KIDS, GET READY FOR A RIP-ROARING YEAR AT THE THEATRE!
From witches on broomsticks to ice-skating, from pianists and puppets to classic fairy tales with a Roald Dahl twist, kids will be spoilt for choice this year as Auckland Live Kids unveils its 2019 programme.
The varied and fun-filled line-up boasts 13 different shows, workshops and events including dance, live theatre, and music by amazing local and international performers. Whether you’re a big kid, a littlie or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone with this all-new, jam-packed programme of excitement that extends from the North Shore to the heart of the city in Aotea Square each school holiday break.
2019 has already kicked off with a bang, with the Auckland Live Digital Stage landing in Aotea Square and screening a range of local and international films that celebrate the wonderful world of the performing arts. Proving very popular is the big screen’s Crowd Cam, where visitors to the Square can see themselves on the Stage.
So what’s coming up? In April, much-loved Auckland Live Pick & Mix returns with one weekend every month between April and December dedicated to free family entertainment at Auckland Live venues. Expect performances from talented dancers, musicians, artists and more. With the full line-up being announced next month, 2019’s Pick & Mix will be your monthly fix of performing arts.
April continues with the White Face Crew bringing their clowning magic to life in La Vie Dans Une Marionette, where they tell the tale of a lonely pianist and his puppet at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre.
Get your groove into high gear on the ever-popular Dance-O-mat, as this favourite free event hits Aotea Square during the April school holidays.
Theatre lovers won’t want to miss Capital E’s Mr McGee and the Biting Flea in May, as the beloved book by Pamela Allen comes to life for two shows only.
Swap your dance shoes for ice skates when winter rolls around and the Aotea Square Ice Rink returns for chilly fun during June and July. If you’re not so good on skates, take a ride down the ice slide for super icy thrills!
In July, we celebrate Matariki with The New Zealand Dance Company’s Matariki for Tamariki, choreographed by Sean MacDonald, which follows the story of the Māori New Year as a band of friends discovers the sights, sounds, beaches, mountains, and forests of Aotearoa.
Popular children’s book Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson, is brought to life at the Bruce Mason Centre in July, telling the story of a witch who allows a dog, bird and a frog onto her broomstick, much to the displeasure of her cat.
The international phenomenon K-pop returns to Auckland in the October school holidays, with choreographer Rina Chae in Zoe and the K-Pop Kids. Rina’s worked with artists like Beyoncé and Justin Bieber, so you’ll be coming out of the show with enough moves to create your own K-pop crew!
The colourful, interactive sculpture Speakatube explores soundwaves in Aotea Square throughout October; and don’t miss the world premiere of award-winning Aotearoa children’s book Tu Meke Tūī! as it’s brought to life on stage. Follow the story of an unlikely friendship between a tūī and a takahē as they fight to protect themselves and the forest from Stan, the sly stoat.
Auckland Live Kids will present a very special show for babies in November, with Cubbin Theatre Company’s Up and Away. A magical and intimate show for infants and their caregivers, where music and play encourage little ones to notice the world around them.
In December, we end the year with the iconic Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts, from legendary Australian theatre-makers shake & stir theatre co. Everything you think you know about fairy tales will be debunked when you learn the truth and twists of the Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, Goldilocks and more in this perfect pre-Christmas treat.
To make arts accessible for all Auckland Live are offering a relaxed performance within three Auckland Live Kids shows this year; Room on the Broom, Matariki for Tamariki, and Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts. If you don’t know much about relaxed performances, the simple answer is they are just that – relaxed. They are designed to welcome all those who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. This includes, but is not limited to, those with an autism spectrum disorder, sensory and communication disorder or learning difficulty.
With a goal to ignite magical memories and lifelong learning, Auckland Live Kids has a fizzing mix of free and low cost events for your whānau to enjoy in 2019.
Grab a brochure and check out how to join in the fun and the adventure, and introduce your tamariki to the unique and very special world of the performing arts.
#AucklandLiveKids Full programme of events: aucklandlive.co.nz/event/auckland-live-kids
For media enquiries please contact Chris Henry Chris@818.co.nz | +64 21 670 604
