What’s on in the region this week
COMEDY FESTIVAL
The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is in full swing and runs until May 23. Here are some of the weekend’s offerings. For the full programme, show information, times, prices and tickets see comedy.festival.co.nz
Sorry Bout It, Tofiga Fepulea’i Michael Fowler Centre, May 8; 7.30pm
After touring the world both as a solo act as well as part of the legendary Laughing Samoans, Tofiga Fepulea’i has finally realised one of his humble childhood dreams – to perform at the Comedy Festival.
Boy Mestizo: The Return, James Roque
BATS The Dome, May 7, 8; 5pm James Roque brings his hour of ‘‘too real’’ laughs back to Wellington. James always thought his hang-ups about being brown came from when he landed on Kiwi soil. Now he realises he may have accidentally checked in some baggage back in the Philippines.
Late Laughs
San Fran, May 8; 10.30pm
See top comedians up close and personal, and be a part of some of the fest’s most unexpected and memorable moments. The fastpaced show will have more get up and go than a Wellingtonian on a good day.
The Good Guys
San Fran, May 9; 7pm
Each year some of the funniest comedians in Aotearoa donate a set for SpinningTop charity, often prompting them to throw out the script and ‘‘go rogue’’ in this hilarious gala-style event.
Arsebiscuits
Fringe Bar, May 8; 7pm
In her debut solo show for the festival, multi award-winning international performer Sameena Zehrais is doing what she does best – a goulash of storytelling and political commentary, peppered with absurdity.
Stories for Adults
BATS Random Stage, May 7, 8; 6.30pm
From comedian Angella Dravid, the winner of Taskmaster NZ, comes an hour of adult stories and fables to learn from. ‘‘Wonderfully cringe-worthy and hugely entertaining.’’ – Stuff
OTHER EVENTS
Featherston
Booktown
Karukatea Festival, various locations and times The festival offers 55 events hosting 99 presenters and literary provocateurs along with the opportunity to buy books from 23 booksellers in the Anzac Hall. Programme and booking details at booktown.org.nz
NZSO Four Seasons
Wellington College, May 8; 7.30pm $20 from www.nzso.co.nz Directed by NZSO Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppa¨nen, the orchestra performs Vivaldi’s famous The Four Seasons and tango composer Astor Piazzolla’s Vivaldi-inspired The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.
In Bathing, Bask
Toi Po¯neke Gallery, until May 29, 10am8pm weekdays, 10am-4pm weekends, free Bailee Lobb’s new exhibition, In Bathing, Bask, considers how spaces can act as a supportive environment for sensory processing and soothing the nervous system.
Mother’s Day Tour at Te Papa
Information Desk, Level 2, Te Papa. May 8, 9; 10.30am-11.15am, $25
Take your ma¯ma¯ to Te Papa this Mother’s Day! Join us for a short, limited-time tour of Te Papa dedicated to stories about amazing mothers, from Ma¯ori mythology to the animal world and the national art collection.
The Glory of Brass
St Paul’s Church, Paraparaumu, May 8,9; 3pm, door sales, $30, 2 for $55
Ka¯piti Chorale and Ka¯piti Brass combine to perform works including John Rutter’s stirring Gloria, along with individual choir and band numbers. The Ka¯piti Chorale is directed by Eric Sidoti while Ka¯piti Brass is directed by David Wells.
Megiddo & Thomson (cello and piano)
St Andrew’s on The Terrace, May 9; 3pm, $40 ($10 under 26)
Cellist Inbal Megiddo (NZSM/Te Koki Trio) and pianist Rachel Thomson take us on a cello journey that explores different musical cultures, styles and periods. Door sales or email sundayconcertsnz@gmail.com
Natural Emotions
The Kiwi Art House Gallery, Cuba St Diana Treeborn uses poured acrylic paint to create dream-like images of life in the sea and relates this to the positive and negative emotions of our lives.
Events to include?
If you want your event listed on this page, please send an outline to arts@dompost.co.nz with ‘‘what’s on’’ in the subject line.