A sharp and timely New Zealand adaptation of Ibsen’s classic that dives into the clash between public health, political pressure and community loyalty. An Enemy of the People delivers strong performances, tense dialogue and a clear look at how truth becomes a battleground when money and reputation are on the line. We rate it an impassioned and relevant 4.5 out of 5!

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A fast, funny and proudly local solo show where TJ Snow transforms a simple real estate pitch into a full tour of Aranui’s characters, chaos and charm. Churr My Neighbour mixes sharp audience interaction, quick‑fire personas and heartfelt community storytelling, turning a narrow performance space into a whole neighbourhood. We rate it an uneven but energetic 3.5 out of 5!

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A wild, fast-moving sketch comedy fever dream where three friends try to escape a creative purgatory of their own making. On Purpose blends absurdism, philosophy and pure silliness as Time Shivers Productions twist a simple setup into a chaotic search for meaning. We rate it a clever 4 out of 5!

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A sharp, funny and surprisingly heartfelt solo show where Jackson Burling uses verbatim theatre to explore the world of long‑haul trucking and the choices that shape a life. Over and Out blends humour, warmth and thoughtful design as Burling switches between personas. We rate it an accessible, 4 out of 5!

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A rich and absorbing double bill where Stephen Lovatt brings two Bruce Mason classics to life with remarkable clarity and emotional depth. “The End of the Golden Weather” captures the magic and heartbreak of childhood, while “Not Christmas, But Guy Fawkes” shifts into sharp, funny and deeply reflective autobiography. We rate it an introspective 4 out of 5!

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A warm and deeply personal ensemble piece where five performers share the memories, people and moments that shaped their sense of home. It is tender, honest and quietly uplifting, reminding us that home is built from connection rather than geography. We rate it a tender 4 out of 5!

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A wild, fast-moving burst of dance theatre where love flips from sweet to strange in an instant. Sharp Teeth mixes bold movement, oddball humour and vivid visual surprises, carried by a charismatic ensemble and Dynamotion’s signature playful chaos. It is energetic, weird, heartfelt and constantly reinventing itself, leaving you grinning and a little breathless. We rate it an energetic 4 out of 5!

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A warm and nostalgic cabaret where Kiwi-born Singaporean 姐姐 Amanda Grace Leo blends Mandopop, childhood memories and the experience of living between two worlds. With big vocals, gentle humour and heartfelt storytelling, Karaoke Heaven becomes a tender journey of identity and self-love, asking what truly makes us feel whole. We rate it a 5 out of 5 performance!

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A tender and clever two‑hander that follows Marianne and Roland through multiple possible realities, showing how tiny shifts in choice can completely reshape a relationship. Set under Matariki and adapted beautifully for Aotearoa, Constellations blends humour, heartbreak and quantum possibility into a simple but deeply affecting love story. We rate it an intimate 5 out of 5!

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A quiet and reflective cabaret from Le Gateau Chocolat that leans more toward honesty and vulnerability than the high‑energy chaos suggested by its title. With stripped-back musical moments, gentle pacing and open discussion about personal challenges, the show offers glimpses of humour and warmth but carries a noticeably subdued tone. We rate it a restrained 3 out of 5!

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A lush and playful cabaret led by Michelle Kasey and Kiki Kisses, backed by a knockout jazz quartet and standout vocals from Dillon Rhodes. Feathers, sequins, humour and slow‑burn glamour fill the room, creating a warm and indulgent night that celebrates desire, confidence and classic burlesque charm. A gorgeous, joy‑filled experience that leaves you glowing. We rate it an indulgent 4 out of 5!

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A fierce and funny cabaret that mixes circus, burlesque, drag, aerials and fire into a wild night of rebellion. It is loud, messy, political and full of attitude, flipping old ideas about gender, beauty and power into something bold and freeing. A chaotic, high‑energy celebration of femme strength that feels like a party with a purpose. We rate it a raucous 4 out of 5!

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A fierce, vulnerable and deeply moving showcase from Nikau Grace, Ko Au, Ko Koe celebrates wāhine, identity and the courage to stand unapologetically in your truth. Blending blues, classical, contemporary sounds and te reo Māori, Nikau creates an intimate space filled with wairua, lush harmonies and powerful storytelling. A stunning 5 out of 5 performance!

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A wild, glitter‑soaked rollercoaster led by the magnetic Tomáš Kantor, Sugar explodes with pop anthems, filthy humour and fearless queer storytelling. It is loud, chaotic, sexy and completely in your face, the kind of cabaret that will thrill some and confront others. Musicianship is stunning, the charisma is undeniable, and the energy never drops for a second. We rate it a polarising 3 out of 5!

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A bright, joyful dive into the Brill Building’s golden age, brought to life by the powerhouse trio of Amelia Ryan, Michaela Burger and Michael Griffiths. With gorgeous harmonies, sharp storytelling and hit after hit from Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Ellie Greenwich and more, this show turns the theatre into a 60s pop playground. We rate it a charming 4 out of 5!

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A cozy Wintergarden speakeasy bursting with sparkle. Hosted by the ever‑magnetic Luke Bird, this gala night serves up a glittering tasting menu of the festival’s stars: pop‑cabaret fire from Sugar, nostalgic charm from Simply Brill, high‑camp drag royalty celebrating Caluzzi’s legacy, sultry burlesque from The Velvet Lounge, and big‑voiced Mandopop magic from Karaoke Heaven. We rate it a fun 4 out of 5!

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A wild, intimate, late‑night circus of chaos and charm. Performed on a tiny stage in the middle of The Civic, this rotating lineup of aerialists, divas, jugglers, burlesque stars, fire‑eaters, contortionists and absolute troublemakers delivers a night of laughter, danger, and deliciously unfiltered fun. We rate it an adventurous 4 out of 5!

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A raw, heartfelt Niuean story about three brothers growing up in the shadow of a father whose love and violence shaped their world. Sons of Vao blends humour, pain, and Pasifika pride as it traces four decades of family, migration, masculinity, and the long road toward forgiveness. We rate it a personal 4 out of 5!

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A high‑energy blend of contemporary Indigenous dance, hip hop, breakdance, and Pacific movement, The Circle pulses with community, support, and collective liberation. Shifting Centre’s cast moves as one living organism, shifting from sharp battles to flowing duets, creating a world built on connection and celebration. We ate it a cohesive 4 out of 5!

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A powerful, emotional performance honouring the ancestors of Kiribati and the future carried by its rangatahi. Through bold movement, traditional song, and heartfelt storytelling, the Marewen Kiribati Youth Group lit up the Pacific Dance Festival with pride, resilience, and deep cultural connection. We rated it a powerful celebratory 5 out of 5!

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