We Love You New Zealand 2020

Page 88

CURTAIN CALL AA Traveller writer, Anna Sarjeant, peeks behind the scenes at Auckland’s Civic Theatre.

ALL IMAGES: Behind the scenes on the Civic Theatre Tour © Anna Sarjeant

86

J

ames Manning is the kind of man who could present a tour of a toilet block, and make it so riveting you’ll beg for another look at the U-bend. Give him a venue as distinguished as Auckland’s historic Civic Theatre and he’s in his element. With a seven-year tenure, rising from usher to FOH Supervisor in Charge and seasoned tour guide, James knows every nook of this playhouse, including its fascinating (and often salacious) past.

The hour-long backstage tour compels guests from the get-go, with the most delighful surprises often arising from unexpected places. Firstly, the stage is ten times larger than you could ever imagine, and secondly, those areas you first deem esteemed (such as the Green Room) are nowhere near as exciting as the secrets that James spills. From the original proprietor, Thomas O’Brien, who, in 1929 built


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Places that showcase quirky Kiwi humour

1min
pages 58-59

Around the world in an Aotearoa daze

4min
pages 60-63

Shared Treasures

1min
page 67

Q&A with Kevin Wasley

1min
page 66

Wacky Accommodation

1min
pages 68-69

Q&A with minimalist travellers

1min
page 70

Cultural Pearls

3min
pages 74-77

The Golden Age of Travel

4min
pages 80-83

Q&A with Josh Manu

1min
page 84

Man-made

2min
pages 86-87

7 Thrills that aren’t bungy jumping

1min
pages 54-55

The Whanganui River: a Great Walk with no walking

4min
pages 48-50

New Zealand's 10 Great Walks

4min
pages 42-45

Q&A with Henry van Asch

1min
pages 46-47

What's Your Picnic Style?

3min
pages 38-39

Q&A with Sachie Nomura

1min
pages 34-35

A pie a day keeps hunger at bay

2min
pages 32-33

Taste the World

3min
pages 28-30

Curtain Call

2min
pages 88-89

Make your own Kiwi Souvenir

2min
pages 92-93

Q&A with Anthony Grant

1min
pages 94-95

Better than any School Lesson

3min
pages 98-101

Q&A with David Sutherland

1min
pages 102-103

Nature Babies

2min
pages 106-107

Q&A with Graeme Abbot

1min
page 108

Kids' activities that adults love too

3min
pages 110-113

Astrophotographer RACHEL GILLESPIE

1min
pages 24-25

Starry, starry NIGHT

2min
pages 22-23

ANIMALS you’ll only find here

2min
pages 20-21

All for the BIRDS

1min
pages 14-16

What’s the big deal with FOREST BATHING?

5min
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Q&A with Dr Peter Sergel

1min
pages 12-13
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