Groupe F’s latest extravaganza opens newly ‘annualised’ arts event in March.

Until now, the two NZ festivals have co-existed - Auckland on the odd years, Wellington the even. But from 2016, Auckland goes annual for the first time, writes Brian Rudman.

Researchers from Australia have come up with a way of putting a dollar value to the "feel-good" factor of a major culture event, writes Brian Rudman.

Substantial classical music has been meagre in this Auckland Arts Festival.

It may have been a little early for English high tea, but the cabaret-style seating in the concert chamber aimed to recreate the spirit of an 18th century German coffee-house.

The festival offering from playwright Mitch Tawhi Thomas is a taut study of family dysfunction that finds plenty of life and laughter in the explosive quarrelling of estranged brothers.

The Auckland Arts Festival's centrepiece demonstrates what happens when the sophisticated elegance of commedia dell'arte collides with the eccentric weirdness of classic British comedy.

So far, as an audience member during this Auckland Arts Festival and Fringe feast, I have enthusiastically eaten cake, sprinted down a city road, predicted the future with flashcards, sat cross-legged on a school mat, and jumped into a bouncy castle.

Auckland Arts Festival celebrates Benjamin Britten's centenary not once, but twice next week.

Exhibitions that run during the Auckland Arts Festival should have some special factor that lifts them above the run of the mill.

The Scottish National Theatre makes an exuberant return to ale-house culture with a riotously funny and at times tenderly lyrical tribute to Scottish narrative ballads.

Screens filled with red clouds at dawn start this contemporary circus with hip-hop styling, but instead of a shepherd's warning, they herald a city delight.

Almost halfway through the Auckland Arts Festival, advance ticket sales are at a record high.

Those planning to go to Circolombia's performance shouldn't expect a circus show, but a circus concert, says its founder.

We had come to the Civic Theatre to hear Haydn and Mozart from Kronos Quartet; in partnership with pipa virtuoso Wu Man, the Americans were offering a rare mingling of music and magic.