Aucklanders' rates have given a $46 million boost to 10 rescue, safety, arts and cultural groups in the past four years and a further $14 million gift is proposed for the 2013-14 year.

50 Shades! The Musical, which provides a satirical twist on the best-selling novels, has already enjoyed a hit run at Chicago's Apollo Theatre.

British reviewers were scathing about the big-budget stage show built around the songs of 1990s "Girl Power" pop group the Spice Girls.

Most of the gags work and Dotcom is great, but MegaChristmas could have done with some editing, writes Paul Simei-Barton.

For Talking Heads, Julia Deans and Jennifer Ward-Lealand met on the Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber stage where the production of Brel is set to talk about the words and music of Jacques Brel.

If this year's Santa has no need for a pillow under his suit and says "ho ho ho" with a German accent, you will know Kim Dotcom has accepted his invitation.

Peter Jackson won't be the only person on the red carpet at today's Hobbit world premiere who should be addressed as "Sir".

War Horse isn't due in New Zealand until next year but it is already delighting fans in Auckland.

The Tony award winning production War Horse showed off it's star in Auckland, with actors working the dynamic puppet of the lead horse... both the public and media got a sense of the drama and emotion created by this theatrical production. War Horse will premiere in Auckland on August 20 2013.

The Dust Palace has brewed up a volatile concoction with circus acrobatics, contemporary dance and physical theatre shaken into a potent cocktail.

The stage adaptation of Legally Blonde is even better than the movie, discovers Carol Smith.

Deconstructed modern romcom engages well at emotional level.

A new extended Les Miserables trailer has been released. Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe star in the movie, which is an adaptation of the successful stage musical in which paroled prisoner Jean Valjean strives for redemption. It is set for New Zealand release on January 10 next year.

Zesty performance by Auckland Opera Studio and ACO remains faithful to the spirit of original Cosi fan Tutte.

Fans mourning the death of one of Coro's best loved actors can take comfort that a stage show is coming to NZ.