Set designer John Verryt shows Viva a few of his favourite treasures.

A multimillion-dollar stage adaptation of Spider-Man has been plagued by broken limbs, stage collapses and walkouts. Critics have branded it a joke. But even before it's opened it's already breaking box-office records.

In response to the tragic earthquake in Christchurch on Tuesday, several events across New Zealand have been organised to raise money for relief funds.

The latest piece of youth-oriented theatre from Massive Company adopts the admirably egalitarian but dramatically unsatisfying strategy of giving what amounts to a lead role to each member of the 14 person cast.

When is a dance work not a dance work? asks Bernadette Rae about an Arts Festival piece which mixes French intellectualism, untrained performers and Lionel Richie.

Art has the power to comfort and the demise of an Auckland festival wouldn't help Christchurch.

The first of 250 artists from around the world have begun to arrive in time for the opening of the Auckland Arts Festival on Wednesday.

The avant-garde end of Fringe Fest spectrum finds an appropriate niche with a free event held at the base of the stairs that link Saint Kevin's Arcade with Myers Park.

Before they'd even put a toe in the water this week, the Wet Hot Beauties were the media's feel-good, sold-out hit of the summer.

Country stars Lady Antebellum and jazz pianist Herbie Hancock will both be heading to NZ to play shows this April.

Jacqueline Smith's week of film, tv and music.

A week in the life of the Soprano, Amy Wilkinson

Former Starship Enterprise commander William Shatner reflects fondly on flying over Christchurch, visiting Queenstown and getting sunburnt through his long shirt last time he beamed down to New Zealand.

Jacqueline Smith's week of television, movies and music.

Mavis Staples still thinks about the advice that her father, the legendary Pop Staples, gave her about awards shows when she was younger.

Julie Hill's whimsical work leaves the audience guessing.

As if to prove there is more to Auckland 2011 than rugby, there is an Arts Festival just around the corner, therefore, the time has come to study the programme, to sort through the pick 'n' mix box of yummy cultural chocolates on offer.