CULTURE CLUB

Human art

Liam Stretch Culture Editor

Kicking off in November was the Court Theatre’s rendition of Rent. I was lucky enough to attend opening night. Thanks to a flawless show by the Court’s wonderful troupe of creatives, performers, musicians, and supporters, it is still cemented as one of my favourite musicals. I love its storytelling and the very human approach it takes to crises, both public and personal. Just as Jonathan Larson instilled humanity into his art with Rent, I’ve, this month, looked to others who have done the same and achieved incredible works while keeping true to the human condition. There’s my favourite TV show for 2022, a masterpiece expertly created by Guillermo del Toro, a book that will have you glued to its pages, and a song from the archives bringing back the almost haunting harmonies of The Beach Boys. Rent is on ’til 21 January, get along.

CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

Reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, Guillermo del Toro presents a range of odd stories by different directors in Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. This series on Netflix skates through various horror genres and captures the unique talents of individual filmmakers. It is absurd, a little scary, and in some places, it’s just plain brilliant.

ARCHIVAL ARRIVAL

Originally recorded for The Beach Boys’ 1973 album Holland, Carry Me Home laid dormant and was unreleased until this year. I can understand why it wasn’t released initially, as it centres around a soldier dying in Vietnam and has a very different feel from the other tracks on the album. Its haunting harmonies will send a shiver down your spine.

PACED PERFECT

Real, relevant, and relatable. Better the Blood by Michael Bennett is an excellent thriller with a real New Zealand at its core. It’s modern and moving, twisted and tense. You won’t put this book down thanks to its near-perfect pacing and the ease it takes to visualise every plot element. You’ll be transported into the protagonist’s world and absorbed in the thrill right to the very end.

MAKERS, CREATORS AND KEEPERS OF CERAMIC WONDERS

SEE SUMNER AT RAVENSCAR HOUSE

This summer, many Christchurch residents will head to Sumner for a swim, an ice cream, or a walk along the promenade. It’s a special place. Ravenscar House Museum founders Jim and Susan Wakefield knew just how special Sumner was – they collected a whole host of artworks depicting the beach and surrounds. These works have their own dedicated wall in Ravenscar House Museum, the central city reimagining of Jim and Susan’s Scarborough house, which was destroyed by the earthquakes. Visit Ravenscar House Museum this summer and see one of Christchurch’s favourite beaches through the eyes of some of New Zealand’s most loved artists. Admission charges apply. ravenscarhouse.com

JACK ANSETT

Local boy Jack Ansett is creating some hype around his irreverent comedy style, and he is nominated for a Billy T Award for 2023. Behind such almost hits like Marketplace Disgrace and the Tommy Hilfiger Jersey Saga, he performs to a live audience at Good Times Comedy Club this December with his show A Hot and Steamy Night of New Jokes. Limited tickets are available. 9 December, Good Times Comedy Club goodtimescomedyclub.co.nz

HOME ALONESOME

If there is one thing you can rely on each year, it’s the Court Jesters getting Cantabrians in the Christmas spirit. This year, they’ll try out something new with Home Alonesome. Perfect for functions and friend dates alike, it is a rousing comedy where you’ll almost certainly be part of the show. Get your booby traps and carols ready, and kick Christmas off the right way. 2–23 December, Court Theatre courttheatre.org.nz

MY BOY

A firm favourite round these parts, Lyttelton’s Marlon Williams will be touring with My Boy on the back of his successful new album. Stopping by Christchurch Town Hall this January, audiences can take in Marlon’s soulful tones and have a good ol’ boogie. Previous tours by Marlon and his band have had rave reviews, so don’t wait to get your tickets! 27 January, Christchurch Town Hall marlonwilliams.co.nz

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EXPLORE Elmwood

FOUR PHYSIO Four Physio and Health, new to the Elmwood Village, aims to provide the local community with premium physiotherapy, women’s health and Pilates services. Four is changing the face of physiotherapy in Christchurch with its fresh new fit-out, modern space, and experienced team. The full range of services can be found on the website.

fourphysio.co.nz THE CLOCKS BOOKSHOP An independent bookshop specialising in crime, cooking, and children’s books, with a terrific general fiction and nonfiction range too. There’s plenty for the young reader to browse, with more than 2,500 books. Foodies can choose from hundreds of cooking titles, and for the crime and mystery enthusiast, there’s the classics to the modern masters.

theclocksbookshop.co.nz

HEADLINE THE ELMWOOD TRADING COMPANY Cras fermentum arcu in elit posuere varius. Etiam non ullamcorper dui, id tempus Having taken over the reins four years ago, publicans Marty and Naomi Fuller have leo. Fusce et odio eu felis semper viverra pharetra eget lorem. In sed hendrerit tellus. made the Elmwood Trading Company, or ‘ETC’ for short, one of Christchurch’s Maecenas ultrices felis elit, et convallis libero tincidunt ut. Praesent ante massa, most enjoyable and friendliest taverns. They serve up top grub and drinks with suscipit sed libero in, efficitur euismod magna. Curabitur aliquam vitae enim sit amet Canterbury hospitality to a loyal community of patrons and new faces alike. They’ve molestie. Duis in facilisis nunc. Ut interdum commodo mi, vel tincidunt ex accumsan made such an impact, in fact, that The Elmwood Trading Company’s mantel is ac. Etiam vitae ipsum quis mauris sagittis faucibus. Suspendisse vulputate sapien non quickly being filled with awards, having won ‘best local’ at Lion Hospitality NZ congue porttitor. Nunc iaculis leo tempor justo lobortis efficitur. Lorem ipsum dolor Awards for Excellence two years in a row. They’ve also won awards for their gaming. sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus efficitur lectus enim, nec pellentesque Now’s the time to organise your Christmas dos or a lunch in the sun, pop by this turpis tincidunt vitae. friendly local to make the most of the season. website.co.nz theelmwood.co.nz BRIARWOOD Created out of a desire to bring the fashion of Europe to New Zealand in the 1990s, Briarwood is now an icon of the national fashion scene. It boasts creative collections of everything from bags to clothing and accessories. Business partners Ange and Jayne have guided the business to what it is today. The Christchurch branch found its place here in the Elmwood Village shops, with the local team feeling very at home there now. The spring/summer range has arrived in store, and Briarwood is bursting at the seams with so many beautiful prints and gorgeous vibrant colours that they are so well known for. Kirsty, Tracy, and Chrissy are looking forward to showing you the collections and helping you with your summer wardrobe.

briarwood.co.nz