The Spinoff’s top pick of events from around the motu. Here’s the best for the week November 20–27.
Welcome to The Spinoff event guide, your weekly, curated selection of gigs, events and exhibitions happening across Aotearoa. If you want to pitch your event for future guides then please use this handy form.
Kerikeri
Visual art: Rhythm of the North
Little Black Gallery
November 19 – November 29
Free
“Step inside and discover paintings that echo shifting skies, ceramics alive with glowing glazes, jewellery inspired by the land and sea, and sculptures that seem to move with the breath of the North. Each piece reflects the pulse of Tai Tokerau – sometimes quiet, sometimes bold, always deeply connected to place.’
Tāmaki Makaurau
Theatre: HR The Musical #2
Q Theatre
November 25 – December 6
$49 – $69
Highly recommend this whipsmart work drama pisstake. “CEO Richard (“Dick”) and his band of generic employees return with a completely new show of riotous musical sketch-comedy. Like its predecessor, the show will include a range of musical genres, from Renaissance to pop, rockabilly to Latin and oonst-oonst. HR The Musical #2 will tackle up-to-the-minute workplace conundrums through the medium of the belly laugh.”
Music: Jubilation Choir
The Hollywood
3pm Sun, November 23 (matinee show)
$25 – $65
“Jubilation at The Hollywood brings together Ponsonby’s own Jubilation Choir with special guests Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo and Anika Moa for an evening of beautiful songs and beautiful singing.”
Te Papaioea
Music: Manawatū Sinfonia
Spiers Centre, Palmerston North Boys’ High
2.30pm Sun, November 23
$5 – $20
“Join us for an afternoon of wonderful music from the sublime to the surreal! Shadley van Wyk will perform Mozart’s Horn Concerto in Eb (the sublime) and we will also perform Satie’s Parade (the surreal, includes percussion instruments such as a typewriter). Also on the programme some Kodaly and Ravel. It’s going to be a treat for the ears!”
Whakatū
Musical theatre: That Bloody Woman
The Mussel Inn
7pm Thurs, November 27 (opening night; runs until December 6)
$25 – $40
“That Bloody Woman is a high-energy punk-rock musical. It tells the story of Kate Sheppard, a pivotal leader in the New Zealand women’s suffrage movement, and fight to secure voting rights for women.”
Ōtautahi
Music: Shades of Shakti
Great Hall, The Arts Centre
7.30pm Sat, November 22
$25
“Bringing together musical influences from different sides of the world to create something fresh and unique and reinforce the notion that music knows no borders… One of those rare ensembles that transcend into the sonic stratosphere.” – Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords).
Ōtepoti
Dance: Royal New Zealand Ballet’s The Nutcracker
The Regent Theatre
November 21–22
$39 – $115
“A new production of the most beloved ballet classic, The Nutcracker. Central to Christmas memories for generations of audiences, The Nutcracker is a timeless celebration of family, fantasy and growing up, where ‘home for Christmas’ is the most powerful magic of all.”