What’s on in O¯ tautahi Christchurch
Ben Elton
Ben Elton is here again – performing at the James Hay Theatre on May 14 and 15. The British comedian, author, actor, playwright and director is touring New Zealand this month, his first shows here in more than 15 years, with his new and surprisingly unimaginatively titled stand-up show, Ben Elton Live. He has written such TV shows as The Young Ones, Blackadder 2, Blackadder The Third, Blackadder Goes Forth and The Thin Blue Line. He has written and directed two feature films – Maybe Baby and Three Summers and has published 16 novels, six of which became bestsellers. Multi-awardwinning Elton has written three West End plays and the global phenomenon We Will Rock You based on the music of British rock legends Queen.
Ferns of Aroha
Mosque attack survivor Mazharuddin Syed Ahmed presents Ferns of Aroha: Following the 2019 Terrorist Attack. Mazharuddin has carefully documented every act of aroha and kindness – tributes, vigils, a peace train, interfaith gatherings and more – that followed the Christchurch mosque terror attack. This talk at CWEA (59 Gloucester St) at 10am today aims to showcase and acknowledge the efforts rendered by the people of Aotearoa, archive the efforts for future generations, spread the message of love, peace, harmony, solidarity and care, and encourage people to continue this show of unity for all communities both in and beyond New Zealand’s shores. Koha to Christchurch Resettlement Services.
Christchurch Go Green Expo 2021
Everything from beauty and personal care products and food and beverages to the latest in eco home/building, household products and garden will be showcased at Christchurch Arena today and tomorrow.
NZ Music Month
■ An evening with Marlon Williams is at the Isaac Theatre Royal tomorrow.
■ The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Tiki Taane, MC Tali, Big Sima and more present O¯ tautahi Proud at the Christchurch Town Hall on May 21.
■ Opshop ‘‘Man Down’’ Benefit Concert with Gorilla Biscuit at The Good Home, May 21.
■ ITR Live presents… The Warratahs and
Friends at Isaac Theatre Royal on May 22.
The Pink Floyd Experience
With nearly 20 albums of Pink Floyd music to choose from, the Experience has had plenty of material to draw inspiration and ideas from to create a different show every time they tour over more than 20 years. The first half of this concert at Christchurch Arena on May 22 will feature 1977’s Animals and the second half The Wall.
Hororata Glow
The popular Hororata Glow Fest is on Saturday at the Hororata Domain. Hot-air balloon crews from throughout New Zealand take part in the Night Glow event, held in partnership with Ballooning Canterbury. In 2019, 14,000 people attended. This year numbers have been capped at 10,000 to manage the crowd size. There are no gate sales. ‘‘This festival is all about giving people a positive experience, that boost we all need going into winter,’’ Hororata Community Trust executive officer Cindy Driscoll said. ‘‘One of the standout activities is the chance to walk inside a giant hot-air balloon and chat to the pilots, this was really popular last event.’’ The glowing fairground and glow circus will be back as well as a UV art zone.
Christchurch Pet and Animal Expo
This expo at Pioneer Stadium tomorrow and Sunday, 10am to 4pm, is a celebration of pets and animals and the positive role they play in society. All the products, services and entertainment you can imagine as well as all creatures great and small will be under one
roof. The headline act is Billy Black and his Amazing Pig and the heritage sheep and shearing show. Leave your pet at home.
Annual Canterbury Snow Sale
Presented by the University of Canterbury Snow Sports Club, the annual snow sale allows anyone to bring in and sell their secondhand gear alongside retail outlets and vendors including ski clubs. Open 9am to 4pm Sunday at Haere-roa, UCSA building (drop off gear 10am to 3pm tomorrow).
Christchurch Vintage and Collectables Show
An annual event hosted by the Antique Bottle and Collectors’ Club, the show features a wide variety of vintage and collectable items as well as collectors and dealers selling their wares. Open at the Woolston Club tomorrow , 10am to 4pm.
The Art Chemist
A pop-up Art Chemist has opened in Cathedral Junction, where performers will prescribe art works, exhibitions, and more to soothe a variety of ‘‘ills, woes, gripes and agonies of everyday life’’. From prescriptions for paintings and poetry to over-the-counter doses of sculpture or scores. This free, interactive artwork draws on international studies which support the benefit of ‘‘arts on prescription’’. The custom-designed clinic is open for drop-ins and appointments from 11am to 4pm Thursday through to Sunday during May. On Fridays, 5pm to 7pm, Art Chemist will team up with the Green Lab to host a short series of interactive events.