This week we want to go to . . .
Q Theatre
Let it never be said that Q Theatre sticks to the same old script. Now seven years old, the Queen St theatre continues to play host to a variety of acts, artists and events from comedians and plays to film festivals and international speakers. This weekend is a prime example. You could go along on three different nights and see three very different shows. First up, Mr Burns, a PostElectric Play continues in Q’s main space, Rangatira, with some of our finest performers taking audiences on a funny, cerebral and highlytheatrical journey into a postapocalyptic world where a love of The Simpsons — and a desire to stay alive — is one of the only things survivors have in common.
Mr Burns, a Post-Electric Play, Rangatira at Q Theatre, until Saturday, September 29
Then again, if chills and thrills are more your thing, check out Cradle Song where award-winning local playwright Albert Belz brings audiences face-to-face with the supernatural force of Briar Faith when two young backpackers happen across a true-life horror story ripped directly from today’s headlines.
Cradle Song, Loft at Q Theatre, until Saturday, September 22
You might want to finish the weekend on a calmer, but no less beguiling, note when NZTrio unleashes an all-female cast of composers in a powerful tribute marking the 125th anniversary of New Zealand women’s suffrage. With a knack for bringing together eclectic works into a single concert, NZTrio always make beautiful music and unexpected, but wondrous, connections.
NZTrio Braid, Loft at Q Theatre, Sunday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 25
Whammy Bar
October quietly released one of the strongest New Zealand pop debuts earlier this year with Ultra Red, made all the more impressive for the fact that she reclaimed all the recordings she’d done with other producers and decided to re-produce the whole record herself. Her style mixes brutal production with left-field pop techniques; supernova tracks like Candy Talk bleed into Garbage-style pop rock songs like All She Does is Stare. October is performing tracks from Ultra Red at Whammy Bar tonight with support from Maxwell Young.
October, Whammy Bar, Tonight Raynham Park
A menagerie of marvellous moustaches and boutique of bushy beards will be on display at the NZ Beard and Moustache competition tomorrow evening. Hosted by facial hair enthusiasts The Fellowship of the Beard NZ, the event is in its fifth year and has a host of categories for anyone who fancies their chances at a title shot. Alongside Best Moustache and Best Beard, there’s also more fanciful options like Freestyle, Crowd Favourite and Whiskerina, a category for women wearing fake beards and mo’s. There’ll be live music from The Recliner Rockers, Swampland, and Durty Murdur, and a raffle with all proceeds from the event going to Lifeline Aotearoa. The event, rated R18 because of an alcohol licence, kicks off at 7pm and is just $10 for spectators and $15 if you want your furry face to compete in any events.
NZ Beard and Moustache Competition, Friday, Raynham Park, Karangahape Rd