The Vic is proud to be hosting the Eleventh Edition of the Italian Film Festival NZ.
Cinema Italiano offers a curated programme of 27 films showcasing the best in contemporary Italian cinema.
thevic.co.nz/movie/cinema-italiano-2026
Material World is a meditation on perception, transformation, and place. In this body of work, Chris Melville continues his photographic exploration of everyday fabrics – linen, cotton, denim, and sheer textiles – using slow shutter speeds and natural light to create images that evoke vast, elemental landscapes. What appears at first glance as rolling mountains, tidal currents, or mist drifting across water is, in fact, an intimate study of material in motion. The familiar is dissolved into something expansive and atmospheric, inviting viewers to question where reality ends and imagination begins.
depot.org.nz/event/chris-melville-material-world
”Integration” from the Latin root meaning "to make whole” explores themes of belonging, transition and acceptance. The paintings emerge from the tension between these places- the landscape that forms us, the one we inhabit now and the one we are shaping. Each painting is built through a process of layering; early layers are informed by memory rather than direct observation and are loosely, energetically created. These are then covered and worked on with more layers, scraping back paint, revealing/exposing earlier marks or spaces in time. The square format of each painting is used to disrupt the traditional portrait/landscape expectations, leaving us with a contained field where geographies must co-exist. A space of negotiation rather than depiction. Alongside the theme of past and present, there is, of course, the question of future, the third element: the viewer. The landscapes are intentionally open and unresolved, inviting each person's lived experience to enter the painting.
depot.org.nz/event/louise-mair-integration
Mon 4 May - 7.15pm; Sun 17 May - 12.30pm
Let the good times ROLL. The Big Bike Film Night is back, bringing the best cycling short films from around the world together for you. Showcasing the 2026 collection that has everything a cycling-centric audience could want - action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration - we're going to spin your wheels, crank your dial, and ring your bell! There’s always an air of mystique about The Big Bike Film Night; we’re not your typical mainstream film festival; we’re left field and damn proud of it. Treasuring where a bike can take you, our annual curated collection of short bike films is devised and designed to delight the two-wheel devotee in celebrating the fun, the adventure, and the inspiration that cycling enables.
These short films are a great reminder of why we love to ride our bikes; with stories that captivate us, stories that make us think, and most importantly of all – inspiring us to get out and ride. All celebrate the fun, adventure, and joy that cycling enables. So... listen to the voice inside you; it’s telling you to go. Grab your mates, GO ON… grab your bike and come along for the ride!!
thevic.co.nz/movie/the-big-bike-film-night-2026
Be Speciality Coffee Roasters, Mulan Eatery, and De Paul House are collaborating in support of De Paul House, which for 40 years has provided emergency and transitional housing with wrap-around support for families with children and senior citizens on the North Shore. Bring along any dry goods, canned food, or toiletries, and Mulan Eatery will shout you a coffee in exchange.
How it works: Drop off your donations at Mulan Eatery. Enjoy a free coffee/brew on the house.
All goods go directly to families and seniors helped by De Paul House.
Evening performances: 7:30pm; Matinee performances: 2pm or 4pm
Preview night: 13 May
Marion Crawford, affectionately known as “Crawfie”, spent sixteen years as nanny to the young princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Melanie Tait has constructed a superbly written, witty, insightful, and poignant play that examines the power, sacrifice, hurt, and betrayal of a time in history when loyalty was demanded, the barriers of class were strictly defined, and the right to tell one’s own story was non-existent.
Director Simon Prast steers this personal drama, a commentary on class and the monarchy, into an unmissable night of theatre, with an exceptional cast. Needless to say, another Tadpole masterpiece not to be missed.
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/the-queens-nanny
Thursdays, 14 May, 21 May, 28 May
The Mischief Company presents a one-of-a-kind improvised comedy! Live and unscripted... Book Club. Where fiction gets personal...
The audience creates a book title. The actors have to bring it to life. Romance. Adventure. Sheer bloody murder - no one knows, least of all the actors! Watch as fiction collides with the members of Book Club.
The meal ticket option includes a meal at Buona Sera Restaurant, 99 Victoria Road (opposite The Vic).
A choice of pasta or pizza with a glass of house wine, beer or soft drink. Bookings from 5.30pm
thevic.co.nz/movie/book-club-live-improvised-comedy
Join us for the second of our quarterly Young Artists Night Series, showcasing emerging local talent through a series of themed events. Each evening will align with the season – both in atmosphere and inspiration – highlighting a different artistic discipline, such as visual arts, music, dance, performance or spoken word. This rotating format ensures diversity in expression while offering young artists a platform to connect with audiences and peers in a supportive, dynamic environment.
We’re bringing together five artists for a powerful kōrero about what it actually means to build a life in the arts. Designed for rangatahi and emerging creatives, this is your chance to hear honest stories, learn from lived experience, and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. Tailored for 18 – 29-year-olds, while warmly welcoming artists at all stages.
Panelists: Siah Finai, Stacey Edgar, Anoushka Coulter and Fiona MacKay
Keynote Speaker: Hōhua Thomson
depot.org.nz/event/young-artists-night-passing-the-brush
Catherine has worked in grant-making and philanthropy for over 30 years, with roles as an advisor or assessor with Creative New Zealand, Lottery Grants Board, Foundation North, and currently at Auckland Council. She also understands the other side of the arts funding equation from her time spent in fundraising and development for Q Theatre. Passionate about the arts from a young age, she has three adult children who have worked in theatres throughout Aotearoa in a variety of roles, both behind the scenes and on stage. Catherine will speak about the often-unseen value of the arts and why arts funding is so important to our communities.
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/creative-talks-catherine-george
Contemporary composers' fascination with light, mysticism, and the spiritual realm connects the works in Camerata Chamber Choir's Past Life Melodies concert. Nearly all works in the programme are by living composers, with many from the 21st century.
Morten Lauridsen's intensely personal Lux Aeterna forms the centrepiece, showcasing his trademark sonority alongside an exploration of both historical and contemporary compositional techniques across multiple movements. We are joined for this work by organist Dr Philip Smith.
Two Australian composers also feature. Paul Jarman's Pemulwuy explores the indigenous perspective on the loss of Aboriginal land around Sydney, while Sarah Hopkins' Past Life Melodies draws on extended vocal technique to create a mystical and engaging musical experience.
Also featured are works by Kim André Arnesen, Ola Gjeilo, David Childs, Darius Lim, Ēriks Ešenvalds, and Josef Rheinberger. The choir is conducted by David Gordon with Megan Quatermass accompanying on piano.
Remember to bring cash for raffle tickets ($5 for 3 tickets) for a chance to win a basket of treats, and we invite you to enjoy supper with the choir after the concert.
Tickets: $30 general, $10 students, children under 13 years free. Tickets are available from Humanitix (credit card), by bank transfer, or also available at the door (cash only and subject to availability).
events.humanitix.com/past-life-melodies
A much-loved Tāmaki Makaurau tradition is celebrating a major milestone in 2026, with Auckland Live Morning Melodies returning for its 25th season of monthly Monday morning concerts at the Bruce Mason Centre. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, loyal audiences and consistently high-quality performances, the 2026 season brings together many of the brass bands and ensembles audiences know and love, alongside special highlights marking the 25-year milestone.
Tickets: $7.14 per ticket, or $54 for a season pass.
Season passes and single tickets are available via Ticketmaster or at the Bruce Mason Centre Box Office. No booking or infrastructure fees apply when purchasing in person at the box office.
For full programme details, visit aucklandlive.co.nz
Programme:
• 25 May – AOTANGO Quintet
• 22 Jun – Society Jazzmen
• 20 Jul – Kumeu Vintage Brass
• 10 Aug – The Madeleines
• 7 Sep – Base Auckland Brass
• 5 Oct – NZTrio He Taonga Wairere
• 9 Nov – The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery
• 7 Dec – The Royal New Zealand Navy Band
Presented by the Devonport Library Associates, 'Our Devonport' is an evening of Pecha Kucha-style presentations about various aspects of local history and local life. The event is a fundraiser for local charities.
Speakers: Richard Loseby, John Davy, Janet Mazenier, Geoff Chapple, David Kayrouz, Tony McNeight, Rob Drent, Innes Asher and Judy McGregor.
thevic.co.nz/movie/our-devonport-2026
Various times
Step into a hauntingly beautiful world where ancient myth meets modern music and youthful spirit. Hadestown Teen Edition follows the timeless story of Orpheus and Eurydice, two young souls searching for hope in a world divided between earth and the underworld.
With a spellbinding folk-inspired score and storytelling that feels both classic and alive, this reimagined version invites teen performers and audiences alike into a journey of love, trust and courage. When fate, temptation and doubt threaten to pull them apart, the question remains: can music carry a heart back from the darkness?
Experience a little StageAntics sparkle as powerful voices, bold movement, and theatrical magic bring this modern myth to life. Heartfelt, raw, and irresistibly theatrical, Hadestown Teen Edition is a story that reminds us that even in the deepest underground, hope can still grow.
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/hadestown-teen-edition
Various times
Company of Giants presents a wild and wonderful collection of acts celebrating the extraordinary and the ordinary in our own backyard. Songs, poetry, mime performed by a troupe of puppets, animals, clowns and flowers. Explore the familiarity of the domestic and the mundane, draped in a blanket of glitter. An untamed ride of wonder and delight. Your heart will quicken, and your eyes will glow. Wear your best dress! There’ll be hats at the door.
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/a-vaudeville-of-flowers
Roll up to The Biggest Drag Carnival Circus, returning with a brand new, supercharged spectacular!
After three years of sold-out crowds and rave reviews, this year’s production raises the bar with even more glitter, thrills, and fabulous chaos. Expect a high-energy blend of comedy, jaw-dropping daredevil acts, dazzling drag performers, powerhouse vocalists, and electrifying dancers. This is a show designed for everyone – from circus lovers to drag fanatics to anyone who just wants an unforgettable night out in Takapuna.
Plus $500 worth of prizes will be given away on the night!
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/biggest-drag-carnival-circus
Actor, director, and New Zealand Arts Laureate, Michael Hurst has enjoyed a successful career in theatre, film, and television spanning over 40 years. He is a well-known name in the arts. Michael also has a long-time connection with The PumpHouse Theatre. In 1991, he played Richard in Richard III, produced by the PumpHouse Winter Shakespeare Committee. Michael will be sharing some of his acting anecdotes and memories of performing at The PumpHouse over the years.
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/creative-talks-michael-hurst
7.30pm - Fri 18, Sat 19, Wed 23, Thurs 24, Fri 25, Sat 26, Wed 20 Sep, Thurs 1, Fri 2 Oct
2pm - Sat 19, Sun 20, Sat 26, Sun 27 Sep
Fifty years since its first performance, Phoenix Theatre proudly presents Roger Hall’s smash hit Glide Time, the play that inspired the TV classic Gliding On. Step back into a time when office chairs squeaked, memos were handwritten, and the tea break was sacred. This beloved Kiwi comedy brings the quirks of 1970s public service life to the stage with razor-sharp wit, painfully familiar characters, and laugh-out-loud moments that still hit home today. Whether you once worked in a government office or just love a smart, character-driven comedy, you’ll recognise the personalities, politics, and passive-aggressive paper shuffling that define life behind the desk. It’s a workplace time capsule full of charm, chaos, and classic Kiwi humour. But this is more than just a comedy; it’s a slice of New Zealand’s cultural history. First performed in 1976 and still as relevant as ever, this play captures a moment in time with humour, heart and honesty. It’s a celebration of everyday people, of workplaces that frustrate and comfort in equal measure, and of finding laughter in the small moments. As we mark 50 years since its debut, this is your chance to experience (or re-experience) a true Kiwi classic, live on stage.
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/glide-time-by-roger-hall
South Island-born Darrell plays the cornet, trumpet and flugelhorn, and is a member of the North Shore Concert Band. For 35 years, he worked for a Swiss engineering company, which researched, manufactured and marketed joint replacement prostheses, requiring travel to Switzerland once or twice each year. At various social functions and events, there were Swiss alphorn players. He got to try and play one on a few occasions, and so it became his dream to own one… In 2019, the dream came true. Darrell will share the story of the Swiss alphorn, how he became a very proud owner of one and bring his ‘prized possession’ to show and even play for us!
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/creative-talks-darrell-daglish
Richard is a Councillor for the North Shore on the Auckland Council and Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee. He has led much of the Council’s major policies and strategies, such as the Future Development Strategy, Economic Development Strategy and Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. Richard is a big supporter of the arts across Tāmaki Makaurau and the Shore. He credits his background in communications, some very amateur stand-up comedy experience, and even winning the drama cup in high school, for setting him up with many creative skills that help him do this job, respond to media, and chair a passionate bunch of personalities around the council table. He says, “There is theatre in everything, and there sure is a lot in politics!”
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/creative-talks-richard-hills
Three performances: 11am, 2pm and 4pm
Returning to The PumpHouse Theatre just in time for Hallowe'en! An all-new show along with some old favourites, like the Doves, Chihuahua and Rabbits. But watch out for the Monkeys! A fast-paced show full of Magic, audience participation and comedy, plus spectacular Illusions. Dress up in your favourite costume!
Prizes and Giveaways: Every ticket sold is in the draw to win a Magic Set! (5 per show).
pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/tricks-n-treats-2026
