KEY POINTS:
FASHION
The annual Victoria's Secret lingerie show is an event of size 22 proportions, attracting global attention. In Auckland, designers and the KidsCan charity have been inspired to stage this week's Fantasia. The Auckland Town Hall will be a little racier than usual with the hottest lingerie from some big names including Yvonne Bennetti, Huffer, Zambesi, and Rachel Hunter's Lola brand. Good beats from DJs General Lee and P Money.
Fantasia - Auckland Town Hall, June 25, 6.30pm, tickets from www.theedge.co.nz
THEATRE
At the start of the year Silo Theatre left the confines of its Greys Ave premises to become a production company, putting on shows at different venues around Auckland. Both productions so far, Rabbit and The Threepenny Opera, have been highly successful, and now it's Betrayal at The Herald Theatre, with Oliver Driver, Michelle Langstone and Colin Moy. It starts at the end of an affair and moves to the illicit first kiss.
Betrayal - Herald Theatre, June 20 to July 19, tickets at www.theedge.co.nz
ROCK/BLUES
If you haven't experienced a Little Bushman gig, there are a couple of chances over the next month. They are currently doing a national tour which calls in tonight at Auckland's Kings Arms. Their legendary live performances take their jazzy style of Hendrix/Zeppelin-influenced swamp rock to another level. If you can't get there tonight, then aim for July 13 at the Auckland Town Hall with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Little Bushman - Kings Arms, Frances St, Newton
DANCE
World reviews say Argentinean dancers Tango Fire live up to their name. The show arrives in New Zealand fresh from sellout performances in London and New York and we have just one chance to catch it. The show traces the evolution of the dramatic tango from the early days in lower-class Buenos Aires dancehalls to glamorous contemporary interpretations. Pick a fresh rose from the neighbour's garden, grasp it in your teeth and partake in a little Latino escapism.
Tango Fire - ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, June 23, Ticketek
CLASSICAL
Ring of Fire, not to be confused with the song by Johnny Cash, is a classical work being performed at the Auckland Town Hall this Sunday evening. New Zealand composer John Rimmer, who has been involved with New Zealand classical music for decades, presents this fine piece of work. The Auckland Chamber Orchestra will perform it, and Peter Scholes will conduct. What a classic way to spend a winter Sunday night.
Ring Of Fire - Auckland Town Hall, June 22, Ticketek, 5pm
THEATRE
A play confronting issues faced by Asian and Pacific Island people opened last night at the Maidment Theatre. Running With The Bulls, by Arnette Arapai, is on for only three more nights. Lead actor Kristine Caluya, tells us to expect krumping, singing, little people, murder and a bull - an intriguing combination. Iaheto Ah Hi, of Sione's Wedding, directs and acts alongside Stacey Leilua and Victoria Schmidt.
Running With The Bulls - Maidment Studio, June 18-21, bookings maidment.auckland.ac.nz
JAZZ/WORLD
Anoushka Shankar played the Sydney Opera House earlier this week and the gig had sold out before she touched down in Australia. The 26-year-old daughter of famous Indian musician Ravi Shankar plays at the Auckland Town Hall this Friday night. Anoushka is the half sister of Norah Jones (through Dad), and first publicly performed with a sitar at the age of 13.
The Anoushka Shankar Project - Auckland Town Hall, 303 Queen St, June 20
SPORT
Yes, it's getting colder and harder to leave the house for a run. But a fit group of Aucklanders hope you'll slip on some leggings and get out and get moving. The Run Auckland series meets for the fifth time this Sunday in Western Springs Park. Dodge the aggressive geese and work up a sweat with Sandy Barwick and Olympian Lesley Ryan. Groups will be running both 5km and 10km courses. It's more fun with friends.
Run Auckland - Western Springs, June 22, 9am; Takapuna Beach, July 13, 7.30am
