Behind the scenes look at iconic Basement Theatre

The Basement Theatre has been entertaining Aucklanders for more than ten years, but there's more to the city's biggest little theatre than meets the eye.

Ahead of a weekend of events to celebrate the 10th anniversary, comedian and Billy T nominee Kura Forrester took the Herald on a tour behind the scenes.

The Basement, opened in 2008 after the space was vacated by Silo Theatre, has been host to more than 600 performances.

Forrester, star of the Basement's upcoming Christmas show Work Do, shows the Herald all the secrets that have kept it running for ten years, from the famous trapdoor to the secret toilet that's been host to a number of 'nervous poos'.

We're given a rare look at the theatre's green room, where the likes of Rose Matafeo, Tom Sainsbury, Morgana O'Reilly and even Jacinda Ardern have waited in the wings before heading on stage.

This weekend will see the Basement celebrate their birthday by bringing back a number of favourite events.

Tonight, The Basement Playlist will see excerpts from ten plays performed by the original casts. Tomorrow night, a Halloween party will bring together all the past and present stars as the theatre gears up for another decade of disruption.

Alongside Work Do, the momentous anniversary will carry on until Christmas, with new works by acclaimed playwrights Tom Sainsbury and Sam Brooks celebrating both the haunted season and one year of the coalition government.