Coming back to work from the Christmas/New Year break can be tough... but when you work in a beautiful heritage building like The PumpHouse Theatre, and have views of the gorgeous Lake Pupuke enveloped by the enchanting nature of Killarney Park and all its bird friends, it's not so hard to get yourself out of bed!

We enter 2020 with much excitement at the theatre, with the Auckland Shakespeare in the Park season on until February 15th. Directors James Bell and Cath Boniface have brought to life two of the Bard’s finest – As You Like It and Macbeth. Now in its twenty-fourth season, Shoreside Theatre’s Auckland Shakespeare in the Park is presented by a company of professional and community actors, production crew, enthusiasts and supporters with the aspiration to stage real Shakespeare. As always, both plays feature fabulous costumes and passionate performances.

On February 9th, jazz singer and West End performer Verity Burgess presents a one-woman singing cabaret show, The Iconic Blonde, celebrating a diverse range of famous blondes through the years – from Madonna to Etta James –in a classy, seductive and creatively playful performance.

We are excited to be part of the Auckland Pride Festival at the end of the month, with Crossfade Productions presenting a beautiful story – Oldest Friend. Using rich metaphors, Crossfade’s writer and member of the trans community, David Osborne, takes your teenage self for a walk down the beach, discharging those awful things you were thinking and feeling and letting them out.

Mahua Improv Shows are back this February to entertain the crowds with their popular Chinese improv comedy show performed entirely in Mandarin. Mahua Improv’s enthusiasm and talent are celebrated in China and beyond and are a huge hit with audiences!

Our neighbours, The French Rendezvous Café, along with Le Petit Journal are holding an exciting event on February 23rd – (Sun)Day Festival! There will be yoga in the morning, a park clean-up, lots of market stalls, authentic French food, a live DJ, and the day will end with band Velvet Tones live in the amphitheatre.

Have you always wanted to learn lighting and sound for the theatre? We have the perfect 2-day introductory workshop at The PumpHouse Theatre at the end of the month. See our website to book!

We hope to see you at one, two, or maybe ALL of our wonderful shows and events we have lined up for 2020. Ngā mihi!

18th January – 15th February 7.30pm - Auckland Shakespeare in the Park

9th February 2pm - The Iconic Blonde

17th – 20th February 7.30pm - Oldest Friend

21th – 22th February 7.30pm - Mahua Improv Show

23rd February – (Sun)Day Festival

29th February – 1st March - Introductory Workshop for Lighting & Sound