Events

Bruce Mason Centre: Matilda the Musical

September 24th, 2024 - October 13th, 2024

Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With the book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin this musical is a winner of over 100 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. Featuring an all-local cast, including some of New Zealand’s most talented young performers, Matilda will be the show to see in Auckland 2024!

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The PumpHouse: Mrs Wishy Washy

September 28th, 2024 - October 12th, 2024

Adapted for the stage by Tim Bray Songs by Christine White Created for Ages: 3 – 8 “Oh, lovely mud!” exclaim Mrs Wishy-Washy’s farm animals Cow, Duck, and Pig. These beloved characters from Joy Cowley’s series of picture books are about to come to life in a hilarious stage performance by Tim Bray Theatre Company. While the animals just love getting mucky, Mrs Wishy-Washy is determined to keep them spotless for the Big Farm Fair. In this funny farmyard adventure, audiences will be treated to comical chaos as Mrs Wishy-Washy attempts to give her muddy animal buddies a good scrub. This tale teaches valuable lessons about determination, friendship and the consequences of one’s actions, while offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy some good, clean, laugh-out loud fun.

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The PumpHouse: Creative Talks - Stu Bagby

October 7th, 2024

7:00 pm

Stu Bagby Poet Formerly a gravedigger, Stu has more recently been occupied part-time as a tutor and reviewer and poet. Stu is a former Poetry Society Competition winner and has been published both as a poet and as an editor. His books have been listed among the best of their year by both the Sunday Star Times and the NZ Listener. He is the organiser and MC of the annual Poetry Day event held at Takapuna Library. Stu will read from and discuss, in a non-academic way, his poetry and that of other poets he admires and hopes to show that poetry need not be elitist or difficult.

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Bruce Mason Centre: Morning Melodies - Base Auckland Brass

October 14th, 2024

Long-time favourite at Morning Melodies, Base Auckland Brass returns to perform a delightfully diverse programme from traditional brass and ceremonial music to more modern and contemporary tunes. Previously called The Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland Band, Base Auckland Brass are a Territorial Air Force band boasting some of New Zealand’s top brass musicians. The band has been performing for nearly 70 years, both in New Zealand and overseas including the South Pacific, Hong Kong, China, and Gallipoli. This performance is part of the Auckland Live Morning Melodies 2024 season. In its 23rd year, this much-loved monthly concert series features a fantastic line-up of brass bands, jazz ensembles, and more. Arrive early and connect with friends new and old over complimentary tea and biscuits before the show.

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Bruce Mason Centre: Harry Mack

October 16th, 2024

Get ready, Auckland! This October 2024, Harry Mack, the freestyle rap sensation, is bringing his Odyssey Tour Down Under for the first time. Known for his Omegle rap videos to strangers and live performances, Harry shot to fame with his viral Venice Beach Freestyle video. Since then, he's freestyled for hip-hop legends like Kendrick Lamar and Joey Bada$$ and captivated audiences on shows like Ellen DeGeneres and NBA on TNT. Harry Mack's YouTube series has amassed millions of views, showcasing his unparalleled talent for on-the-spot rap, blending jazz-inspired improvisation with powerful hip-hop beats. His live shows are a fully interactive experience, where the audience becomes part of the performance, leaving them amazed and eager to spread the word. Don’t miss your chance to witness Harry Mack's incredible fusion of rhythm and rhyme live. Join him for an unforgettable night of high-energy performances that redefine the art of freestyle rap. Tickets will sell out fast—Australia and Auckland, get ready!

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Barking Mad Market in Takapuna

October 19th, 2024

9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Barking Mad is finally coming to the North Shore!! We will be bringing to you… *The Barking Mad Dog Show* (podium event) - $8 per entry **Barking Mad Races** Auckland's no.1 dog event (show stopper!) - $6 per entry ***The tailor made Auckland iconic attractions - Obstacle course (designed and made by Cougar Kennels) including the SkyTower! - charity fundraiser So much fun to be had, amazing goods to be bought for your special member(s) of the family, delightful food for your dog(s) (and of course you!!) to enjoy. It’s a day for the family, a day to remember where memories are made. As aways, we will be raising money for charity so please come full pursed of gold coins for the agility course, the charity raffle and more! (Gold coin donation buckets darted all over the place) There will also be educational talks from dog trainers and members of Auckland Council *details will be released closer to the date. ** Important INFO ** Strictly leash only Bins available for Poo bags (Poo patrol will be in full force!) Only fun & positive vibes

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Bruce Mason Centre: Community Classics North

October 19th, 2024

Auckland Philharmonia’s popular Community Classics concerts give you a chance to hear Auckland’s orchestra for FREE In 2024 we celebrate music inspired by Shakespeare. The Bard has influenced many aspects of life, arts and culture, including music. The concerts will include extracts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story and lots of other music with Shakespearean connections. Gather the whānau together for an uplifting afternoon of music for everyone. This is a free concert, no booking or tickets are required.

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Bruce Mason Centre: The Kingdom of Bling

October 22nd, 2024

A New Satirical Musical THE KINGDOM OF BLING by The Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O’Brien Written as a one-act radio play and performed live on stage starring O’Brien as The Narrator and ensemble cast, this cautionary tale has the wacky hallmarks of Rocky Horror while featuring giants, a menacing fox, trolls, and the king of the land - the obnoxious ‘The He’ (guess who?). The musical will also feature a stonking rock band, belting out original songs in a style that made Rocky Horror such a blast. The Kingdom of Bling is set in "a time of confusion, when so many madly, strange beliefs collide. A time when kindness had been demonised, while crafty blindness wined and dined in a world it had divided”. The Kingdom of Bling breaks the fourth wall, giving audiences the rare treat of playing along with one of the world’s most celebrated authors and actors whose production has been performed in 20 different languages and been seen by 30 million people globally. As a bonus track, The Kingdom of Bling tour will feature a second act – a Q&A with O’Brien talking about his life, The Rocky Horror Show, the theatre and inspiration for his latest project. 100% of all royalties of THE KINGDOM OF BLING will go to the Starship Children’s Hospital in perpetuity.

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Bruce Mason Centre: ROCKARIA - The ELO Experience

October 24th, 2024

ROCKARIA - THE ELO EXPERIENCE is a show that delivers a captivating live concert repeating the unforgettable sound of Jeff Lynne's THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA. Evil Woman, Rock and Roll is King, Don't Bring me Down, Xanadu, Telephone Line, Turn to Stone and also featuring music from Jeff Lynne's Traveling Wilburys. So many hit song you will not want this night to finish.

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