nearly three years, learning the language and having this vocal practice and repertoire totally transform my approach to voice and to music making. Fly is my gift back to this extraordinary experience! As an experience and place, Bulgaria broke me down/broke me open. This collection of songs came from the new silence, beyond the breaking. They are, in fact, songs of renewal and gratitude. Fly is a very intimate achievement. To have brought this dream to fruition independently, to have had the

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courage to preserve the vulnerability and tenderness throughout, has been huge. How have you stamped your personality onto this music and made it your own? The compositions on Fly are inspired by the fascinating odd-meter rhythms intrinsic to Bulgarian folk music and dances. Playing these rhythms like a harp on an acoustic guitar dissimulates the patterns at times, making it more like a tapestry. The vocal melodies arrived with ornamentation that leads us back to the old songs here. But the vocal sound is very intimate. The lyrics, telling stories of love, harvest, death and transcendence, are in English. Only one song is a traditional Bulgarian piece, an ode to the inspiration (for the rest of the songs). Where did you record Fly, and what influence did this have on the album? Fly was composed in Bulgaria and recorded in the South of France, in the CĂŠvennes mountains. I managed to track down the

/ TAKING FLIGHT

I literally felt like I belonged and had found my place in the universe.

Image: John Raoult

Image: Vampyr Works

is not the actual thing. This is not the strings that vibe the wood, the resonance that alters the body. This is not the song that makes you cry for beauty, where you don't quite know why, but you love this person because you feel understood with your soul reflected in the music.

engineer, Patrick Jauneaud (who worked on my favourite female vocal record Tchamantché by Rokia Traoré), and it turns out he has a studio and records independent projects, so I travelled to meet him. We tried a couple of tracks, which made me cry! As if what I had been imagining was suddenly real. I spent two weeks in those mountains, with the old stones, an incredibly soulful place with chestnut trees and delicate blue horizons. Patrick has a very intuitive and sensitive way of working. It was through Patrick that my music was passed on to the artist Piers Faccini, who invited me to release some music on his label Beating Drum Records. For that, we took several of the Fly pieces and let Piers play with them, into them. They were further arranged, resulting in the EP series Hear My Voice, which has quite a different mood to the intimacy of Fly but still very much in the spirit of the stories. Born in France, raised in Aotearoa and studying in exotic far-flung places like India and Bulgaria, how many languages do you speak? I speak two languages fluently: English and French (thanks to my parents making our household a Frenchspeaking one while growing up in New Zealand). I now speak enough Bulgarian to get by and can follow a lot more in conversation than I can contribute. It is a very beautiful and complex (to me) language. Thanks to the music, my pronunciation is too good for my own good and people often don’t get that I'm a foreigner till it all goes over my head. I would like to learn more Māori too. How do you approach performing live and recording in the studio? On stage, the shared experience with the audience (and

other musicians) is the most important. It's a combination of trying to create the ideal context (with musical preparation, comfortable sound, flowing layout, lovely lighting, sensitive mood, etc) and being flexible and resilient enough to flow with, and adapt to the reality! In the studio, there are a lot fewer variables; it's like going underground, into your dream. There it is all about staying alert and relaxed at once, and honing the focus of the interpretation, the story, the subtle colours of the voice, and the curve of the phrase ... anything you can do to leave a soulful and elegant trace. I think each experience complements the other. What has been the greatest joy and challenge on your musical journey? I have to say simply that it has been to learn from scratch again, at the age of 34 (when I came to Bulgaria). I feel like I had wonderful musical adventures before that, and many years with The Mamaku Project creating, recording and travelling all over the world, but Bulgaria and its folk singing was a real slap – in a good way. Good, because the love turned out to be stronger than the ego. Now it continues to be both a challenge and a joy. What is it about making music that ignites the fire in your belly? Music is the most elusive and time-defying art form I have had the chance to practise. I guess dance would be on par. I love it that we move, feel, share, vibe, connect and then it’s gone. Of course, on a record that sonic moment is captured, but live music is truly special. You know, I think people are missing out on this, with social media and all. They think they are participating, by showing interest in an event, by liking photos of an event, but this

What’s your take on the healing power music brings? I think it’s huge. I think both listening and playing are extremely powerful ways of feeling the thing, and so being able to let it pass. The gift of the guitar has been a real empowerment and freedom. I wasn’t planning to learn a new instrument at 34, but life has plans of its own for us. Playing guitar allows me to travel freely, to perform solo and to collaborate with some extraordinary musicians, particularly percussionists! What are you listening to? I am a very fussy listener. I can only do so in small doses because it affects me so deeply. I am likely to be physically ejected from a place if the music hurts. On record, I listen to devotional music like Arvo Pärt, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Sister Marie Keyrouz, Terry Riley and the timeless collaboration between Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass, Passages. Occasionally, to energise, I'll go towards Balkan brass bands, Roots Manuva, La Caravane Passe, or cheeky vocal improvisers like André Minvielle. Then I'll listen to a whole album of diaphonic Nedelinski songs from the Rodopi mountains and trip myself out with the incredible resonance of those Bulgarian voices in close harmony! And live, I like to listen to anything that has energy flow and presence. It depends enormously on the sound and if the venue is suited to the music the artists are trying to share. You’re collaborating with phenomenal Christchurch percussionist Doug Brush this month, what will he bring to the performance? Doug Brush is, as you say, phenomenal – a poet of sound. He is fluidly versed in the odd meters that my songs bring to the table and I think he is pleasantly stimulated by them! It is not common to use these meters in the West. The East is so rich in asymmetry of rhythm … a kind of enchantment. So, I am very lucky to have someone like Doug in Christchurch to look forward to playing music with.

Tui Mamaki, Blue Smoke, November 29, tuimamaki.com 19

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Breaking Glass Indie-folk singersongwriter Mel Parsons pulls up a pew with Cityscape ahead of her gig at Lyttelton Arts Factory next month and clues us in on what she’s been up to since her last album and how her latest offering, Glass Heart, came to be. hat have you been up to in the four years between your last album, Drylands, and your latest, Glass Heart, and how have those experiences informed this new album? Working and travelling is the short answer – I have been on the road a lot in the past few years, touring in the US and Canada, Europe and also New Zealand and Australia. While I’m on the road and performing a lot, for me working as an artist full-time doesn’t necessarily mean doing gigs every week. I’m self-managed and independent so I have an office and spend a massive amount of time working from there. I am lucky enough to have agents in North America, Europe and Australia, but here in New Zealand I still book all my own shows and manage the business side of things overall. It’s not necessarily all as amazing as it might appear on Instagram – I do get to travel to some wonderful places but the reality is a lot less glamorous than people might imagine! It’s hard to say whether the travelling really colours what I write, but I guess as a writer you are always observing

and soaking in ideas wherever you go, so in that respect the travel may have influenced it. But essentially I still write what I write. Touring is kind of the same wherever you are in the world – a lot of airports, a lot of driving, set-ups, pack-downs. A green room is a green room whether you’re in Toronto or Wellington. What was it like recording your latest album in LA with kick-arse producer Mitchell Froom, who’s worked with everyone from Crowded House to Elvis Costello to Suzanne Vega? And how did that come about? I had been wanting to work with Mitchell for a few years, so when our schedules finally aligned things happened pretty quickly. Mitchell and I had first been in touch about working together back in 2015, after being introduced by Canadian songwriting legend Ron Sexsmith – Mitchell has produced five of his records. But I’ve admired his work for a long time. You hear about how amazing these people are – and obviously by reputation you know that they’re operating at a very high level – but it wasn’t until we started working on

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the songs and got into the studio that I experienced Mitchell’s quiet genius first-hand. Mitchell, who also plays all the keyboards on the album, is a brilliant musician but he also has a very special set of skills in terms of producing – he hears things. Mitchell and I actually had a couple of days working together on some demos back at the beginning of 2017, mostly just to see how we worked together, and I guess make sure we were both keen to forge on and work on a full record project. It’s a very involved and intense process. On this album you had the opportunity to work with US-based musicians Kaveh Rastegar, Adam Levy, Ted Poor and Froom, instead of your usual New Zealand-based band. What were the benefits and challenges of performing with these heavy hitters? I have an amazing band based here in New Zealand, but unfortunately we just couldn’t make it work to bring everyone out to Los Angeles in the timeframe we had available. In their absence I was very fortunate that Mitchell was able to organise some really great

Image: Lisa MacIntosh Photography

/ BREAKING GLASS

session musicians to play on the record. They were all very down to earth and kind, and obviously extremely good at what they do. Each of them brought their own beautiful and unique sound to the album, all tied together by Mitchell’s overall vision. I did have a couple of times where I was sitting in the studio thinking “What on earth am I doing here with these guys?”, but they all really believed in the songs and gave me a lot of confidence that what we were making was really good. Because of the level that they’re working at, they don’t need to take jobs, so it was reassuring to know that they chose to be there based on the songs and the music. The deeply mournful single ‘Blame’ that kicks off the new album is, as you say, maybe one of the darkest songs you’ve written. Is it autobiographical? Yes it’s a very dark song, that’s for sure. A friend recently observed that it’s like a beautifully woven, soft baby's blanket wrapped up with a razor blade inside. Not everything I write is autobiographical, my inspiration comes from observations of life in general – sometimes the experiences of people around me, sometimes things I imagine, and sometimes things I have experienced myself. Also I think, as a music listener, it’s often the dark or sad songs that move me the most, so I have a natural tendency towards that kind of writing myself. You cite many musical influences, from Cat Stevens to Tom Petty, Tracy Chapman to Gillian Welch. Who inspires you musically these days? I listen to so much music and so many different styles it’s hard to say. I love going to live shows – I often come away feeling really inspired by live music. I’m still inspired by the classics – Tom Petty is a great example of that for me, his music is so evocative. Artists from the current era I have been listening to a lot are acts like Bahamas, The War on Drugs, Feist, Marlon Williams, Lana Del Rey, First Aid Kit – the list could go on and on. Establishing your own record label, Cape Road Recordings, at age 26 – how challenging was that and how beneficial have you found this kind of independence? I started my own label to release my first album. At the time I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or how to do it. I was quite stubborn I suppose in that I was resolute with what I wanted to do and just worked things out as I went along. I didn’t know how to do it, I just knew that I had to. At the time it was really out of

necessity – I wasn’t signed to a label and really needed a way to release my work. Now I’m very grateful for the experience it afforded me – I have learnt a huge amount about running a business and the music industry in general, and it has set me up for a sustainable career where I own and manage the rights to all my own work. I have total musical freedom because being the artist/writer and the boss at the same time, I have autonomy over everything I do. I’m not saying this is the best way to do things by any means, and it really started out from a place of necessity, but it has worked out pretty well for me so far. Do you ever hit a wall in your music-making? I have learned over the years that for my process, trying to force creativity is a frustrating and generally fruitless exercise. For that reason, when I am feeling inspired I know that I have to go and write – for me that has always been where the songs that make the cut have come from. I’m not sure if I believe in the idea of hitting a wall so much, more just that some days the inspiration and creative ideas are there and some days they’re not. Every now and then there is a tiny voice in the back of my mind that asks “What if I can never write another song?” But I’ve been lucky so far in that they always arrive. I think that thought is terrifying enough in itself to scare away any hypothetical wall. Touring as much as you do, how do you maintain a healthy balance and your sanity when there’s no routine to ground you? It really varies depending on where I’m at in a release cycle, but I do spend a lot of time touring. There are definite challenges with regards to maintaining your sanity on the road. I try to keep a routine of some sort of exercise while I’m away. Yoga has been good, and running is a great way to explore some of the places I end up in – especially because often you’re in one day and out the next. Living out of a suitcase with not many belongings can be quite a liberating experience – no thinking about what to wear each day, or all the usual routine things of home. I’m not saying I manage to stay completely sane on the road, but in a way that’s why artists are artists – we’re a little mad by design.

What do you love most about coming home? I miss my family when I’m away. I’ve got five hilarious nieces and nephews, including five-year-old twins who rewrite my songs with their own earnest lyrics, so I really love catching up and spending time with them. Ironically enough, I really like being at home. I like cooking, and mowing lawns, and all the arguably boring domestic stuff that maybe I’d find less novel if I was doing it all the time!

What’s your definition of success and have you re-evaluated this for yourself over the years in the music biz? Truthfully I feel like I’ve had a slow burner of a career so far. I think when I realised that ‘success’ doesn’t have to come in the form of a commercial radio hit, that was a very liberating moment. I chilled out and realised that I’m very lucky to make a full-time living as a touring artist, and I have a great and supportive audience who allow me to do that. I feel like I’m doing OK when people are listening to the music and getting something out of it. Will you be reuniting with your New Zealand-based band for this tour? For the release tour in December I will have my full band with me, which is exciting – they’re all such great players and wonderful people as well. My band is Aaron Stewart (bass), who has been with me for about ten years; Josh Logan (guitar/vocals), who has been in the band since 2016, and my cousin Jed Parsons (drums/vocals) since 2015. He also released his debut album earlier this year.

Mel Parsons, Lyttelton Arts Factory, December 8, melparsons.com 21

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Character Study How does musical theatre royalty Elaine Paige keep audiences on their toes? Cityscape poses the question.

Elaine Paige Isaac Theatre Royal January 21 elainepaige.com 22

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/ CHARACTER STUDY

ou’re known as the First Lady of British Musical Theatre. What is the most ‘unlike’ lady thing you’ve ever done? Well when I was playing Edith Piaf on stage at the Piccadilly Theatre, in the Pam Gems play Piaf in 1993, I had to swear a lot and squat and pee in the first scene every night! I don’t think I’ve ever done anything else as quite ‘unlike’ a lady in my life! Ha ha … She was a great character to play though, one of my favourites, but it was a hugely taxing role. Not only did I have to grapple with her despair from the age of 15 through drugs, alcohol, the pain and angst of lost love, and the physical pain of a broken jaw and arthritis, leading to her premature death at 48 in 1963 – I had to die every night. Her lifestyle killed her. Playing her life every night nearly killed me! This year marks a 54-year stage career, what do you credit your longevity to (outside of amazing talent)? Diversifying. I like the challenge of doing different things. I’ve been in many stage musicals and plays, I like both acting onstage, TV and film, and presenting my own radio show. I believe in being inquisitive and keeping one’s curiosity, surprising your audience … and yourself! You were the original lead in Evita, what impact did that have on your career? It was the show that changed my life. I wouldn’t be here chatting with you if Eva Perón hadn’t been 5’2” … seriously it was the role of a lifetime. When I first heard the concept album I knew I had to play her. I had already performed in several West End musicals, but when I won the role of Evita everything changed overnight. It was totally new, exciting and challenging. It not only changed my life, but it changed British musicals. Suddenly Broadway realised the Brits were a force to be reckoned with. What has been your favourite character and musical? That’s such a hard question. Obviously Eva Perón and Evita as we’ve discussed, Sunset Boulevard’s Norma Desmond was also a fantastic character to play, and the show that eventually took me to Broadway – 16 years after Evita! I loved playing Mrs Lovett in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd because she was a dark yet humorous character, and of course Grizabella in Cats gave me my signature ‘Memory’. Florence in Chess was also very special as the musical was written with me in mind! You see, how can I choose one? Next question! Tell us about your most memorable onstage experience? It’s not an onstage experience, but it is one I’ll never forget. In

preamble prior to our performance. Afterwards a glass of good red wine and debrief. Then meet the fans, sign autographs and then back to the hotel to bed. Sleep is very important to look after one’s voice.

1988 we decided to record an album of songs of the rock band Queen. Quite a gargantuan project, made even more so by the fact that we decided to do it with a symphony orchestra! Queen were very excited by the idea, because at that time their music had never been covered before, and Freddie insisted on lending moral support by camping out at the studio all the time – we couldn’t keep him away! One of the funniest moments was Freddie wanting to put his voice on my track of ‘My Melancholy Blues’. I said to him, “Freddie, it’ll be too high, it’s in my key!” And he said, “No, no dear, let me try it, I love all those strings.” Well, since he wrote the song, who was I to stop him? One of my fondest memories of Freddie – hearing him sing ‘My Melancholy Blues’ in completely the wrong key! The result was extraordinary. It was amazing. And what’s one you’d rather forget? A musical called Maybe That's Your Problem. It was about premature ejaculation! Why write a musical about it you may well ask? All I can say is the problem was revealed at the beginning and it was all over in the first scene! It was the first time I worked with lyricist Don Black. One song he particularly liked was called ‘A Night To Remember’. For what, I wonder? Alan Jay Lerner, who wrote My Fair Lady, Gigi, Brigadoon and Camelot, told Don the show should’ve been called Shortcomings! It closed after only 18 performances. Do you have a pre-show or after-show routine? I always eat a proper meal four hours before I give a concert. My routine is always the same – I do makeup and my hair, warm up my voice with scales and general vocal exercises. And just prior to the performance I like to spend some quiet time alone. Ten or so minutes before the show my band and I gather together as a

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You’ve never been married or had children. Do you think women are judged if they don’t? In 2018 I think the world and the view of relationships have changed immeasurably. Gay men and women can marry and have children, attitudes now are much more relaxed and acceptance to live how you choose is the norm. It’s apparent ‘anything goes’ and not everyone feels the need to conform. My question to you is, would you ask a man the same question? What’s the worst thing about being on tour? Not sleeping in my own bed and the relentless travelling. After my 50th Anniversary UK concert tour I decided no more touring. So I came up with the wizard idea of a series of ‘weekend’ concerts. I perform at weekends and then have the week free to do my radio show, play some tennis and lead a more relaxed way of life and then the weekend rolls around again and I’m back on stage singing. This routine has worked very well for me. And we’ve incorporated this similar format for this upcoming stay Down Under. Tell us about your most proud moment. Receiving my OBE in 1995 from the Queen at Buckingham Palace with my parents by my side. You can’t get better than that! What a proud day for all of us. What can we expect from your concert? I'm so excited about bringing this new show to New Zealand and Australia; we’ve had such a great reaction to it from UK audiences. I have a great band, they are incredible musicians and all huge talents in their own right. It has allowed me to do something completely different, a show celebrating the songwriters that I grew up listening to such as Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Jim Webb, Burt Bacharach, Lennon & McCartney, Carole King ... the list goes on and on. Of course I also include many of the musical theatre hits that I have been associated with over the years. What are you looking forward to doing offstage when you are in Christchurch? I love New Zealand, it’s a beautiful country and always a pleasure to visit – I can’t wait to be there again. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the resurgence of the new Christchurch – always a favourite place for me to perform.

And They’re Off! Cityscape checks out the city’s hottest alternatives to sweating it trackside. Sidestep the Cup and Show carnage with a few of the best hotspots we’ve rounded up for living large morning, noon and night.

BOOZY BREAKFAST Get your gang of gal pals together, frock up and celebrate your unbridled joie de vivre in style with a champagne brekky. Bloody Mary's are rolling out the metaphorical red carpet with their twist on the traditional Cup and Show staple. Greeting you and each of your coterie with a glass of Veuve Clicquot followed by a sumptuous buffet breakfast. No.4 Bar & Restaurant has a raft of festivities happening all week long, with champagne breakfast (and lunch) on the agenda set to live music. Miro's Bubbles and Brunch special gives you a choice of breakfast dish from their contemporary menu and a glass of prosecco, a mimosa or a Bloody Mary. Available Friday to Monday every week and on the two big race days, our own Cup Day and Melbourne's one too. Universo Brasserie & Bar also offer their take on the Race Day champagne brekky.

LUNCH, AND AFTER For a glass of vino or craft beer to accompany amazing platters and cheese boards, you can’t go past stylish wine bar Not Without You on High Street and the Polo Bar & Restaurant (pictured) at Hotel Montreal. Secure one of the primo al fresco spots at swanky hotspot Terrace Tavern, and Botanic upstairs on The Terrace is extending their Lavish Lunch package over Cup and Show Week. For just $60 you can go to town on their hearty seasonal platter, revel in a delicious main course and decadent dessert, accompanied by an array of killer cocktails and mocktails over two hours. Queen of the bodacious bao bun, Sister Kong is “super pumped” to be rolling out ‘Clicquot Hour’ daily from 4-6pm throughout Cup Week.

BLISS-OUT ARVO Take the afternoon off for a blissful few hours of pure pampering. Indulge in a rejuvenating facial and/or a relaxing massage, pretty up your digits with a manicure, or treat your feet at Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa (pictured) and pre-book a stay in their luxurious Hush Lounge before you float out into the world a changed woman. Design your own personal heavenly treatment combo at Forme Spa & Wellbeing, where groups of three or more of your friends will receive a massage upgrade. For the ultimate luxury spa party, Champs-Elysées Beauty Day Spa creates a restful environment where you can leave the weight of the world at the door. To nail the look, head to Nails By Tomo, where her expertise will add the finishing touches to your party glam.

DECADENT DINNER DATE For out-of-this-world degustation menus and elegant dining experiences you’ll be talking about for months to come, we highly recommend Chillingworth Road, TMR Restaurant & Bar and The George Hotel’s Pescatore and 50 Bistro (pictured), where you can also book in for the ultimate decadent weekend sleepover with their Cup Week Special that includes a champagne breakfast. We also love 5th Street, Twenty Seven Steps and St Germain.

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AFTER-DARK PARTY Get your groove on and live it up at one or two of the city’s hottest party hubs. Strange & Co and Dux Central have plenty on offer when it comes to eats, drinks and live music, and the raft of restaurants and bars on The Terrace offer plenty of choice when the sun sets. Or book out the lush rooftop garden at Botanic for a private gathering of your besties.

/ CHRISTMAS EDIT

The 2018 Cityscape Christmas Edit Whether you spell it Christmas or Xmas, the time for family festivities and gift-giving is near. Turn the page for all the help you need to get your Santa on.

DESIGN BUFF • FOODIE FANATIC • JET SETTER COUTURE QUEEN • TINY TOTS • TECH NERD OUT OF THE BOX

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DESIGN BUFF

Design devotees and lovers of all things beautifully crafted will be swept off their feet with these special treats.

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1 Sophie Digard Scarf (RRP $627) from Cosi Fan Tutte 2 Elk Papel Pant (RRP $239) & Elk Dapple Top (RRP $149) from The Flock 3 Vincent Van Gogh Kokeshi Doll (RRP $69.90) from Christchurch Art Gallery Design Store 4 Emiliano Candle Holder (RRP $74.95) from Freedom Furniture 5 5X7 Sm Black Mod, 2018 Art Print by Veronica Herber (POA) from The Central 6 MECCA Holiday Musc Ravageur Fragrance by Frédéric Malle (RRP $428) 7 Aesop Contours of Discovery Gift Kit (RRP $145) 8 De–Building by Justin Paton (RRP $19.99) from Christchurch Art Gallery Design Store 9 Gio Ponti 699 Superleggera Chair (RRP $1,950) from mr mod

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FOODIE FANATIC

Gourmand goodies to impress and indulge all your culinary desires.

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1 Classic Chemex Coffeemaker (RRP $70) from Underground Coffee Roasters 2 Francescaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian Kitchen Cookbook (RRP $50) 3 AdHoc Floatea Tea Egg (RRP $19) from Ballantynes 4 Laguiole Salad Server Set (RRP $99.75) from Total Food Equipment 5 On The Rock Glass with Stainless Steel Ice Ball (RRP $49) from Ballantynes 6 Matakana Botanicals The Chefs Candle (RRP $30) 7 Scallywag Speyside Blended Malt (RRP $96) from Ballantynes 8 2 Litre Mini Keg Growler (RRP $50 Includes your first fill) from Three Boys Brewery 9 1950s Italian Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca (RRP $1,850) from mr mod

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JET SETTER

Seekers of the intrepid journey will love these indulgent picks guaranteed to make the experience a memorable one.

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1 Alice Pleasance Notebook (RRP $49) from Ballantynes 2 Le Specs It Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Baroque Sunglasses (RRP $70) from Infinite Definite 3 Urbanears Medis In Ear Headphones (RRP $79) from Ballantynes 4 Good & Co Northland Silk Scarf (RRP $299) from Corso Merivale 5 Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 (RRP $269.99) 6 Jo Malone London Travel Candle (RRP $70) from Ballantynes 7 Ted Baker Soft Trolley (RRP $699) from Ballantynes 8 Fressko Flask (RRP $69) from Ballantynes 9 Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Foam (RRP $27.99) 10 MECCA Holiday Maison Francis Kurkdjian Discovery Fragrance for Her (RRP $272) 11 Ted Baker Minimal Biker Jacket (RRP $899) from Ballantynes

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COUTURE QUEEN

For the style maven in your life, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be tickled pink with these dreamy gifts.

1 YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick (RRP $66) from Ballantynes 2 Jo Malone London English Mint & Ginger Lip Balm (RRP $60) from Ballantynes 3 Ted Baker Watch (RRP $279) from Ballantynes 4 Beau Joie Brut Champagne (RRP $109) from Ballantynes 5 9ct Rose Gold and Morganite Ring (RRP $1,099) from Via Sollertia 6 Loobies Story Glitz Jacket (RRP $299) 7 Ted Baker Marta Crystal and Pearl Bobble Matinee (RRP $239) from Ballantynes 8 Circle of Love Yellow Gold Pendant (RRP $1,479) from Love In A Jewel 9 Ginger & Me Christmas Cracker Soothing Body Butter & Volumising Lip Balm Gift Set (RRP $59.95) from Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa 10 No Heart Can Imagine Print (RRP $139) from Blacklist 11 Witchery Satin Wrap Dress (RRP $299.90)

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TINY TOTS

Pamper precious bubs and kids this Christmas with these super-cute gift choices.

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1 House Of Marbles Diabolo (RRP $21) from Ballantynes 2 Magis Me Too Le Chien Savant Kids Writing Desk by Philippe Starck (POA) from Matisse 3 Cam Cam Copenhagen Bed Canopy (RRP $189.95) from The Collective 4 Meri Meri Paper Plates (RRP $16.50) from Father Rabbit 5 Jellycat Frog Prince (RRP $45) from Ballantynes 6 Glow in the Dark Star Map (RRP $34.99) from Bolt of Cloth 7 Huxbaby Stitch Drop Crotch Pant (RRP $55) from Ballantynes 8 Huxbaby Heart Sweatshirt (RRP $65) from Ballantynes 9 Little Women Big Dreams Books (RRP $14.98) from Scorpio Books 10 Resene Small Talk Wallpaper Collection

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TECH NERD

For the die-hard techno in your circle, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go past our round-up of geek chic.

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1 Dyson Pure Cool Link Desk Air Purifier (RRP $649) 2 Vifa Helsinki Bluetooth Speaker (RRP $850) from Ballantynes 3 Leather Pixel 3 Card Case (RRP $99) from Bellroy 4 Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling In-Ear Sports Headphones (RRP $298) from Harvey Norman 5 Marc Jacobs Snapshot Camera Bag (RRP $629) from Workshop 6 Retractable Phone Cable Cat (RRP $32) from Collected 7 Native Union Dock for iWatch Marble (RRP $189) from Ballantynes 8 Fitbit Versa Smart Fitness Watch (RRP $349.95) 9 Fujifilm X-T3 Silver Front camera + XF18-55mm lens (POA)

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OUT OF THE BOX With a distinct difference, these gifts are destined to hit the mark. FLOW HOT YOGA Give the gift of wellbeing and restore the balance between mind, body and spirit with a range of dynamic yoga practices. 25 Mandeville Street, Riccarton 03 348 8889 flowhotyoga.co.nz

NAILS BY TOMO

NICOLA QUINN BEAUTY & DAY SPA

Pamper a gal pal, your sis or mum with the ultimate luxe gels or acrylics and immaculate nail art design.

Spoil your loved one with a gift of pure bliss and indulge them with a luxurious spa experience for the skin, body and mind.

186 Papanui Road, Merivale 022 194 6055 nailsbytomo.co.nz

209 Papanui Road, Merivale 03 355 6400 quinnbeautyspa.co.nz

ART BUFF

CHRISTCHURCH ART GALLERY DESIGN STORE

BE A STAR Get naming rights to a virtual star for donating to the restoration of the historic Observatory Tower at the Arts Centre. 2 Worcester Boulevard, Central City 03 366 0989 artscentre.org.nz

Full of spring and sparkle, Christchurch Art Gallery Design Store has everything you need to celebrate longer days, festive nights and special people. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find an assortment of treasures, including exclusive art products and innovative artist collaborations which are unique to Christchurch. With one hour free parking under the Gallery, shopping never felt more satisfying! christchurchartgallery.org.nz/shop/ INSTAGRAM chchartgallerystore

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ECO FRAME & MIRROR Unearth precious personal items to be expertly framed and create a truly unique gift designed to treasure forever. 394 Colombo Street, Sydenham 03 377 0223 frameandmirror.co.nz

Style Files

JEWEL TONES Dive into deep hues

YSL Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain (RRP $71) from Ballantynes

Karen Walker Mrs Brill Sunglasses (RRP $379) from Ballantynes

JEWELLERY

VIA SOLLERTIA Specialising in quality, handmade custom jewellery, Via Sollertia have a fantastic workshop above their stunning New Regent Street showroom. With a jewellery designer and craftsman jeweller on the premises, you’re guaranteed a fabulous experience to help you create affordable luxury. 11 New Regent Street 03 366 8001 viasollertia.co.nz

Hermès Cape Cod Watch (POA)

Such a rebel

Inject high-octane hues and bold-as-brass patterns into your spring/summer wardrobe with homegrown fashion brand Maaike. Drapey dresses, casual chic jumpsuits, slinky summer slips and transparent tunics all feature in Maaike’s latest SS18/19 collection, The Rebel Flower. Turn up the heat with bright brights or quietly simmer with elegant black mesh dresses, tunics, oversized tees, off-the-shoulder blouses and wide-leg pants.

L.K. Bennett Floret Stiletto Heel Court Shoe (RRP $399.90) from Issimo

infinitedefinite.com

@CHRISTCHURCHSTYLEMAKER

Fashion community for lovers of timeless style and the hottest trends. 33

Floral Street Santal Mysore Candle (RRP $60)

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JEWELLERY

LOVE IN A JEWEL Beautiful simplicity on the outside, your love on the inside. Designed to hold a handwritten note, a baby’s fingerprint, a lock of hair or other treasured keepsake, you will receive polaroids showing the precious contents held within. Proudly made in New Zealand, choose from rose gold, white gold or yellow gold. Also available in sterling silver from $199. loveinajewel.co.nz

Fashion Must haves for the festive party season.

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1 Karen Walker Mary Sunglasses (RRP $349) from Ballantynes 2 Isabel Marant Etoile Esther One Shoulder Dress (RRP $689) from Workshop 3 Lulu Guinness Peekaboo Lip Clover Clutch (RRP $280) from Ballantynes 4 Daisy Hook Fable Earrings (RRP $235) from Filigree Fine Jewels 5 Viscountess Reign Cuff (RRP $7,515) from Filigree Fine Jewels 6 Brambleberry Fable Pendant (RRP $420) from Filigree Fine Jewels 7 Rebecca Balducci Black Sandal (RRP $479) from Issimo 8 Olga Berg Telesa Crystal Facet Clutch (RRP $169) from Ballantynes 9 Dyrberg Kern Alecia Crystal & Gold Studs (RRP $119) 10 Trelise Cooper Let Me Love You Dress (RRP $599) 11 Paula Ryan Antoinette Mule (RRP $590) from Ballantynes

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/ STYLE FILES

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12 Deadly Ponies Mr Mini Leopard (RRP $555) 13 Olga Berg Emilia Clutch (RRP $99) from Ballantynes 14 Deadly Ponies Mr Boxette Grande Python (RRP $695) 15 C & M Alcott Blazer (RRP $659) from Ballantynes 16 Paula Ryan Amadeus Slingback (RRP $495) from Ballantynes 17 Elk Sentosa Jumpsuit (RRP $249) from The Flock 18 Kate Sylvester Lori Skirt (RRP $399) 19 Nom*D Spaced Out Dress (RRP $450) from Plume 20 Juliette Hogan Ela Dress (RRP $429) from Ballantynes 21 Karen Walker Sunday Best Dress (RRP $495) from Ballantynes

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By Design Drawing on the luxe shop fit-out inspo in Shoplifter! we round up the hottest high-end homewares to lust over.

Moelcure Pharmacy, Designer: Waterfrom Design, Photography: Kuomin Lee Shoplifter!, Gestalten 2018

SHOPLIFTER ! New Retail Architecture and Brand Spaces

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SHOPLIFTER! NEW RETAIL ARCHITECTURE AND BRAND SPACES by Gestalten With the prevalence of online shopping, it’s never been more vital bricks ’n’ mortar stores offer an out-of-this-world experience. Serving to continue the dialogue between the product and the consumer, the interior fit-out of retail boutiques, showrooms and cafés reach heady heights, while providing bags of inspo for our homes.

gestalten.com

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/ BY DESIGN

Sergio Rossi, Designer: Cristina Celestino, Photography: Mattia Balsamini, Shoplifter!, Gestalten 2018

1 C. Jeré Bird and Sunburst Sculpture (RRP $1,850) from mr mod 2 Minotti Benson Side Table (POA) from ECC 3 Cosy Sofa by Francesco Rota (POA) from Matisse 4 Dualit Cordless Classic Jug Copper (RRP $399) from Total Food Equipment 5 Vitra Corniche Shelves (from RRP $119) from Città Design 6 Norm Bottle Grinder Set (RRP $169) from Corso Merivale 7 Bloom Pendant by Tim Rundle (RRP $590) from Resident

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Watching

Our picks of the best flicks, music, books, games and TV to get into this month.

SUSPIRIA

Cult giallo classic Suspiria took the horror film world by storm with its outrageous plot, OTT lighting, creepy soundtrack, extreme gore and brash horror filmic techniques, and now the late ’70s fave is getting a makeover when the 2018 reboot hits cinemas (Nov 8). Described as a homage to the original film rather than a remake, the flick pits wannabe dancer Dakota Johnson’s Susie Bannion against Tilda Swinton’s high-priestess/dance academy head Madame Blanc, and with appearances from Jessica Harper (who took the lead in the original) it is a combination of grim and glorious. With music composed by Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, prepare to be suitably disturbed.

HOT PICK

WIDOWS FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD The wizarding world is expanding once again with the second instalment of J.K. Rowling’s blockbuster series coming to the big screen (Nov 15). Director David Yates (of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts fame) once again leads Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander through the ensuing magical shenanigans. Before there was Voldemort, villainous wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) dominated the scene, leaving a path of destruction in his wake. And now a young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) invites Newt on his quest to put a stop to the dark wizard’s chaotic tendencies. With the main cast tapped to return alongside newcomer Zoë Kravitz, to say we’re looking forward to this one is an understatement.

The mastermind behind Academy Award winner 12 Years a Slave, Steve McQueen is back with another carefully crafted cinematic flick. This time he employs the writing genius of Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl and Sharp Objects) and the acting prowess of a star-studded cast of A-list celebs – think Viola Davis, Carrie Coon, Michelle Rodriguez, Colin Farrell and Liam Neeson – in crime-thriller Widows (Nov 22). Drawing inspo from the hit ’83 Brit series of the same name, the modern-day adaptation takes to the streets of Chicago and is centred on four women whose husbands go up in flames (literally) after their robbery heist turns to custard. Unveiling a complex web of secrets while evading the relentless pursuit of the faction that are after the cool 2 million that went up in smoke with her husband and his friends, Davis’ Veronica rallies the ladies to take fate into their own hands. Combining McQueen’s signature sharp cinematic flair with underlying socio-political charged themes, Widows has been tapped as a contender for a slew of accolades.

DVD: Funny Cow No, this is not about a farm animal, more so a comedian who uses self-deprecating humour to break the glass ceiling and elevate her stand-up status playing smoke-filled Northern England working men’s clubs during the ’70s. Filled with anecdotes and quips (and the recurring belief that she can fly), Maxine Peake (of Shameless and Silk fame) takes the titular lead in this wit and grit dramedy.

WIN! WE HAVE ONE DVD OF FUNNY COW TO GIVE AWAY. TO ENTER, EMAIL INFO@SOMOCREATIVE.CO.NZ WITH ‘FUNNY COW’ IN THE SUBJECT LINE AND TELL US YOUR FAVE STAND-UP COMEDIAN. ENTRIES CLOSE NOVEMBER 30. 38

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PLAYLIST

The killer tracks on high rotation in the Cityscape office.

LOVELYTHEBAND ‘Broken’ finding it hard to smile

Listening SIMULATION THEORY – MUSE

As the title suggests, this ain’t no generic album. In fact, the sci-fi, nostalgic and synth-rock laden album Simulation Theory is fitting for the Brit rockers as their albums of late have been fuelled by socio-political themes: “oppressive governments, energy depletion and remote control warfare”. Continuing with this thread, their latest album is crafted around the concept of simulation in society, and the likes of ‘Dig Down’, ‘Thought Contagion’ and ‘Something Human’ are tasters of what’s to come when it drops November 9.

DELTA – MUMFORD & SONS

Reading

Described as a “record of differing shades, colours and textures”, Mumford & Sons’ latest offering Delta (Nov 16) is the quartet’s fourth album and coincides with the ten-year anniversary of when the band first burst onto the music scene with their smash album Babel. The teaser for their new album comes in the

first single ‘Guiding Light’, a dizzying, musically intoxicating tune that “builds and builds and explodes then explodes again”. Do yourself a favour and give it a listen – and while you’re at it, nab some tix to their world tour set to rock Auckland next year.

RACING ‘Party Slow’ REAL DANCING

KURT VILE ‘Bassackwards’ Bottle It In

A BRIEF INQUIRY INTO ONLINE RELATIONSHIPS – THE 1975 Quite possibly one of the most anticipated albums of the latter half of the year, the third studio album by Brit group The 1975 has been in the pipeline since 2016 and indie rockers will be rejoicing when it finally arrives on November 30. Tracks ‘Give Yourself a Try’ and ‘TooTimeTooTimeTooTime’ have already racked up serious air and play time, with the former track dominating the charts and landing a cheeky prem on Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1 the same day. Prep your ears for some slick, upbeat tunes – sure to feature in your summer playlists.

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE ‘Make It Wit Chu’ Era Vulgaris

BIG BLACK DELTA ‘Capsize’ BBDLP1

BECOMING – MICHELLE OBAMA

NINE PERFECT STRANGERS – LIANE MORIARTY

The former First Lady’s latest literary venture/memoir Becoming is a tell-all tale about her time in the White House, personal experiences, how she found her voice, her role as a mother or, as Obama puts it “the story of my humdrum plainness, my tiny victories, my lasting bruises, my ordinary hopes and worries”.

Nine perfect strangers, ten days at a health resort. Sounds like a recipe for disaster right? Well it probably is. From the author who brought us the addicting Big Little Lies novel, Liane Moriarty’s latest lit-hit will leave you just as confused as the strangers who feature in the story.

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/ ENTERTAIN ME

Image: Bethesda Softworks

Playing

APOCALYPSE NOW

FALLOUT 76

ENTERTAINMENT

POOL HALL

ARCADIA RETRO ARCADE & PINBALL EMPORIA

THE COMMON ROOM

Head for the retro-cool of Arcadia Retro Arcade & Pinball Emporia and jam out on one of their many pinball and arcade machines or kick back and tuck into their epic selection of burgers, fries, shakes and more!

The Common Room is a slick new pool hall boasting a function room, a great selection of food and a well-stocked bar. Whether you’re a seasoned player or rookie you’ll have a ball of a time!

204 Barbadoes Street, 020 4128 0157 arcadia.net.nz

119 Riccarton Road, 020 4128 0157 FB/thecommonroomchch

Fans of the Fallout series will be polishing their bobbleheads as they await the latest gaming venture from Bethesda Game Studios (creators of Skyrim) in Fallout 76 (Nov 14), which serves as the narrative prequel to the series. Bethesda’s new gaming venture is their first online multiplayer game, where players have the option to play individually, or team with up to three other people. You thought the Fallout 4 world was huge? Think again. The new world is set to be four times the size! Taking place in West Virginia, several iconic landmarks and locations in the region such as West Virginia State Capitol, Woodburn Circle and Camden Park were replicated for gameplay to add a sense of authenticity. fallout.bethesda.net

BINGEWATCHING 01

Image: Netflix

What we’re hoovering up on the small screen.

01 – MANIAC Emma Stone and Jonah Hill star in this dark comedy that follows the pair who are drawn into the late stages of a radical (albeit mysterious) pharmaceutical trial where participants are assured the pills they take will solve all their problems with no side effects. Simple? Yeah, nah. With Cary Fukunaga (True Detective) as director, expect a whole lot of dark humour and quirk from this Netflix series. 02 – HAPPY ENDINGS Although the series only lasted three seasons, there was something about Happy Endings that made it so damn good we had to watch again and again, and again. It tells the tale of six dysfunctional besties who reside in Chicago. If you haven’t indulged in the hilarious antics of the series, park up and make a weekend of it – you won’t regret it.

Image: Paramount Network

03 – HEATHERS Based on the 1988 flick of the same name, this modern-day reboot follows Veronica, the fourth pillar in the Westerburg High clique lead by a trio of super mean girls (all called Heather). Tired of the Heathers’ cruel bullying tactics, Veronica teams up with rakish newcomer J.D. and the pair start offing the cool cruel kids. Dark, twisted and hilarious, if it lives up to even half its predecessor you’re in for one wild ride and some of the best quotes ever uttered on screen.

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Food &Drink ASIAN FUSION

SUPER DUPER

Image: Nancy Zhou

Bringing some serious Oriental swagger to the portside town of Lyttelton is SUPER Restaurant. Whipping up wicked fare from killer brekkies through to bodacious brunches, lunches, dinners and late-night snacks and swoon-worthy cocktails, its charming historic exterior with modern interiors is the ideal hotspot to satiate your hunger cravings and snap a cheeky ‘gram. super.restaurant

NEW OWNERS

Universal Cuisine

Met with overwhelming support from loyal fans of their past ventures, The Pedal Pusher gastropubs and inner-city café Therapy, dynamic husband and wife duo Madlen and Wayne Shaw bring with them a bundle of hospo know-how destined to elevate Universo Brasserie & Bar in the Christchurch Art Gallery to new heights. Head chef Mark Wilson is thrilled to deliver a new menu that retains Universo’s much-loved signature dishes, while injecting a bundle of fresh, seasonal local produce that’s guaranteed to have your taste-buds swooning. Now open from 9am, seven days a week, with live music on weekends, it’s the place to pick up a sarnie or salad on the go, savour a leisurely breakfast or tee up a glam dinner date. universo.co.nz

@CHRISTCHURCHGOURMAND

DAY OF THE DEAD

DEATHLY DELICIOUSNESS

SACRED DROP

Rocking a swanky new look, Sacred Hill’s 2018 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (RRP $16.99) celebrates the sharp gooseberry acidity and flinty mineral finish for which the iconic Kiwi wine is adored worldwide.

The ultimate foodie community for lovers of great restaurants, bars and cafés.

CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ November 18

sacredhill.com

Gather your amigos and familia – Mexico’s huge national holiday Día de Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is coming up on November 2, and Mexico is celebrating with a killer party featuring drink and food specials including a new menu for the day (think Prawn and Chorizo Empanada, Chicken Plancha in Mole Amarillo and Pan de Muertos – cinnamon doughnuts with warm chocolate ganache and walnut migas – all for $30). Round up the amigos, kick back and indulge in some Jose Cuervo tequila tastings and raise one of their signature margaritas in celebration of those who have passed on. mexico.net.nz

/ FOOD & DRINK

TASTE-BUD TEMPTERS Bringing a slice of Paris to the city is Sweet Soul Patisserie. Think Montagne Noir, a chocolate sponge in a raspberry and blackcurrant dark chocolate ganache, topped with chocolate mousse, cocoa nibs and a chocolate glaze. We await the opening date but you’ll want to keep tabs. sweetsoul.nz

SENSATIONAL EATS Get your taste-buds tingling and up your dining experience down at TMR Restaurant & Bar where new head chef Eeva Torvenin brings her serious culinary flair to the slick hospo hotspot. Teacup Asparagus Risotto, Smoked Carrot and an outta this world Beef Wellington are just some of the eats on offer from their super fresh spring/summer menu. themondayroom.nz

HAUTE DOGS The masterminds who brought us Sister Kong and the BANG BANG pop-up will once again be serving the goods when Frank & Furt Hot Dogs jets into The Colombo. Jonathan Feiler brings a twist on the classic – meat from artisan butchers, rocket, feta and sundried tomato all in a brioche and topped with a basil aioli. thecolombo.co.nz

BREW NEWS

Andy Teo and the Terrace Tavern/ Dux Central tribe spread the word on the good suds. What’s good, y’all? You know with all the hype surrounding Behemoth at the moment and the revamp of their satirically, magically delicious APA, Dump the Trump, I wanted to show love to a little something else they do, their Triple Chocolate Milk Stout. This is the part where I normally describe the aromas and flavours on the palate, but everything you need to know is already in the name. What I can advise however, is that it’s perfect for a chilly spring evening or even on a hot summer’s day with a float of ice cream. I love chocolate, I love white chocolate, I love dark chocolate, I love chocolate – I don’t discriminate! terracetavern.co.nz

RECIPE

Chocolate Marquise

Cityscape taps the culinary genius of Strawberry Fare’s dessert legends Liz Barry and Adam Lee to create their luscious Chocolate Marquise, perfect for wowing guests at your next dinner party. While the famed dessert restaurant uses gluten-free Gingernuts, traditional Gingernuts are easier to find and are just as good if you don’t have GF guests.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

SHOPPING LIST

1. Combine chocolate, butter and coffee in a plastic or glass bowl and microwave gently, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk together until smooth, do not overheat. 2. Add sifted icing sugar and mix gently. 3. Combine eggs, vanilla and Kahlua in a separate bowl, then add to chocolate mixture and combine. 4. Add Gingernuts. 5. Prepare an 8-inch tin (200mm) by double foiling on the outside of the tin to keep it watertight while cooking in a water bath. 6. Cook in the water bath at 120°C for 30 minutes, turn gently then cook for a further 20 minutes. Gently shake the cake, it should wobble slightly, however the top of the centre shouldn’t be runny. Depending on your oven, it may need an extra 5 minutes. 7. Serve with candied or fresh oranges and a biscuit tuile.

250g Belgian chocolate 150g butter 100ml strong coffee 1 cup icing sugar 4 eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla or ½ teaspoon vanilla paste 30ml Kahlua 120g Gingernut biscuits (whizzed in food processor or crushed until very fine)

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/ FOOD & DRINK

of TT Truffle Fries and glasses of The Boneline Riesling and Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir. There’s a certain novelty in watching your steak being cooked by a professional, as well as affording the opportunity of picking up some pro tips, and the resulting 350g bone-in Canterbury Angus Rib-eye hot off Beatrice is a game-changer. Lightly caramelised on the outside with a slight chew to the crust, the perfectly rare protein is pure carnivore heaven and the fiery kick of the chilli and coriander herbed butter tempered by a rich mushroom sauce pairs brilliantly with the spiced hum of the pinot. Equally outstanding is the Moki. Beneath its delightfully crisped skin (courtesy of its fat layer), this is light and effortlessly flakes under the fork. All this is heightened by a herbaceous salsa verde and earthy lentils, which meets its match in the riesling’s bright acidity. We head back to Beatrice for the thrilling finale that is the Grilled Caramelised Bananas. Served split inside its charred skin, it’s genius in its simplicity and we savour creamy spoonfuls along with its sidekicks of decadent caramel ice cream, brittle burnt toffee nut praline, silken crème anglaise and a punchy stewed rhubarb as we make plans to return and take advantage of all those upcoming sunny afternoons. REVIEW

134 Oxford Terrace, 03 595 1278, terracetavern.co.nz

Terrace Tavern

t’s not even on the menu yet, but after just one sip of Terrace Tavern’s resident bar tsar and manager Andy Teo’s Watermelon Aperol Spritz we’re already declaring his cocktail cunning the feel-good sip of the summer. Andy’s tricked-up take on the European classic is molten sunshine in a glass and makes us wish we had arrived a little earlier so we could have enjoyed its perfectly balanced bittersweet lushness basking in TT’s sun-drenched al fresco space overlooking the Avon River. We’re welcomed into the Euro-chic sophistication of Terrace Tavern by hyper-efficient and super-friendly front of houser Phoebe Smith. As she leads us to our table, we’re immediately impressed by the measure of the lengthy, dark-grained wood-fronted bar. Its copper lights highlight the marbled top where the Dux range of beers stand at attention on tap flanked by a wild range of glittering top-shelf spirits including the George Clooney-created Casamigos Tequila(!) Ensconced in the swank surrounds of the dining alcove, we take in the soaring black ceiling’s suspended pendulous white globe

lighting, richly grained woods, dirty teal walls and killer views of the open kitchen, where head chef Paul Beer is showing a prime cut the business end of oak-fired grill ‘Beatrice’, between sips of the cocktail and an equally refreshing, aptly named, Delicious Pale Ale (or DPA to those in the know). Embracing the menu’s ‘sharing vibe’, we opt for starters of Crudo Fresh Local Fish (the big Don’s recipe, no less) and Pork Belly Bruschetta. The Crudo’s delicate, precision plating mirrors its exquisite flavour profile of glistening, translucent slices of ocean-fresh cured fish with crisp deep-fried kale, the salty burst of capers, red peppers and the wry heat of slivered radish. The Pork Belly, with its crispy crackling, moist gamey meat, tart goat’s cheese and earthy tang of beetroot chutney atop house-made toasted bread, is an immediate favourite. With the full intention of finding out if the renowned Crayfish Ravioli lives up to the hype, upon learning the Crispy Skin Market Fish is the famed firm, yet flaky, Blue Moki and the chef himself has recommended the Chef’s Cut (via the open kitchen), we change tack and order them in with a side

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/ FOOD & DRINK TRUE MEX FARE

ALVARADOS MEXICAN CANTINA Settling in to their exciting central-city venue (right next door to the Innovation Carpark building), Alvarados Mexican Cantina presents authentic Mexican eats, made by Mexican chefs! Round up the amigos and head down to their funky haunt for a taste of their mouth-watering menu. An extended licence for Latin dance means you can boogie the night away until 3am! 7/150 Lichfield Street 03 374 4149 alvarados.co.nz

COCKTAIL RECIPE

Aperol Spritz

Looking for the next big thing in summer swilling that’s super easy to fix, crazy refreshing and guaranteed to blow your guests’ hair back? Then it’s time to turn back the clock, tap into a swinging classic and get your Aperol Spritz on. The go-to drink over the European summer, the revival of this thirst-quenching elixir knocked summer perennial Pimm’s off its perch during its recent blitz of Europe. Passing the Cityscape road test with flying colours and resembling bottled sunshine, this breezy, bittersweet, low(ish) alcohol apéritif is almost as easy to make as it is to drink. Booze hounds can kick it up a notch with a shot of gin to really get the party started.

UNIQUE EATS

BUZZING BAR

UNCOMMON

NO.4 BAR & RESTAURANT

Uncommon pride themselves on providing an out-of-the-ordinary café experience that showcases the region’s finest produce and in which fine dining techniques, flavours and presentation meet next-level service in modern, contemporary surrounds. You’ll find ingenius twists on café classics, including their famous Breakfast Board and Hot Cakes. Discover a slice of Melbourne café cool right here in Christchurch!

With a lively atmosphere every day of the week, No.4 Bar & Restaurant is your number one place for exceptionally good food, beer and stories. Take a seat in a candlelit corner, pull up the couch in the library, or enjoy a sunny evening with friends in one of the covered outdoor courtyards. When you’re comfortable, check out the delectable menu brimming with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced delights!

262 Tuam Street 03 379 3977 uncommoncafe.co.nz

4 Mansfield Avenue 03 355 3720 no4bar.co.nz

SHOPPING LIST

Aperol Spritz Ice 60ml Aperol apéritif 90ml prosecco (or another dry sparkling white wine) Splash of soda water 1 slice of orange

BAKED GOODS

THE BISCUIT ARTIST Beautiful, couture biscuits designed and handmade by The Biscuit Artist can brighten any birthday, wedding or business do! If you have a special event coming up, whether it’s a celebration, promotion, or just some well wishes, consider including artistically designed biscuits and couture cookies. They make great gifts too!

MAKING IT HAPPEN Pour Aperol in a large, ice-filled white wine glass and add the prosecco (and gin, if using). Gently stir (once!) and finish with a splash of soda water and the orange slice.

022 108 3590 FB/thebiscuitartist

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/ FOOD & DRINK

REVIEW

Sister Kong

iting into the plump, golden-skinned Kiwi-influenced Bubble and Squeak Dumplings, we immediately realise just how apt Sister Kong’s tricked-up new menu section header Dumpling Heaven is. The lightly crisped pastry makes way for a creamy filling of lentil, kumara, spinach and corn that tastes just like an awesome morning-after fry-up shined off with a subtle sweetness and tempered heat of a decadent coconut curry sauce with a kick. It’s the perfect starter and a brilliant companion to our cocktails, a gussied-up Oriental-infused chilli-spiked margarita and the caffeinated clout of the dreamy Espresso Hong Kong Martini. Launching a new menu and a new chef when you’re an established, go-to venue of choice in the city can be a tricky business, but if anyone was up for the challenge it’s Hoop Group’s Sam and Sally Hooper. And when that new Head Chef is the über talented Jonathan Feiler – the culinary genius behind their killer BANG BANG Street Eats pop-up at The Colombo – it’s less of a risk and more of a no-brainer. Adding a So-Cal tinge to the east meets west fusion the inner-city bao haus and bangin’ baijiu emporium tucked down Victoria Street’s trendiest lane is known for, the globetrotting chef without borders has created a completely new menu filled with a slew of must-try delights. What’s more,

Jonathan has flipped the script with a multitasking menu in which practically every choice can be made gluten free, with numerous vegan and vegetarian options. Indeed, narrowing down our selection proves difficult given everything sounds and looks (thanks to some discreet rubbernecking at the tasty plates the front of house team are passing by with) so good. Perusing the lunch menu, handily broken down into Dumpling Heaven, Let’s Share Some …, MMMMM It’s Bao Time!!!, Ya Need Some Greens, You’re a Little Sweetie and Don’t Forget to Order sides, we tag in the assistance of Sam, who hooks us up with the aforementioned dumplings, Panda Express Wings from the sharing section and the Filipino Mixed Salad from the greens. The salad, to which Chix (Filipino staple chicken adobo) has been added, is a riot of colour on a huge plate. Essentially a build-your-own san choy bao-style feast where baby cos leaves sit alongside julienne carrots, glass noodles, pickled vegetables, fresh coriander and mint, crushed peanuts and chilli lime sauce. It’s sticky, messy and fun social dining at its finest as we whip up creations to our personal tastes. The

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chicken is the hero, an intoxicating fiery union of sweet and sour. Similarly intoxicating are the next-level Panda Express Wings, which give a passing nod to the classic French duck á l’orange and sees smoky grilled wings coated in a sublime, sticky orange sauce on steroids. Straight-up addictive. We also make short work of the accompanying sauce-soaked rice, which has been liberally scattered with sliced spring onion, cutting through the sweetness. With two options from the Sweetie lineup, we opt for the Cheesecake of the day, after learning it’s lychee flavoured, over the temptingly titled Forbidden Rice Pudding. The candy-striped pink and white cheesecake sits atop a chocolate biscuit base. It’s a creamy, dreamy classic, with the sharpness of dried raspberries and a lemon sorbet keeping things from getting too extravagant. From our visit it’s clear the welcoming neon-pink pawed fortune cat at Sister Kong’s entrance, and its hundred golden siblings lining the main wall, are smiling down on the new menu. 123 Victoria Street, 03 421 6494, sisterkong.co.nz

THE LAST WORD

Tunnel Vision Cityscape takes some time out with local artist Hannah Beehre, whose celestial works Tunnel and Orion are lending some star power to SCAPE Public Art’s 2018 Season. Your nebula work, Tunnel, creates a spectacular entrance to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the museum – how did this year’s theme Our Braided Future inform this work? Tunnel was actually meant to be a part of SCAPE Public Art Season 2017 Time in Space (Territories and Flow) but due to time constraints I was unable to move forward with the project that year. I think it’s quite interesting that a work due under that particular theme might be delayed and reappear at another time in a new location. Walk us through your process for bringing Tunnel to fruition. Originally the work was going to be situated on the second floor of an old goods lift at the museum. The shaft had been divided up to serve the various floors and my initial idea was to reclaim the space by using a mirror to create the illusion of a void. When the new site was determined I realised I had the opportunity to create something that took you from one space to another so it became a kind of worm-hole. The tunnel is curved and the sight-lines carefully managed to ensure that there is a moment of total immersion. Tell us about your other work, Orion, which appears in the museum’s main foyer. Orion is the largest work I’ve attempted in one piece. It’s 6.5m long and 3m high and has about 2,800 crystals. I had to lay the dye out for it in one day, but it took me about 16 hours to work from one end to the other. I rinsed it out by throwing

it over a fence at the School of Fine Arts and waterblasting it! Both Orion and Tunnel are based on features of the Southern Hemisphere night sky. The Orion Nebula is visible to the naked eye as the smudgy second star in the sword of Orion. The closest massive star nursery to us, it has these very intense features. It reminds me a little of some kind of fairytale landscape, the entrance to a cave or a clearing in a forest. How do you manage your time and stress levels when it comes to creating commissions with specific deadlines like SCAPE? I am lucky to have had a fantastic team working with me. I have a wonderful assistant, Rebekkah Pickrill, who has helped me in applying the crystals since I first started making this kind of work. There are about 12,000 crystals on the two projects combined, so there was quite a bit of time spent on that part of the project. I’ve learnt to focus on one thing at a time. I know what I should be working on each day and I try not to think too much about the entire job, just what is in front of me. I also let go of the bits that other people are working on so they can do their thing. How and when did your long-time obsession with the natural world begin? That’s hard to say. I think it’s always been there. But it has grown. It seems to me that the longer I look and the more I learn, the odder it gets. Nature is wonderful and terrifically strange. You’ve been one of the lucky ones to land an Artist-in-Residence travelling to Antarctica, how are the skies different to the ones in Christchurch? It’s very different! There is no night sky to speak of during the summer season. The sun simply rotates around a few degrees above the horizon continuously. Due to the atmospheric conditions it is an interesting phenomenon to observe. Rainbows and halos around the sun, and something called a ‘sun dog’ where the sun is flanked by two false suns. It’s an extremely beautiful and wild place. Tell us about your next work. I’m currently working on my MFA and I’m about to begin a large drawing which I hope to finish in March 2019. I’m documenting my brain states as I work, looking for evidence of a phenomenon known as ‘flow’. It’s a neural state associated with peak performance. I’m hoping to expand my understanding of it in order to access it more readily and reliably, and potentially teach it. It sounds like a very different kind of a project, but it’s really

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getting down to the nuts and bolts of what is happening when I’m working. What music gets your creative synapses firing? I like things like Beck’s Morning Phase, Wilco, The War on Drugs and Future Islands as background music when I draw. If I’m starting a work I’ll listen to something a bit more obnoxious, something like Stereo MCs, Pulp, Elastica or The Breeders to get me past those crucial initial marks. What’s the most flattering feedback you’ve received? In 2016, Judy Darragh called my drawing The Catastrophe “prophetic”. I was quite moved by that, especially coming from such a fabulous artist. I had a week working on Tunnel, on site and in public at the museum and folk were leaning over the barrier and looking in on us. The comments were just amazing, but one I loved the most was, “Whoa, that’s the craziest thing I ever saw!” As both an artist and a musician, how does each creative discipline influence the other? I think drumming is a lot like drawing. You have to find a headspace where you are focused but not selfconscious. They are very similar in that respect. Often when I’m drawing I have the same sensation that I have when I’m drumming, that is, that I am listening very hard. It’s quite a different feeling to the sensation of looking very hard and I suppose it’s a bit odd that I associate that with drawing. SCAPE Public Art Season 2018, to November 17, scapepublicart.org.nz

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