Unequivocally my FAVOURITE venue in Auckland! There is something quite magical about this place…read more From the beautifully themed entrance lobby to the star covered ceiling in the theatre itself the Civic never fails to impress. Their line up of musicals, orchestral performances, theatre and Opera are the best of the best too! Close to public transport and parking close by it is an easy place to get to as well which is a convenient bonus

I have a special bond with the Civic, when I was a kid my grandmother worked there and I would…read moreoften get to go into the Civic and the Wintergarden theatres and run through the back halls and rooms, this was during the days of the St James theatre when no-one had even heard of a multiplex. I've been up to the top and seen the stars, I've played with the glowing eyed lions. In part I think the bond I have with the Civic is a little more intense but no less symbolic then the one the rest of Auckland has with it. The Civic is possibly more iconic than the Auckland Town Hall and it seems to sit astride the heart of the Auckland CBD. Inside the Civic, the entrance hall remains mostly unchanged with the exception of the candy bar that used to sell Tangy Fruits, with a glass of wine or beer being the order of the day. Yes folks the Civic ascended from its cinema roots and matured to be an actual Theatre. In all its changes, its not lost its Grandiose 1940's charm and while the seats are still packed in there, you can sit in the Civic and know you're part of Auckland's long history with the Arts. Wellington is still considered the cultural capital of New Zealand, but its got competition here.

Aotea Centre is a beautiful venue for shows. The acoustics are fantastic (I think it has something…read moreto do with the light wooden paneling but I am no expert), the stage is huge and the layout is such that there really isn't a bad seat at the house. I have been to several shows here over the years, from operas to musicals to ballets. Most recently I went to the RNZB's performance of Coppèlia with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, which was simply stunning! Aotea centre also has a bar on the ground level, which stocks wine, beer and spirits. I recommend getting to the venue early and enjoying a drink. They also stock Kapiti Icecream - what a treat!

We came here for a presentation of the Opera "La Cenerentola" and a pre-show talk as well this…read moremonth. I found the Center to be very clean and modern in style. The staff were friendly enough and everything there seemed to be well organized. The seats in the auditorium were comfortable enough to sit for a while and the acoustics were fine. My biggest problem was with direction. It happened to be raining and we had to walk around the entire building to find the entrance. There weren't many signs displayed and I found the ones that were posted not to be helpful. The floor-plan is very open and so our talk was overshadowed and a bit interrupted by a musical event happening on another floor. The event itself was fine, however I was tempted to use an emergency exit as we had front row seats and it seemed to take much longer than usual for people to exit the auditorium. Now that I have a better idea of the layout, I would be willing to attend another event here.

Documentary festival lured us in so the plan was to have a quick bite at our fav local next door…read morebefore the flick. We couldn't get a seat so aimlessly were heading toward CARLS JR. Oh dear We then thought 'Maybe we could just have a drink and food here at the theatre?' I am not going to lie. I was expecting some super average bar food What we got was some of the most delicious pork sliders I've ever tried, perfectly cooked calamari. saucy meatballs and satay chicken skewers which were covered in a creamy peanut sauce. Um whaaaat? I highly recommend coming in early before your show to have a bite. It was cosy inside and we stayed after our movie for another drink. By that time, a full jazz band were performing and there was a total social hum Theatre itself was cool also. Not a bad seat in the house! And intimate enough to know that everyone who is watching the same movie, actually wants to be there Only thing that weirded me out was the bathrooms being a whole level of stairs down from the bar / restaurant / entrance. Bit of a hike if you're in heels Pleasantly surprised by this place.

Q Theater is a nice venue, however I found it quite confusing. You walk in and don't know whether…read moreto yield right and order food, or go left. Where is the box office? Why are there no signs designating show times? I was seeing a comedy show there a few weeks ago and didn't know what to do when I arrived. After I made a circuit around I stopped at a desk at front that appeared to be the box office. I asked what to do for the show and was told to keep an eye out for when folks gather in a certain area - which would indicate the show I wanted to see would start. Ummm, ok. I'd arrived early so I decided to grab food. I ordered a burger and fries and a cider. Those items came out and I found myself with nowhere to sit. Q Theater was packed! I ended up asking a nice lady if I could sit with her just to eat. Luckily she allowed it. The burger wasn't good, but I think it's because I come from the land of burger. The cider was decent. The comedy show itself was good but was in a small basement space with folding chairs. That's on par for what I paid so, can't complain there.

This is a really wonderful venue with the primary function of a performing arts school, rehearsal…read morespace and performance venue. It also runs seminars, has a café and is now home to The Actors Programme. It runs a full range of evening and weekend part time classes, with programmes covering all the performing arts with everything from acting for screen and stage, singing, dance and if you want to run away and join the circus, you can learn the tricks here. There's something for every age group and a lot of well respected industry professionals run workshops out of here. It's a really wonderful space that is intrinsic to Auckland's artistic community and even if you are more of an observer than a participant, TAPAC has something for everyone, so at least come and see a show. There's school holiday programmes as well as term time programmes and the facilities and tutors are top class. Bloody marvellous!

TAPAC is a bit of an Auckland institution. Virtually any kid growing up in central Auckland with an…read moreinterest in the performing arts will have heard of TAPAC, even if they didn't attend any classes there. TAPAC is recognised as one of the best performing arts facilities in the area, with an extensive range of classes available -for all ages and abilities - as well as great studios and mini theatres for rehearsals and performances. In my early teens I participated in an acting class at TAPAC. The class was great. It covered a variety of styles of acting, whether for screen or the stage, and it was really good for boosting my self confidence and leadership qualities - though I didn't realise it at the time of course! Whether dancing, acting, singing or even circus skills and acrobatics are your forte, or you've just always wanted to give them a try - TAPAC is the place for you. Tip: TAPAC also host school holiday programmes, so if your child is unsure about signing up to regular lessons this is a good way to see whether they want to pursue these classes any further!

Ahhh the ol' Bruce Mason! I remember when it first opened. We were absolutely chuffed to finally…read morehad a decent sized theatre on the North Shore. Since then I reckons it's gone from strength to strength. It's not the prettiest theatre i've seen but it now gets many of the same shows as the Aotea Centre and in my opinion, it's a much better size - literally no matter where you're sitting you get a good view. There's also a decent bar and Daikoku is right next door - who doesn't love Teppanyaki!

Thanks to the Bruce Mason Center, the North Shore gets to have a slice of the Auckland performing…read morearts pie! This multi-purpose built venue may not be on par with the heritage theatre buildings in downtown Auckland, but it isn't without uniqueness. The Center is associated with New Zealand's most prominent playwright, Bruce Edward George Mason and home to some of his memorabilia which are on display in the main foyer. The Bruce Mason Centre offers hassle-free parking with direct access to the venue and there's plenty of nearby options for pre-concert drinks or dining. So in the realm of performing arts, one can break a leg on both sides of the Harbour bridge!!!

Auckland Fringe is the coolest freedom of live performance art I have come across in New Zealand…read more Fringe has been around since 2009, and every year since presented a showcase of individual innovative works. I had a massive choice of where to go and what to see, as Fringe takes place in venues all over our beautiful cultured city from Parnell Baths to St Kevin's Arcade. The types of shows to choose from are cabaret/burlesque to dance, or music, outdoor, comedy, and theatre. I know we are spoilt for choice. As of recently a new wonderful production has re-emerged that of water ballet; it's been till last Fringe 2012 over fifty years since water ballet had been on stage so to speak in New Zealand. I was part of an audience of Swan Song, such a creatively intoxicating classical water ballet with modern music and a funky twist on the original classic. I witnessed 100 tutus all swishing and swirling simultaneously around the pools, a fantastic performance of artistic expression. Fringe is well worth your time and attention, and such an unforgettable experience.

I went to the Basement Theatre for the first time in the weekend and was immediately annoyed that I…read morehadn't been earlier. It's preeeetty cool. Tucked off Greys Ave, The Basement backs onto a public car park and is hidden from the street. While this adds to it's "underground" appeal it can make it tricky to find if it's your first time. My advice is to enter from the Q Theatre on Queen St, head down the LHS stairs at the back and then keep an eye out for the brightly coloured stools and blue barrels, which are used as tables outside. As others mentioned, The Basement is known for giving emerging artists a platform to perform. They host a wide range of acts from comedy to acting to poetry to dance. It's also home to SNORT, an improv show that's on every Friday at 10pm. It's supposed to be hilarious but word on the street is it regularly sells out so if you're keen to go, definitely get there early. In fact, I would recommend getting there early no matter what show you go to to have a drink beforehand. The bar is stocked with delicious beer, wine and spirits and there's a cool area out the front for you to sit and drink.

"I think there is no world without theatre." - Edward Bond…read more I totally agree. Gosh, I remember when 'Basement Theatre' when it was a rundown, grungy space used by Silo Theatre! How times have changed. There have been many new developments recently with the space, to encourage emerging artists to perform at the theatre at affordable, community-friendly rates. There are 2 theatres - upstairs studio seats 65 people & downstairs seats 100 patrons. The bar has a good selection of craft beers and NZ wines. Please note there is limited space to stand or sit around the bar, however you can go outside when the weather permits. Tickets prices start from $10-$25. I have attended many plays here over the years from the absurdist to apocalypse to comedy to classic drama. Definitely worth a visit to experience something different! Yelp!

The Rose Centre is located just off Lake Road, in an unassuming cul de sac, with ample parking &…read morehas a distinct 'community' feel. I have been to a few theatre productions here, which are generally affordable, low-key and headed up by 'Company Theatre' who produce three shows a year & are resident in the space. The Rose Centre is also utilised for fitness, singing & French language class, meditation, yoga & other interactive community events. You can also rent the space for meetings, rehearsals, parties, meet ups and children's playgroups. There are two community lounges which are perfect for the before mentioned activities. They have a website - so check them out:)

It's a maze to get there but once you do I think it is one of the best theatres in Auckland. Just…read morethe right size, just the right incline between rows, a HUUUUGE stage and comfy seats. The only downfall is that they only have pre-packaged popcorn - not such an issue if you are going to a play but if you are going to a movie, such a disappointment! Also their water comes out of those pre-mix soda stream taps and tastes rank.

I have been to a couple of shows here lately and they were great! One was Hairspray so that was…read morebound to be a winner and the other was a film fest movie which was a goodie too. Can be difficult to find in the Skytower if you don't know where you are going but once you find it you will be greatest by friendly staff and an array of snacks and drinks to choose from. Seats are super comfy so I almost fall asleep! Check out what's coming up here as they have a great array of events held at this venue at reasonable prices so keep your eyes peeled

The Floating Pavillion is an event space which literally floats just off the Hobson West Marina in…read morethe Viaduct - you walk along the waterfront towards Te Wero Island/the Wynyard Crossing and the pavillion is the floating grey building on the left. It's aimed at the business launch/wedding/ball crowd, so it's well kitted out to deal with a crowd of around 300. There's two levels so space for sit down dinners on the ground floor, as well as a large dance floor up top. For our inaugural UoA Architecture/Planning ball we hired out the Floating Pavillion, and can report the night went off without a hitch - food wasn't amazing, but the space was perfectly sized and well kitted out for the occasion.

This place right here it the place to have all your events, from your wedding to your engagement…read moreparty, a meeting or even a birthday party. Everything you need is there, all you have to do is call the business, arrange a tour then let them know exactly what you want. After that you can either send them pictures of your ideas or just leave it to them and their creativity. It is a great place for any events as it is located on the waterfront, guaranteeing great views and amazing pictures to upload on to instagram hash tagging aboutthatlife!