What’s on this weekend and beyond
42nd Street hits North Canterbury
❚ When: May 9 to 25
❚ Where: Rangiora Town Hall, 303 High St, Rangiora
Prepare to be swept away to the bustling streets of 1930s New York City as North Canterbury Musicals presents 42nd Street. Directed by Petrina Chisholm and featuring choreography by Colette Inkster and musical direction by Gavin Hurley, this show follows the journey of Peggy Sawyer, a young dancer chasing her Broadway dreams. Dave Greensmith, Emily Gunn, Scott Morrow, and Chris Finnie lead the cast. Tickets are available from ncms.co.nz, or by visiting the box office at the Kaiapoi i-SITE on Williams St.
Weekend market
❚ When: Saturday, May 11, 8am to 1pm
❚ Where: Burnside Bowling Club, 330 Avonhead Rd, Christchurch
Avonhead Rotary Club’s Monster Charity Garage and Car Boot Sale is back after a three-year absence. Organisers promise “heaps of bargains for everyone” and a wide variety of goods. Proceeds go to local community projects.
Celebrating Mother's Day
❚ When: Sunday, May 12
❚ Where: The Piano, 156 Armagh St, Christchurch
Auckland-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nick Dow brings his talents to Christchurch this Mother’s Day. With a diverse musical background, Dow has collaborated with various artists, showcasing his versatility on violin, piano, and vocals. His LP Layers received critical acclaim, showcasing his songwriting prowess. Collaborations with artists like Teeks have garnered millions of streams. Dow’s performance at The Piano (11am to 12pm) promises an evening of soulful melodies and captivating storytelling, making it a perfect Mother’s Day treat.
Tickets are available from Eventbrite or on the door.
Christchurch-born musician Mark Walton is also performing at The Piano this Mother’s Day (4pm to 5pm), accompanied by pianist Anna Maksymova. From the Heart is a programme of music by Bach, Rossini, Bizet and the brand new Suite for Betty, composed by Walton, whose colourful mother Betty had a profound influence on his life. Walton lives in Sydney but spends as much time as possible back in his beloved New Zealand, and has become a popular columnist for The Press with his weekly social history column Our Kiwi Home.
Tickets are available from Eventbrite or on the door.
Classical music in Hanmer Springs
❚ When: Sunday, May 12
❚ Where: Hanmer Springs Hotel, 1 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is preparing for its first classical music concert in over a century. The Cathy Irons String Quartet will grace the stage, performing popular works by Vivaldi, Mozart, Borodin, and others. Hosted at the Hanmer Springs Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, this gala presentation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Concerto promises to be a memorable event. Proceeds will support the purchase of mobility wheelchairs for elderly residents in the community.
Tickets are available from TryBooking.com
Meet Irish author Sinead Gleeson
❚ When: Monday, May 13, 6pm to 7pm
❚ Where: TSB Space, Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch.
Bestselling Irish author Sinéad Gleeson is in Christchurch to present her new novel, Hagstone. Known for her poignant reflections on life, Gleeson’s work explores themes of human nature, faith, and the natural world. In conversation with WORD Christchurch’s programme director Kiran Dass, Gleeson delves into the inspiration behind her writing, offering insight into her creative process.
Tickets are available from Word Christchurch’s website.
Edith Salzmann on cello, Mark Menzies on violin and Michael Endres on piano play together as The Canterbury Trio. Each of these musicians is internationally acclaimed and recognised as soloists, collaborators and inspiring mentors. They’ll perform as part of the Great Hall Lunchtime Music series, showcasing piano trios by Beethoven and Schumann. Tickets are available from the Arts Centre’s website.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – Live On Stage
❚ When: Wednesday, May 15 to Sunday, May 19, 8.30pm
❚ Where: James Hay Theatre, Kilmore St, Christchurch
The Canterbury Trio
❚ When: Monday, May 13, 1.10pm
❚ Where: Great Hall at the Arts Centre, Worcester Blvd, Christchurch
The popular stage adaptation of the very popular movie is headed to Christchurch this month. Based on the Sunday Times bestseller that became a hit movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a crew of elderly Brits who decide they want a change. They find themselves in a “residential hotel” in India, where they embark on a journey of self-discovery, love and second chances.
Tickets are available from Ticketek.
Mr and Mrs Macbeth of Heathcote Valley Road
❚ When: May 18 to June 22
❚ Where: The Court Theatre, 36 Clarence St South, Addington, Christchurch
Jo and Tom Macbeth are professional actors who have a reputation as Shakespearean specialists. It is the opening night of a production of Macbeth, 30 minutes before curtain up. In the dressing room, something major has happened. Not great timing. Enjoy a rollercoaster ride of comedy, drama, poignancy, and explosive conflict, as these two stage dynamos reveal the highs and lows of partnerships, on and off the stage. Mr and Mrs Macbeth of Heathcote Valley Road will appeal to all, including those who hated Shakespeare at school.
Tickets are available from the Court Theatre’s website.
Hōhepa Art and Sculpture Exhibition
❚ When: Opening night Friday, May 17. Public opening Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, 10am to 4pm both days
❚ Where: Hōhepa Hall, 23 Barrington St, Christchurch
This exhibition showcases the work of more than 40 professional artists, along with budding talents from the Hōhepa community. Featuring guest artists Ben Reid and Jacqui Gibbs Chamberlain, this event offers a unique opportunity to acquire stunning pieces of art while supporting a worthy cause. Proceeds from ticket sales to May 17’s opening night event will benefit the Hōhepa LEAP day programmes, providing support for individuals with intellectual disabilities to thrive.
Tickets are limited and available from hohepacanterbury.com. The exhibition is then open to the public, with free admission, from 10am to 4pm on May 18 and 19.
Black Ferns V Canada
❚ When: Sunday, May 19, kickoff 4.35pm. ❚ Where: Apollo Projects Stadium, Addington, Christchurch
The Black Ferns return to Ōtautahi Christchurch for a clash against Canada – a matchup that promises to be a thrilling spectacle as the wāhine toa tackle their way to victory. Support the Black Ferns as they showcase their skill and determination on the field.
Tickets are available from Ticketek.
Do you have an event to share? Email reporters@press.co.nz
This column was created using generative AI tool Chat GPT with oversight and editing from Press journalists.