Imagine yourself in the gorgeous surrounds of the Civic, cocktail in hand, antics unchecked, while you sashay through the foyer taking in the multiple shows offered by the Auckland Live Cabaret Season.
Playing from 14 – 25 September there’s so much naughtiness to dive into this festival, with a feast queer treats to be devoured and celebrated.
Here are our top picks for the queerest night out:
Making their Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland premiere are Wellington Drag Royalty, The Tiwhas. Described as “fully fierce with no lipsyncing” and “everyone’s new favourite girl group” The Tiwhas are three takatāpui Māori queens (JTHAN, Slay West and Raureti Ormond) whose show combines waiata Māori with incredible costuming and electric choreography. Two shows only on the 14 and 17 September at the Wintergarden, The Civic.
From the 15 the 17 September a strictly R18 event will see completely naked lads reading literature aloud. Naked Boys Reading, hosted by Hugo Grrrl is an unorthodox book club that boasts a cast that’s sure to arouse, educate and entertain with dancer Emmanuel Reynaud, Mr. Bear NZ Henrique Beirao, and filmmaker Bode Riis. Expect poetry, non-fiction and outrageous fan fiction. Naked Boys Reading promises to be a nude, rude and body-positive celebration not to be missed.
The incredible Performer and writer Cassandra Tse showcases the work of female and non-binary musical theatre writers in That’s All She Wrote on 17 September. This personal journey aims to elevate and find a place for the work of these artists in a male-dominated industry. She is fabulous and her repertoire includes songs from recent Broadway hits (Hadestown, Fun Home, Waitress), underrated indie gems (Murder Ballad, Runaways) and original music with tales from musical theatre history.
And for an experience best washed down with a glass of bubbles (or three) is Champagne & Cabaret with Kita and Anita. To add to this high-octane drag-extravaganza experience is the decadence of sitting on the actual Civic Stage for the laugh-a-minute party of the season on 18, 24 & 25 September.
And finally, if film is more your thing or you are not living in Auckland you can tune in digitally to the world premiere of FEVER on film on 17 and 24 September. Experience the electric Pacific Trans and Queer Supernova that is Fine Fatale in a whole new realm with a very special 30-minute film screening followed by a live online dance party. No excuses to not got out when you can stay in and go out! If you happen to be in Nelson, you could also be lucky enough catch the live version of the show as part of the Nelson Arts Festival on 28 & 29 October.
Plus if you want to keep the party going then we’ll let you in an a little secret…. the iconic Piano Bar returns for 2022 for all your late night carry-on.
Check out the full programme and book at www.aucklandlive.co.nz
