COMMUNITY CALENDAR – August 2017

Comedy & Theatre

Faulty Towers & Murder at Hotel Balle Balle
August 4 & 5, 7.30-10pm, Red Shed Palazzo, 64 Jesmond Road, Karaka/Drury
A double bill of hilarity awaits dinner guests at the Red Shed in August with a duo of comedy shows. Details via redshedpalazzo.co.nz/dinner-theatre.

Just For Kicks
August 5, 5pm-12am, PIA Centre, 57 Ward Street, Pukekohe
Apparently, ‘the comedy stylings of Ben Hurley and Jeremy Elwood will have audiences in tears’. That could mean one of two things but, seeing as these guys are heavyweights on the Kiwi comedy scene, we bet this is meant in a good way! In addition, music will be served by the Claxtons, fresh from performing at John Hill Estate the night before. What’s more, belly laughs will be accompanied by a belly full of food thanks to a spit roast; after all, what comedian doesn’t enjoy a good roasting? Contact the venue via piacentre.co.nz for details.

Nell Gwynn
August 15-30, show times vary, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey Street, Auckland City
A woman acting on stage? The very idea! By 1660, treading the boards may have long been seen as a male occupation, but that was before Nell Gwynn made her debut. As The King’s Company’s first leading lady, Nell is about to cause a stir in post-puritan London when the King himself becomes smitten with this witty orange seller. Billed as ‘brilliant and bodacious’, Nell Gwynn is a comedic romp telling the story of a legendary love affair. Visit Auckland Theatre Company’s website (atc.co.nz/whats-on) for details.

Music & musicals

Wolves and Ravens Duo
July 28, from 8pm, The Village Bar and Kitchen, 1 Patumahoe Road, Patumahoe
Once upon an evening dreary, a covers band came to the village, Patumahoe. However, rather than quothing Poe-etry, this covers band barked out songs, from mellow soul, jazzy, pop to upbeat rock ‘n’ roll. For more information, see toplineentertainment.co.nz or contact the venue via thevillagebar.co.nz.

The Claxtons
August 4, 6-11pm, John Hill Estate, corner John Hill & White Roads, Hunua
When claxons sound the result is hardly music to one’s ears; when The Claxtons play their tunes, however, it’s well worth a listen! Along with guest appearances by Daveena Smith, Anna Matheson and Briar Heke, this critically acclaimed band will take to the stage this month in efforts to help Clevedon School raise funds for a new outdoor education facility. Contact John Hill Estate (via johnhillestate.co.nz).

Manukau Symphony Orchestra – Classics
August 19, 7.30-10pm, BNZ Theatre, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Manukau
Even on a late winter’s evening, it’s a great time to enjoy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Beginning with a Mendelssohn masterwork (an overture to this Shakespeare comedy), this concert also includes J. S. Bach’s Concerto for Oboe and Violin as well as Tchaikovsky’s powerful 5th Symphony. See manukausymphony.org.nz for details.

The Last Night of the Proms
August 24, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura
If the last night is half as good as the first, we’re in for a treat! This right royal variety show has wowed audiences for many years for good reason. And, now, it’s set to bring down the house locally. For more information, see operatunity.co.nz.

Arts & Dance

Chance to Ignite
August 2-4, Mangere Arts Centre, Corner Bader Drive & Orly Avenue, Mangere
What do you get when bringing together seven young women with boxing, jujitzu, ‘for real’ stories and a lot of sass? The answer is obvious… a Chance to Ignite! Designed to showcase emerging artists, this show expects to deliver the unexpected. However, you can expect to find more information about this one at massivecompany.co.nz.

Romeo & Juliet
Aug 30–Sep 3, times vary, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
Whether you know this timeless tale thanks to Lou Reed or Dire Straits, Leo DiCaprio or Leo Bernstein, or even by reading the words of old Bill (Shakespeare) himself, odds are, you know this tale. However, there are few (if any) who could perform this tragic masterpiece as gracefully as the Royal New Zealand Ballet. For more information, see rnzb.org.nz.

Fitness, Sport, Racing & Motoring

Mothers Chrome Expression Session
August 5-6, from 9am, Hampton Downs Motor Sport Park, Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata

If your mother thinks it’s dangerous, it’s probably on track at Hampton Downs this month! From racing, drag racing, drifting and burnout sessions, to passenger rides, gymkhana, trade sites and entertainment, this event offers plenty for fans of almost anything with a motor. For details, see chromenz.co.nz.

Game of Three Halves
August 11, from 6pm, ECOLight Stadium, Franklin Road, Pukekohe
A three-way rumble is set to run once again at the heart of Steelers’ country. This year, when the mighty All Blacks come to town, so too will Taranaki. Can the Steelers or the Bulls beat the best in the business during 40 minute games, and can our boys send said Bulls back to their home ring with their tails between their legs? Find out this month. For details, see steelers.co.nz.

Boys Day Out at the Races
August 12, 11am-5pm, Pukekohe Park, 222-250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe
Boy oh boy, a good time’s coming up just around the corner, and we don’t mean Father’s Day! Sometimes all a man wants to do is get out with a few good mates to ‘sample’ a few good brews… oh, and check out a bit of thoroughbred racing too. So, lads, why not treat yourself to a day away from the ones you love by knocking about with the ones you like! See pukekohepark.co.nz for details.

Auckland Xterra Run/Walk
August 20, 8.30am-5pm, Waharau Regional Park, East Coast Road, Kaiaua
After winding its way through the Waiuku Forest, the Xterra Run/Walk takes in the beauty of Waharau Regional Park near Kaiaua this month. With courses varying in length, these events are suited to participants of almost any age. See trailrun.co.nz/waharau-regional-park.

Markets

• Pukekohe Market: Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Massey Street, Pukekohe
• Pokeno Market: Every Sunday, 8am-2pm, main street, Pokeno
• Crafty Cows Market: Pokeno Second Sunday of each month, 10am-1pm, Pokeno Town Hall
• Awhitu Country Market: Last Sunday monthly or long weekend Sunday, 10am-2pm, Matakawau Hall, Awhitu Road, Awhitu Peninsula
• Sustainable Papakura Market: Third Sunday of each month (except March & April), 10am-1pm, Papakura Recreation & Fitness Centre, 294 Great South Road, Papakura
• Clevedon Village Market: Every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Clevedon
• Clevedon Farmers Market: Every Sunday, 8.30am-1pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Road, Clevedon
• Alfriston Country Market: First Saturday of each month except January, 9am-12pm, Alfriston Community Hall, Mill Road, Alfriston