What's On

Ladyhawke. Photo / Richard Robinson

THEATRE
"Please sir, I want some more" is a line that has reverberated since the story of Oliver Twist was first told. That famous line will echo through Auckland's SkyCity Theatre about 20 times over the next month as the stage version of Charles Dickens' beloved novel hits town. Directed by Raymond Hawthorne and starring Helen Medlyn and Mark Hadlow. Expect a lot of singalong fun.

Oliver! - SkyCity Theatre, October 29-November 21

POP
After swooping through the New Zealand Music Awards this year, Ladyhawke and her music need little introduction to most Kiwis. Her debut album saw her become an international sensation, and songs such as Paris Is Burning and My Delirium have been heard the world over, everywhere from obscure music blogs to mainstream radio. She is back in her homeland and plays Auckland's Powerstation this Saturday night.

Ladyhawke - Powerstation, Auckland, October 31

JAZZ
The third annual University Of Auckland JazzFest will be encouraging fans to stroke their jazz-beards thoughtfully next week at the Maidment Theatre. A mighty line-up of jazz musicians perform over three days, with highlights including performances by Whirimako Black, Australian vocalist Emma Pask, and the FSH Trio comprising Kevin Field, Ron Samsom and Olivier Holland.

University of Auckland JazzFest 09 - Maidment Theatre, 8 Alfred St, November 2-4

FESTIVAL
What better place to put your feet up and get lost in a good book than beautiful Waiheke Island? Words on a Small Island, the inaugural Waiheke Literary Festival is on today and tomorrow. Award-winning authors, playwrights, non-fiction writers and poets will be at Artworks Theatre. Writers involved include Kate de Goldi, Richard Wolfe, Christopher Johnstone, Roger Hall, Graeme Lay and more.

Waiheke Literary Festival - Artworks Theatre/Mudbrick Vineyard, October 29/30

FAMILY
Those looking to give their kids a wee scare this Halloween could do worse than dress them up and send them along to Boo At The Zoo. This now annual event sees the zoo transformed and themed with fairies, stilt walkers, face painters and more at every turn.

Rain date is Sunday, November 1.

Boo At The Zoo - Auckland Zoo, October 31, 6-9pm

FAMILY
Auckland's Alexandra Park Raceway will be going off with a bang this Saturday. One of our country's biggest fireworks displays will light up the skies above central Auckland, and all for a good cause - Middlemore Hospital's Eye Service. There's plenty of other entertainment, too, with Triple "A" Aerobics, Prestige, Hamish Poulson and Ben Lummis all performing.

Family Fireworks Display - Alexandra Park Raceway, gates open at 5pm

FASHION/CHARITY
This Saturday Auckland music and clothing store Real Groovy draws our attention to an important woman's health issue with a special fashion show and live gig. "The Fashion Show Of Horrors" ties in with Halloween this Saturday, and also marks the end of Breast Cancer Action Month. Enjoy performances by The Checks, Dane Rumble and La Beat Debauchery, plus a fashion show by nine funky streetwear labels.

The Fashion Show Of Horrors - Real Groovy, Queen St, Saturday, October 31, 12.30pm

COUNTRY ROCK
As Marcus Lush was traipsing around the South Island in his recent TV series, South, the keen ears among us will have noticed Auckland band The Desotos providing a backing soundtrack with tunes from their new album Cross Your Heart. That very band celebrate the release of said album with a show this Saturday at Devonport's Masonic Tavern, with support from One More Dollar.

The Desotos - Masonic Tavern, October 31