What's Hot this Autumn in Wellington
World Cinema Showcase
Enjoy some quality escapism in this showcase of exceptional films from around the globe – from Cannes winners to Beatles’ inspired musicals. Highlights include Cate Blanchet’s superb performance in I’m Not There – an unconventional journey into the life of Bob Dylan; Palme D’Or winner 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days and the riveting documentary about the American lunar programme In the Shadow of the Moon.
20 March-2 April, Paramount Theatre, Courtenay Place, phone 384 4080, visit www.worldcinemashowcase.co.nz
La Bohème
With its famous arias and moving love story, Puccini’s great romantic opera is one of the most popular of all time. A celebration of youthful rites of passage and the struggle against poverty, it tells of the ill-fated love between the beautiful seamstress Mimi and the young poet Rodolfo. This new production by NBR New Zealand Opera features an exciting young cast, with Opera Australia soprano Antoinette Halloran as Mimì, and rising tenor star, Jesus Garcia, as Rodolfo.
10, 13, 15 & 17 May, St James Theatre, Courtenay Place, phone Ticketek 0800 842 5383, visit www.ticketek.co.nz.
The 2008 NZ International Comedy Festival
Local and international talents collide in an explosion of comedy guaranteed to crack you up. This year the fun kicks off with the ever popular First Laughs – a taster of the festival’s hottest comedians; followed by outrageous Canadian hypnotist Tony Lee (1-3 May) with his x-rated hypnotism show, Scotland’s Jane Godley with her latest Edinburgh Fringe triumph (22-26 April) and the Big Show 08 (7-10 May), with the combined comic talents of Neil Delamere, John Fothergill, Jason Cook and Micky D.
20 April-10 May, various venues, visit www.comedyfestival.co.nz
Museum of Wellington
Learn about the stories of Wellington City, from the shipwreck of the Wahine ferry to the legend of Maui. Housed in the historic old Bond Store on Queens Wharf, this popular museum takes you back in time a thousand years, leading you through the city’s cultural, social and maritime history right to the present day. Be sure to see the stunning recreation of Helen Hitching’s pioneering Wellington art gallery, including works by McCahon, Woollaston and architect Ernst Plischke (until 29 June). Open daily from 10am-5pm.
Queens Wharf, phone 472 8904, visit www.museumofwellington.co.nz
Old St Paul’s
This Colonial Gothic cathedral in historic Thorndon suburb is one of the city’s architectural jewels. Designed by the Reverend Frederick Thatcher, the church’s glowing wooden interior is made entire of native totara, matai, rimu and kauri, and enhanced by magnificent stained glass windows. The church is currently hosting the exhibition A Friend in Need – a moving tribute to the US Marines who were stationed in New Zealand during World War II, and who found a safe haven at St Paul’s. Open 10am-5pm.
34 Mulgrave Street,Thorndon, phone 473 6722, www.oldstpauls.co.nz