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.

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.

Since this place got renovated within the last year, it's pretty snazzy. All the seating redone,…read moreceiling and side panels redone. Can't say if I've noticed much of the acoustic difference. But this place is pretty nice to have an event (show, talk, theatre, performance). I love the foyer area upstairs. There's a cafe and just outside on the steps you can chill and people-watch in the Aotea Square which is alive most times of the year.

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.

Blood, sweat and lots of fundraising (over 10 years) have brought us 'Q Theatre'!…read more Purpose-built space with the 'Rangitira' theatre that holds 400+ people, which is the largest auditorium at Q. The 'loft' is more of an intimate performance space with capacity for 110 people. There is also the 'vault' that is a cute rehearsal space that you can hire for $20 per hour. Having experienced both auditoriums, they both cater to maximise good visibility, adequate lighting, comfortable seating in a truly 'thespian' way. Q also have a cafe/bar which is heavily stocked with daily specials, artisan menu and great wines by the glass. You can sit in the foyer, in the bar, or outside for a catch-up with a friend, or pre-drink before a show. Lastly Q is in Queen Street - houses productions by Silo Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company and is one 'hip' venue to acquaint. Yelping Ab Fab.

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!

I like Herald Theatre. It's small but that makes it intimate. We went to a show last night and sat…read morefront row - level with the performers - and it was awesome. You could see their full facials. Love it. The stage isn't huge so it's probably more suited to smaller performances/productions but all in all, it's a nice little venue. Oh, and they do have a bar as well as a small range of ice creams. Not really any food so make sure you eat before you go!

The Herald Theatre is one of the best parts of the Aotea Centre and shows some really great local…read moreproductions. It's intimate and quiet and while I've only sat near the front I imagine all of the seats get decent views of the stage. It has a nice foyer with a bar and all the stage elements are state of the art - we saw a play here last year involving a bathtub and water falling from the ceiling, all of which was pulled off with superior style and drama. Theatre tickets are really economical in the greater scheme of things and if you're not a theatre-goer, give it a go; it's a really engaging and often moving art form that should not be underestimated.

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've been up here a couple of times; once for a fashion show and most recently for a charity St…read morePatrick's Day event. The main area looked completely different both times so obviously it's a space that can be many things - which I imagine is the whole point of it. I remember there was a lot of carry-on from the architects about how incredible this venue would be and for sure, the copper dome is pretty cool although you can hardly see it from the outside (its best angle). The foyer though which is accessed by a single lift is a bit of a disaster - beautiful with huge windows but tiny. When I went for the fashion show everyone was held in the foyer which got full to bursting and then on exit there is a massive queue for the lift. Not exactly brilliant design. There is another lift on the other side but I've never seen it in use. The main auditorium just feels like a lost opportunity. In terms of functionality it's fine but I just don't understand why there isn't an outdoor terrace or some other way of maximising the amazing views (I'm assuming they would be amazing because you really can't see much from inside - it's all about the wavy ceiling). I'm no engineer so maybe there's good reasons but it just feels like it could be anywhere - there's no connection to the city and the fact that it is sitting right on top of one of our most commanding buildings. Anyway it's not the kind of thing that will stop you from having a good time here and the gleeful shenanigans at O'Party were unhindered to be sure.

Auckland to me is like a flashy magician or something. It's always pulling something out of its hat…read moreand acting all come hither like, 'Don't you want to get involved Sophie? Why yes Auckland I do thanks. The Auckland arts festival is just one of Auckland's many white rabbits. Being staged from the 6th of March through to the 24th it is an all inclusive tour de force. To kick it off one of the biggest fire shows of the year was put on in the domain, this show entitled 'Breath of the Volcano' was inspired by the Volcanic cones of Auckland, and was an outdoor theatre spectacular like nothing I've ever seen. The fireworks were able to be seen city wide. One of my favourite events of this festival and I've been to a few was 'White Night' , where Auckland's cultural epicentres like its museums and art galleries stayed open after dark, till late. It was a remarkable opportunity to explore my new city from a wholly different perspective. Honestly I couldn't recommend this festival enough.

For me, the best thing about Auckland Arts Festival is that you can be as involved as you want to…read morebe. If you want to go to watch a performance, there are loads of plays to choose from (this year, I'm going to see Hui) as well as Opera, ballet, dance-theatre...the list is endless and there's enough variety to suit everyone. Alternatively, if you don't want to be that involved, you can go sit for free in the Festival Garden on Queen Street (where I spent almost all of Saturday afternoon) watching live music performances on wooden benches with a glass of the Stoneleighs wine that is available on-site. And if you're not even up for the that, just walk down Dominion Road and you'll find loads of free street performances from the Auckland Theatre Company on at various times throughout the festival. An annual event that takes place over three weeks every year, the Arts Festival is such a fantastic event and great way for everyone in the city to appreciate local and international theatre right here in the city. It's something really worthwhile to get involved in.

Grab your girlfriends and get along to the monthly Chicks at the flicks at Event Cinemas in…read moreAuckland - choose from Albany, Manukau, Newmarket, Queen St, St Lukes, Westgate and Westcity. It is $29 for a ticket to the chosen movie which includes a goodie bag (filled with a magazine, vouchers, make up samples etc), wine before the movie and plenty of Gu dessert to feast on too. Then when you go into the cinema there are always spot prizes being given away - anything from a case of wine to a $50 clothing voucher. So in case you haven't clicked yet, you get a lot of free stuff, and a good movie with your best buds. It is pretty much a guaranteed fun night out! If you become a VIP member at Event Cinemas then you can get a ticket for the reduced price of $25 (and you can get your friends tickets for this price too).