Check out this month’s events

THAT’S Entertainment!

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.

Papakura Street Fest’

May 8 (or 15 – rain date), 10am-2pm, Great South Road, Papakura

From arts, crafts and food stalls to live entertainment, this free street party will see one of our regions most vibrant communities kick up their heels for a good, old fashioned shindig. More information via www.papakura.co.nz/events.

A Lion in the Meadow and Other Stories

May 11-15, from 10.30am-1pm, Mangere Arts Centre, Cnr Bader Dr and Orly Ave, Mangere, and May 25-29, 10.30am-1pm, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau

The award-winning Tim Bray Theatre Company presents an homage on stage to one of New Zealand’s best known children’s authors, Margaret Mahy. A fabulous romp, this show is sure to appeal to children and adults who grew up reading these classic tales.

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. Including Nobel Laureate and former Booker Prize-winner, Kazuo Ishiguro, Dr Hinemoa Elder, Patricia Grace, CK Stead, 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.

Aucklanders from the South side have plenty of options when it comes to entertainment, whether in our region, nearby or online. SOUTH has prepared this quick guide of our picks of what’s to see and do this month.

PLEASE NOTE: Information regarding times and dates of these events was correct at the time this issue went to print. 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. 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.

Musical Director Paul G Radden & Director Regan Crummer in contemplation!

Photo Alexandria Sandford

Mamma Mia!

May 22 – June 5, 11am-2pm, Off Broadway Theatre, 41 Elliot St, Papakura

Here we go again! The Super Troupers from Papakura Theatre Company are saying I Do (‘I Do’ etcetera) and taking a chance (‘a chance’ etcetera) on performing a new rendition of an homage to Swedish pop sensation, ABBA. Visit www.ptc.org.nz for further information.

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

Peninsula

May 28 – June 5, OSPA Theatre, Hall Road, Onewhero

Billed as ‘a warm hearted and open-eyed snapshot of life in New Zealand’s 20th century rural communities’, this play by Gary Anderson is centred around a boy named Hope and set on Banks Peninsula. As Michael Hope grows up alongside a volcano, all manner of rumblings are afoot – in more ways than one. For more information, see www. ospa.org.nz. Photo courtesy of Duck Devil Media – garment by FOU Custommade.

Fashion for Charity

May 29, from 7.30pm, Mangere Art Centre, cnr Bader Dr and Orly Ave,

Taking the idea of donning one’s ‘glad rags’ to a new level, this event seeks to raise awareness of, and funds to support, the good work of the Mental Health Foundation. With garments from 10 designers on show, as well as other entertainment, this event is expected to address the importance of standing up and being heard.