Catherine Smith looks at the best free and family shows on offer during the two major arts festivals showcasing Auckland City this month.

The Arrival was the big winner at the Chapman Tripp Wellington Theatre Awards which were handed out last night.

This fabulous annual festival of wordless performance spans the full mime spectrum, including live art, physical theatre, circus and puppetry.

The second annual Hackman Theatre Awards were given out in Auckland last night, and while some accuse the theatre world of taking itself too seriously, these awards couldn't take themselves any less seriously.

The best in Wellington Theatre performance and craft will be recognised next month at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards.