WHAT'S ON

MAY 2021

PLEASE NOTE: Information regarding times & dates of these events was correct at the time this issue went to print. However, due to the pandemic, events may be postponed or cancelled. In some cases, tickets may be limited or social distancing measures employed as appropriate. Readers are advised to check events online for updates.

EXPOS & FESTIVALS

Bride & Groom Wedding Show

May 16, 9am-4.30pm, Ellerslie Racecourse, 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera Forget all about going to the chapel or down the aisle before heading up the motorway to this event. From dresses, rings and other jewellery to wedding car hire, ceremony venues, honeymoon holiday packages and so much more, this expo is intended to help engaged couples answer every question associated with answering ‘I do’. Visit www. brideandgroomshow.co.nz.

MUSICALS, THEATRE & DANCE

HCYT – May shows

May 6-9, times vary, Harlequin Musical Theatre, 563 Pakuranga Road Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre is about to set the stage Bride & Groom Wedding Show

once more with three shows on in May: Rumpelstiltskin, Blue Stockings and Gingerbread House in the Forest. For more information, including show times and dates, visit www.hcyt.org.nz/season.

The Girl on the Train

May 8-29, times vary, Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga Offering audiences a thrilling ride, this play sees its protagonist, a keen ‘people watcher’ forced to play her part in a love story that appears to have ‘gone off the rails’. When the woman she’s been secretly watching every day through a train window disappears, Rachel Watson finds herself as both a witness and, potentially, a suspect. See www.hlt.org.nz.

Giselle

May 27-29, times vary, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Giselle is billed as a ‘timeless production of one of ballet’s great stories’. Romantic, mystical and lyrical, this classic is sure to be Giselle

enjoyed by enthusiasts of dance in particular but also those new to the experience. See www.rnzb.org.nz.

COMEDY & BURLESQUE

NZ International Comedy Festival

May 4-23, times and locations vary, Auckland After the year (or more!) we’ve had, laughter is just what the doctor ordered. Featuring a range of top comedians, this year’s festival is expected to deliver a dose designed to tickle our funny bones and make our sides split. Please note that if these shows, literally, cause such afflictions, best see your doctor... stat! See www. comedyfestival.co.nz for details.

MUSIC

Mother Knows Best!

May 9, from 1.30pm, St Andrew’s Church, 3 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Clevedon A musical celebration of the love and wisdom which comes from mums, this show by The Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust will help funds for scholarships, ensuring rising stars can achieve their potential. See www.cvmft.org.

The Chills – Scatterbrain Album Release Tour

May 14, doors open 8pm, The Powerstation, 33 Mount Eden Road, Eden Terrace Ironically, those not wearing leather jackets all the time during winter can expect to get... ‘The Chills’. One of the greatest ‘Dunedin sound’ groups from a time when Flying Nunn bands flew up the charts, The Chills are touring the country sharing a fresh selection of Heavenly Pop Hits from their new album, Scatterbrain. Visit www.powerstation.net.nz.

Fantastique

May 20, from 7.30pm, Auckland Town Hall, Queen Street, Auckland City Part of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s Immerse 2021 festival, this performance of Hector Berlioz’s much lauded Symphonie Fantastique (conducted by rising star, Holly Mathieson) is expected

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to take audiences on a psychedelic journey through sound. Details at www.nzso.co.nz.

That Barbershop Show

May 23, 2-4pm, Uxbridge Arts & Culture, 35 Uxbridge Rd, Howick Featuring more than just a little off the top of the hit parade, this show expects to be a cut above! Led by Richard Harker, the City of Sails Barbershop Chorus and special guests will present a range of classic barbershop tunes as well as some more contemporary numbers. More information via www.uxbridge.org.nz/theatre.

Fridays at Twelve

May 21 - June 25, from 12pm, Uxbridge Arts and Culture, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick The talented teens featured in these shows are set to become virtuoso veterans. Students from local colleges (Macleans, Howick, Botany, Pakuranga, Sancta Maria and Saint Kentigern – one school each Friday) will perform a wide range of pieces from classical to jazz and everything in between. See www.uxbridge.org.nz/theatre.

Lead Zipline Is Led Zeppelin

May 29, 7-9.30pm, The Lounge, 186 Wellington Street, Howick Turn the ‘Page’, it’s time for a new group to ‘Ramble On’ playing some of the most well-known rock classics. In tribute to Led Zeppelin, Lead Zipline has a ‘Whole lot of Love’ (and much more!) to offer. See www.thelounge.nz for more information.

ARTS

Stitching Together

May 6-10, 10am-4pm, Malcolm Smith Gallery, Uxbridge Arts and Culture, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick When textile arts take the fore, this event is ‘knot’ what we’d expect! Showcasing pieces by members of the East Auckland Embroiderers’ Guild members, this exhibition knits together hard work and creative vision. Details via www. uxbridge.org.nz, or search ‘East Auckland Embroidery Guild’ at www.facebook.com. And, to read our interview with guild member, Karen Hewitt, see our August 2020 issue (e-edition at www.eastlife. co.nz).

Auckland Writers Festival

May 11-16, various times & locations, Auckland Book now! A celebration of the written word, this annual festival sees some spectacular scribes present their works and offer insights into everything from process to product. From Nobel Laureate and former Booker Prize-winner, Kazuo Ishiguro, Dr Hinemoa Elder, Patricia Grace, the inimitable Tom Scott and many more, this year’s line-up promises to tick all the boxes. See www. writersfestival.co.nz for a full programme.

Fantastique

The Walters Prize exhibition

May 15 – September 5, Auckland Art Gallery, Wellesley St East, Auckland City Showcasing outstanding contemporary works, this exhibition offers an eclectic variety of the way Kiwi artists see our world. This year’s award finalists are: Fiona Amundsen, Sonya Lacey, Mata Aho Collective and Sriwhana Spong. For more information visit www. aucklandartgallery.com.

SPORT, FITNESS, MOTORING & RACING

NZIHL – Botany Swarm

Now – August 8, Paradice Ice Skating, 490 Ti Rakau Dr, Botany It may be ‘Paradice’ to some but the skating rink home of the Botany Swarm will likely prove hellish to opposing squads this season. In red hot form, the Swarm is the best in the business as far as ice hockey goes. For a full schedule of home games visit www.botanyswarm. co.nz.

Irish Raceday Party

May 29, from 11am, Ellerslie Racecourse, 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera Punters will be hoping the luck of the Irish will run their way during this event. In addition to on-track action, the Irish Raceday Party features more themed entertainment than one could shake a shillelagh at. For more details visit www.ellerslie. co.nz/irish-raceday.

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