Joanna Hunkin: The highlights of AK07

David O'Mer wowed audiences in La Clique

"I hope you've got your Berocca," wrote arts editor Linda Herrick when I signed up to help cover AK07.

I thought she was joking. Turns out, not.

Sixteen days of theatre, dance, art exhibitions, comedy and music has taken its toll. And while not all of the festival's offerings have been outstanding works of art, it has, for the most part, been rather enjoyable.

Groupe F got the festival off to a cracker start with their pyrotechnical wizardry in the Domain. Sitting close enough to feel the heat of the flames, debris raining down upon us, I sat mesmerised by the glittering explosions and proclaimed myself a dedicated supporter of the festival.

Alas, A Little More Light was perhaps the brightest jewel in the AK07 crown but there were still plenty of highlights along the way.

One in particular, went by the name of David O'Mer - better known as bathtub boy - from the sellout burlesque show La Clique. His spectacular wet jean-clad acrobatics have delighted audiences around the world - and Auckland was no exception.

Which brings me to another gem in the AK07 lineup. Not a show, but a venue. The fabulous, Famous Spiegeltent. Hosting a variety of performances throughout the festival, the Spiegeltent added a warmth and charm to AK07 and those that performed in it.

The festival also brought a spate of never-before-seen acts and performers to the country, including the enchanting French ballet troupe, Preljocaj; the bawdy singing comedian, Eddie Perfect; and the heart-wrenching marionette theatre, 10 Days on Earth by Ronnie Burkett.

But perhaps the most significant feature of AK07, was the commitment to local productions and new works, commissioned for the festival.

Auckland Theatre Company's latest production Hatch has been lauded by critics as one of the most significant pieces of New Zealand theatre in recent times. Likewise, the festival saw dance company Black Grace present its first new work in more than two years.

While some productions, such as Penumbra, Dark Tourists and Head were less-than-well-received, they were still an integral part of what festival director David Malacari calls, "the festival adventure".

Love it or hate it, at least you tried it.

And I for one, found there was much more to love than hate during the two-week cornucopia of arts.