Entertainment

Christchurch Events: September Hotlist

What's happening this month around Christchurch – all the must-catch theatre, comedy, festivals, events, foodie happenings, music, sport and more besides! All Month Contemporary Christchurch CoCA Gallery, until 6 Nov, coca.org.nz A survey exhibition celebrating the range of innovative arts being practised and created in Christchurch, capturing a moment in time and the city’s resilience. On This Week Wednesday 14th NZSO: Swing Into Spring Horncastle Arena, Wed 14 Sep, nzso.co.nz The NZSO collaborates with the Rodger Fox Big Band for the first time with a new programme of swingin’ arrangements. Thursday 15th Evita Isaac Theatre Royal, Thu 15 Sep, showbiz.org.nz The smash-hit Andrew Lloyd Webber production makes its way into the Isaac Theatre Royal care of the busy theatrical beavers at Showbiz Christchurch. Friday 16th Evita Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 16 Sep, showbiz.org.nz The smash-hit Andrew Lloyd Webber production makes its way into the Isaac Theatre Royal care of the busy...

Christchurch Gig Guide: September

Shake your groove thang this month with Christchurch's epic round up of the hottest DJ sets, live & pub music, jazz, acoustic sessions, clubs and bangin' nightlife scene – what are you waiting for? On This Week Monday the 12th Carlton – Nick Lee (6pm) Tuesday the 13th Carlton – Marcel (6pm) Pomeroy’s – Jess & AliceThe Bog – Jammin with the Jamesons (7:30pm) Wednesday the 14th Carlton – Assembly Required (8:30pm) Baretta – Emily Cherie (6pm – 9pm)The Bog – Open Mic Night with Lindon Puffin (7:30pm) Thursday the 15th Carlton – Headrush (9pm) Baretta –  Antony Pickard (7pm – 10pm) Empire –  Oh-One Eight -  Laxx (9pm – late) Strange & Co – Em and Dave (9pm) Orleans – The Jelly Roll (8pm)The Bog – Sans Tribe (9:30pm) Friday the 16th Carlton – Ctrl Alt Rock (10pm) Valley Bar (Christchurch Casino) – Sly Manhattan (7pm – 10pm), Natalie Elms (10:15pm – 1:15am)...

A Close Shave

Cityscape caught up with Kiwi opera legend Teddy Tahu Rhodes ahead of his picking up the straight razor as the Demon Barber in New Zealand Opera’s Sweeney Todd. Images: Jeff Busby. Tell us about the relationship between Sweeney and Mrs Lovett. It’s kind of a relationship where they need each other really. I think they are two people in this world that have different needs and they just cross each other’s paths; I think in time they get to become very fond of each other. I think throughout there is a genuine affection between to the two of them. What have you learnt about your character that you didn’t know before taking on the role? When you think of Sweeney you think of the Demon Barber, but he’s actually quite a tragic and sad man. He’s had a tragic life, so the story of his murderous side is just an...

London Chording

London Conchord are an acclaimed chamber music ensemble that are sometimes referred to as the “London Supergroup” in chamber music circles. They’re coming to New Zealand for the first time this spring to treat local classical aficionados to the rich sound that has won them a worldwide following. Stuffed to the gunnels with musical talent, the 8-piece ensemble combines strings, wind and piano to delightful purpose. They’ll be treating Christchurch audiences to a programme of Mozart, Schoenberg, Poulenc and Debussy at Charles Luney Auditorium on the 11th of October in what is sure to be one of the highlights of the local classical music calendar of 2016. London Conchord Ensemble, Charles Luney Auditorium, Tuesday 11 October. Tickets via www.chambermusic.co.nz...

Canterbury Museum acquires the Ivan Mauger collection

Canterbury Museum has purchased a significant collection of motorbikes and memorabilia belonging to champion speedway rider and local hero, Ivan Mauger, thanks to the generosity of a retired Blenheim company secretary. Mauger is widely considered the best speedway rider of all time. He won more than 1,000 international events in 60 countries. The $1.7 million purchase is the Museum’s largest-ever acquisition. Julie Mauger, spokesperson for the Mauger family says they are thrilled to have secured arrangements for the collection to stay in Mauger’s “beloved home town” as a lasting public tribute to his achievements. “Although he is now burdened with Alzheimer’s and cannot travel here himself, we know that this would have been one of the proudest days of dad’s life! We hope this collection, which charts his every success, will continue to inspire people, especially the young people of Canterbury that they can do great things from humble beginnings ... and...

Christchurch Events: August Hotlist

What's happening this month around Christchurch – all the must-catch theatre, comedy, festivals, events, foodie happenings, music, sport and more besides! ON THIS WEEK Monday 29th Waiora – Te Ū Kai Pō: The Homeland The Court Theatre, Sat 13 Aug – Sat 3 Sep A family’s relocation to the South Island from the East Cape and a beachside birthday party bring cultural clashes and secrets to the surface in this NZ drama about family, culture, home and belonging. Tuesday 30th Waiora – Te Ū Kai Pō: The Homeland The Court Theatre, Sat 13 Aug – Sat 3 Sep A family’s relocation to the South Island from the East Cape and a beachside birthday party bring cultural clashes and secrets to the surface in this NZ drama about family, culture, home and belonging. Wednesday 31st Waiora – Te Ū Kai Pō: The Homeland The Court Theatre, Sat 13 Aug – Sat 3 Sep...

Christchurch Gig Guide: August

Shake your groove thang this month with Christchurch's epic round up of the hottest DJ sets, live & pub music, jazz, acoustic sessions, clubs and bangin' nightlife scene – what are you waiting for?  ON THIS WEEK Monday 29th Carlton – Nick Lee (6pm) Tuesday 30th Pomeroy’s – La PetiteCarlton – Willie McArthur (6pm) Wednesday 31st Baretta – Emily CherieCarlton – Assembly Required (8:30pm)...

New Zealand International Film Festival 2016

It's that time of year where local film buffs will clearing the decks, dipping into their savings and setting up out-of-office email replies; the New Zealand International Film Festival returns to the city for another year from 28 July for two and a bit weeks of cinematic celebration at the Isaac Theatre Royal and Hoyts Northlands.This year's line-up for Christchurch includes over 100 features and documentaries from New Zealand and around the world, with the Festival including a number of premieres, including a world premiere for Christchurch in the form of Le Ride, a new documentary from The Amazing Race host and go-getter (and Christchurch boy made good) Phil Keoghan that retraces the 1928 Tour de France route. The opening film of the festival in Christchurch is also a doozy: Poi E: The Story of Our Song tells the story of the Patea Maori Club's 1984 hit and has been described as...

Review: La traviata

The New Zealand Opera returns to the Theatre Royal with another extremely impressive production in Verdi’s La traviata. Sheer audiovisual spectacle from the opening moments to the tragic finale, it’s a glittering night out in the suitably majestic surroundings of the Isaac Theatre Royal. The company continues to operate with what are probably the highest stage production values in the country. Opening in courtesan Violetta’s residence in Paris, the stage is essentially spare but festooned with a dazzling array of chandeliers and drapery and houses an enormous glass box that at turns becomes reflective or transparent through clever use of lighting, and impresses with its sheer towering size alone. Despite such a magnificent edifice and surroundings though, what dominates the stage is Madeline Pierard’s Violetta, dazzling in a red dress and very much the life of the party. Living a life of enjoyable if shallow glamour as a kept woman for...

La traviata: Cityscape chats to Kiwi opera star Andrew Glover

With NZ Opera already in town and rehearsing for the August 14th opening performance of La traviata at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Cityscape caught up with rising Kiwi opera star Andrew Glover – who's playing the role of Gastone in the production – ahead of what's sure to be a stellar season.   A look at your opera CV reveals you’ve played a wide number of roles already in your career. Do you have some personal favourites? I always feel that my favourite role is the one I am playing right now. That being said I enjoy the liberty you can take in a comic role, I love to dance if possible as I studied dance in my youth, and playing evil characters is wonderfully cathartic. I'm not sure that answers your question, though. Haha! You made your debut at London’s Royal Opera House earlier this year, called in as an emergency...