We came here for a presentation of the Opera "La Cenerentola" and a pre-show talk as well this…read moremonth. I found the Center to be very clean and modern in style. The staff were friendly enough and everything there seemed to be well organized. The seats in the auditorium were comfortable enough to sit for a while and the acoustics were fine. My biggest problem was with direction. It happened to be raining and we had to walk around the entire building to find the entrance. There weren't many signs displayed and I found the ones that were posted not to be helpful. The floor-plan is very open and so our talk was overshadowed and a bit interrupted by a musical event happening on another floor. The event itself was fine, however I was tempted to use an emergency exit as we had front row seats and it seemed to take much longer than usual for people to exit the auditorium. Now that I have a better idea of the layout, I would be willing to attend another event here.

Since this place got renovated within the last year, it's pretty snazzy. All the seating redone,…read moreceiling and side panels redone. Can't say if I've noticed much of the acoustic difference. But this place is pretty nice to have an event (show, talk, theatre, performance). I love the foyer area upstairs. There's a cafe and just outside on the steps you can chill and people-watch in the Aotea Square which is alive most times of the year.

Q Theater is a nice venue, however I found it quite confusing. You walk in and don't know whether…read moreto yield right and order food, or go left. Where is the box office? Why are there no signs designating show times? I was seeing a comedy show there a few weeks ago and didn't know what to do when I arrived. After I made a circuit around I stopped at a desk at front that appeared to be the box office. I asked what to do for the show and was told to keep an eye out for when folks gather in a certain area - which would indicate the show I wanted to see would start. Ummm, ok. I'd arrived early so I decided to grab food. I ordered a burger and fries and a cider. Those items came out and I found myself with nowhere to sit. Q Theater was packed! I ended up asking a nice lady if I could sit with her just to eat. Luckily she allowed it. The burger wasn't good, but I think it's because I come from the land of burger. The cider was decent. The comedy show itself was good but was in a small basement space with folding chairs. That's on par for what I paid so, can't complain there.

Blood, sweat and lots of fundraising (over 10 years) have brought us 'Q Theatre'!…read more Purpose-built space with the 'Rangitira' theatre that holds 400+ people, which is the largest auditorium at Q. The 'loft' is more of an intimate performance space with capacity for 110 people. There is also the 'vault' that is a cute rehearsal space that you can hire for $20 per hour. Having experienced both auditoriums, they both cater to maximise good visibility, adequate lighting, comfortable seating in a truly 'thespian' way. Q also have a cafe/bar which is heavily stocked with daily specials, artisan menu and great wines by the glass. You can sit in the foyer, in the bar, or outside for a catch-up with a friend, or pre-drink before a show. Lastly Q is in Queen Street - houses productions by Silo Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company and is one 'hip' venue to acquaint. Yelping Ab Fab.

This is a really wonderful venue with the primary function of a performing arts school, rehearsal…read morespace and performance venue. It also runs seminars, has a café and is now home to The Actors Programme. It runs a full range of evening and weekend part time classes, with programmes covering all the performing arts with everything from acting for screen and stage, singing, dance and if you want to run away and join the circus, you can learn the tricks here. There's something for every age group and a lot of well respected industry professionals run workshops out of here. It's a really wonderful space that is intrinsic to Auckland's artistic community and even if you are more of an observer than a participant, TAPAC has something for everyone, so at least come and see a show. There's school holiday programmes as well as term time programmes and the facilities and tutors are top class. Bloody marvellous!

TAPAC is a bit of an Auckland institution. Virtually any kid growing up in central Auckland with an…read moreinterest in the performing arts will have heard of TAPAC, even if they didn't attend any classes there. TAPAC is recognised as one of the best performing arts facilities in the area, with an extensive range of classes available -for all ages and abilities - as well as great studios and mini theatres for rehearsals and performances. In my early teens I participated in an acting class at TAPAC. The class was great. It covered a variety of styles of acting, whether for screen or the stage, and it was really good for boosting my self confidence and leadership qualities - though I didn't realise it at the time of course! Whether dancing, acting, singing or even circus skills and acrobatics are your forte, or you've just always wanted to give them a try - TAPAC is the place for you. Tip: TAPAC also host school holiday programmes, so if your child is unsure about signing up to regular lessons this is a good way to see whether they want to pursue these classes any further!

Ahhh the ol' Bruce Mason! I remember when it first opened. We were absolutely chuffed to finally…read morehad a decent sized theatre on the North Shore. Since then I reckons it's gone from strength to strength. It's not the prettiest theatre i've seen but it now gets many of the same shows as the Aotea Centre and in my opinion, it's a much better size - literally no matter where you're sitting you get a good view. There's also a decent bar and Daikoku is right next door - who doesn't love Teppanyaki!

Thanks to the Bruce Mason Center, the North Shore gets to have a slice of the Auckland performing…read morearts pie! This multi-purpose built venue may not be on par with the heritage theatre buildings in downtown Auckland, but it isn't without uniqueness. The Center is associated with New Zealand's most prominent playwright, Bruce Edward George Mason and home to some of his memorabilia which are on display in the main foyer. The Bruce Mason Centre offers hassle-free parking with direct access to the venue and there's plenty of nearby options for pre-concert drinks or dining. So in the realm of performing arts, one can break a leg on both sides of the Harbour bridge!!!

Auckland Fringe is the coolest freedom of live performance art I have come across in New Zealand…read more Fringe has been around since 2009, and every year since presented a showcase of individual innovative works. I had a massive choice of where to go and what to see, as Fringe takes place in venues all over our beautiful cultured city from Parnell Baths to St Kevin's Arcade. The types of shows to choose from are cabaret/burlesque to dance, or music, outdoor, comedy, and theatre. I know we are spoilt for choice. As of recently a new wonderful production has re-emerged that of water ballet; it's been till last Fringe 2012 over fifty years since water ballet had been on stage so to speak in New Zealand. I was part of an audience of Swan Song, such a creatively intoxicating classical water ballet with modern music and a funky twist on the original classic. I witnessed 100 tutus all swishing and swirling simultaneously around the pools, a fantastic performance of artistic expression. Fringe is well worth your time and attention, and such an unforgettable experience.

"I think there is no world without theatre." - Edward Bond…read more I totally agree. Gosh, I remember when 'Basement Theatre' when it was a rundown, grungy space used by Silo Theatre! How times have changed. There have been many new developments recently with the space, to encourage emerging artists to perform at the theatre at affordable, community-friendly rates. There are 2 theatres - upstairs studio seats 65 people & downstairs seats 100 patrons. The bar has a good selection of craft beers and NZ wines. Please note there is limited space to stand or sit around the bar, however you can go outside when the weather permits. Tickets prices start from $10-$25. I have attended many plays here over the years from the absurdist to apocalypse to comedy to classic drama. Definitely worth a visit to experience something different! Yelp!

I went to the Basement Theatre for the first time in the weekend and was immediately annoyed that I…read morehadn't been earlier. It's preeeetty cool. Tucked off Greys Ave, The Basement backs onto a public car park and is hidden from the street. While this adds to it's "underground" appeal it can make it tricky to find if it's your first time. My advice is to enter from the Q Theatre on Queen St, head down the LHS stairs at the back and then keep an eye out for the brightly coloured stools and blue barrels, which are used as tables outside. As others mentioned, The Basement is known for giving emerging artists a platform to perform. They host a wide range of acts from comedy to acting to poetry to dance. It's also home to SNORT, an improv show that's on every Friday at 10pm. It's supposed to be hilarious but word on the street is it regularly sells out so if you're keen to go, definitely get there early. In fact, I would recommend getting there early no matter what show you go to to have a drink beforehand. The bar is stocked with delicious beer, wine and spirits and there's a cool area out the front for you to sit and drink.

I like Herald Theatre. It's small but that makes it intimate. We went to a show last night and sat…read morefront row - level with the performers - and it was awesome. You could see their full facials. Love it. The stage isn't huge so it's probably more suited to smaller performances/productions but all in all, it's a nice little venue. Oh, and they do have a bar as well as a small range of ice creams. Not really any food so make sure you eat before you go!

The Herald Theatre is one of the best parts of the Aotea Centre and shows some really great local…read moreproductions. It's intimate and quiet and while I've only sat near the front I imagine all of the seats get decent views of the stage. It has a nice foyer with a bar and all the stage elements are state of the art - we saw a play here last year involving a bathtub and water falling from the ceiling, all of which was pulled off with superior style and drama. Theatre tickets are really economical in the greater scheme of things and if you're not a theatre-goer, give it a go; it's a really engaging and often moving art form that should not be underestimated.

The Rose Centre is located just off Lake Road, in an unassuming cul de sac, with ample parking &…read morehas a distinct 'community' feel. I have been to a few theatre productions here, which are generally affordable, low-key and headed up by 'Company Theatre' who produce three shows a year & are resident in the space. The Rose Centre is also utilised for fitness, singing & French language class, meditation, yoga & other interactive community events. You can also rent the space for meetings, rehearsals, parties, meet ups and children's playgroups. There are two community lounges which are perfect for the before mentioned activities. They have a website - so check them out:)

It's a maze to get there but once you do I think it is one of the best theatres in Auckland. Just…read morethe right size, just the right incline between rows, a HUUUUGE stage and comfy seats. The only downfall is that they only have pre-packaged popcorn - not such an issue if you are going to a play but if you are going to a movie, such a disappointment! Also their water comes out of those pre-mix soda stream taps and tastes rank.

I have been to a couple of shows here lately and they were great! One was Hairspray so that was…read morebound to be a winner and the other was a film fest movie which was a goodie too. Can be difficult to find in the Skytower if you don't know where you are going but once you find it you will be greatest by friendly staff and an array of snacks and drinks to choose from. Seats are super comfy so I almost fall asleep! Check out what's coming up here as they have a great array of events held at this venue at reasonable prices so keep your eyes peeled

On a rainy day in Auckland, I decided to take advantage of the weather and see a movie -…read moreOppenheimer. The biggest cinema for mainstream movies is Event Cinemas, part of a large commercial complex right in the heart of CBD. Talking with people, this area still hasn't fully recovered since the pandemic, which speaks to why the complex feels relatively empty and quiet. I even had difficulty finding the main entrance as most of the door area that used to have restaurants and bars are empty and looked closed. Entering off the street and going down, only to go up massive escalators inside, I finally found what I was looking for. The theatres are on multiple floors depending on the style of screen (traditional, IMAX, etc.). The ticket lobby and main concession stand is on the third level. Tickets can be purchased off touch screens in the lobby, where you choose your desired seat. Most theatres have recliners or even full day beds, prices depend on time and type of seat. After purchasing my ticket, I went up another level where usually a ticket taker would be, but the table was empty and remained so. I found it odd there was no one checking - I guess trust (or cameras) were ensuring you are a paying customer. There are bars and concession stands in other areas but all were closed on my visit; maybe only peak time they're open. The screen itself was great quality; seats comfortable, prices reasonable for modern movies, and everything was clean. I was happy taking a break from the city for a few hours and would see a movie here again.

5 stars for the dramatic architecture 2 stars for the…read moreservice/bathrooms. The building is quite simply amazing. This would have to be the most dramatic movie theater I have ever seen. I came here to see Star Wars the Force Awakens and was more impressed by the sci-fi bridges and architecture in the theater than i was with the planet killer bridges and architecture in the Star Wars movie. Event Cinemas never seem to have enough staff and the bathrooms always seem to be a disaster, there is never enough toilets, they are dirty and often in some state of disrepair.