With four days of queer stage shows, big international names, local heroes, and tickets from just $5 – The Court Theatre’s Rainbow Theatre Weekend is giving drama, mama!
Ōtautahi Christchurch is set to come alive with colour and celebration as The Court Theatre proudly presents its second annual Rainbow Theatre Weekend. Running from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 March, this theatrical extravaganza is a cornerstone event of the 2025 Christchurch Pride Festival, aiming to entertain and unite our communities and the wider public.
“2024 was a great success, with audience and performer feedback speaking especially to how fun, safe, warm, and incredible the event was,” Associate Artistic Director Tim Bain tells us. “This is about shared experiences, sharing the human condition, and having something that only these artists and theatre can bring.”
The festival boasts an impressive lineup of nine marquee events, featuring international stars and local talents. Kicking off on Thursday 20 March, Club Musicals! transforms The Court Theatre into a dynamic nightclub with a theatrical twist, DJ’d by none other than RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under winner, Kita Mean.
Friday 21 March brings Heaven’s Devil, a stand-up comedy show by the acclaimed Eli Matthewson. Eli delves into themes ranging from love languages to existential musings about the afterlife. Reflecting on his Christchurch roots, Eli tells YOUR EX, “I’m so stoked to be bringing one of my solo shows to The Court Theatre finally! When I was a teenager, being in a Court Theatre show was honestly my greatest dream!”
Later that evening, Queered Scriptless takes the stage, featuring the charismatic Drag Race Down Under winner, Spankie Jackzon. This improv comedy show promises spontaneous hilarity, with Spankie eager to fuel the night’s energy. “Chaos? Me? Never! Of course, I’ll fuel it. That’s what the weekend is all about. Anything and everything is possible,” she tells us.
Saturday 22 March offers a diverse array of performances. There’s Always Time for a Cocktail stars the internationally renowned drag queen Mrs. Kasha Davis. This cabaret-style show narrates the journey of little Eddie Popil’s life and transformation into the fabulous Mrs. Davis, blending music, stories of her sobriety journey, and heartfelt moments. Kasha tells us: “Most of my life, I forgot to be kind to myself… I believe that by sharing my experience, strength, and hope, I will give people something that wasn’t there for me in my formative years—the encouragement to shine their individual light.”
The evening culminates with The Big Gay Variety Show (R18), a cheeky and daring showcase featuring a lineup of talented performers. Audiences can anticipate a smorgasbord of joy, laughter, and glitter, with acts ranging from circus artistry to burlesque. Renowned Australian performer Kryptonite, known for blending circus and burlesque, teases YOUR EX, telling us simply, “Expect the unexpected.”
Sunday 23 March begins with Imagination Station, a family-friendly event led by Mrs. Kasha Davis teaching ‘love, acceptance, and kindness’, followed by the Drag Queen Brunch, MC’d by Mrs. Davis and featuring performances from Spankie Jackzon, Aunty Tamara, and Little Miss Cinnamon. In the afternoon, Two Fat ‘Fine: LIVE! takes the stage. This live podcast recording features hosts Alex and MahMah, who bring an unfiltered and joyous celebration of life, embracing their identities as self-proclaimed fat, queer, Pacific individuals.
The festival concludes with a powerful performance of The Laramie Project, a play that explores the reactions to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, offering a poignant reflection on society and prejudice.
The Rainbow Theatre Weekend is more than a festival; it’s a testament to Christchurch’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the arts.
For those eager to immerse themselves fully, The Court Theatre offers a Binge Pass, granting access to all events and ensuring attendees don’t miss a moment of the celebration.
Tickets are available now, starting from just $5. Secure yours at courttheatre.org.nz.
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