This weekend: What's on in Auckland

Award-winning singer in one night gig

BRIDGET JONES

Last updated 05:00 13/07/2012

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What's On

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Looking for something to do this weekend? We check out Auckland's best events and take a sneak peek at next week.

Main Event

The Arrival - starts Friday

Returning to Auckland for just three shows, this 2010 Chapman Tripp Theatre Award-winning production will wow audiences of all ages, starting Friday.

Based on Australian artist - and Oscar winner - Shaun Tan's book, this show follows one man's lonely journey away from his wife and child, away from oppressive forces, and away from all he knows, as he searches for a better life.

Featuring very little spoken language, The Arrival is driven by puppetry, music, movement and a physical cast of 10 actors including The Almighty Johnson's Jared Turner and Alison Bruce.

The Arrival at ASB Theatre, July 13 - 15. Tickets from $25 from Buy Tickets.

Free Stuff

Kapa Haka Super 12s and Matariki Market - Saturday

Part of the Matariki Festival, this event takes Kapa Haka to a whole new level. The competition will see 12 teams of 12 performers battle it out for 12 minutes, in a quest to impress the judges and take home a share of the $10,000 cash prize.

Running alongside, the less frenetic markets will be packed with Maori arts, crafts and clothing.

Kapa Haka Super 12s and Matariki Market at The Cloud, July 14 from 10am. Entry is free.

Family Fun

Playback Theatre - Saturday

This is kids' theatre at its hands-on best. In this performance, Playback Theatre will let the audience create the stories, pick the actors and then let them sit back and watch the magic unfold.

A workshop will be held afterwards for kids to learn more about performing.

Playback Theatre at the Aotea Centre, July 14 (performance at 11am, workshop starts at 12pm). Entry is free.

Date Night

Bastille Day - Friday

July 14 marks the celebrations of Bastille Day, the day many French people consider the mark of their country becoming a modern nation.

So why not get in on the fun, even if we are half a world away? At this oo-la-la party there will be French food, wine, dancing (hello cancan) and music. And these are all very enjoyable things for a Friday night. Viva la France!

Bastille Day at Freeman's Bay Community Hall, from 7pm. Tickets $20 for adults.

Staying In/Going Out

If you have any interest in Auckland Restaurant Month (which is a good thing to be interested in, after all) then it might pay to check out MasterChef Professionals. Yes, Monica Galetti, who features as a very stern judge on the show, is heading our way for one night of delicious cooking at The Grove on August 22, all thanks to the food fest.

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Who says you need a door to sell stuff? La Boulange on Lorne St is proving windows will do just fine. The strictly takeaway, micro café follows on from the owner's shops in Herne Bay and Takapuna, and the delicious baked treats are the perfect way to make a hungry tummy happy.

MasterChef Professionals at 1.05pm on Saturday

La Boulange, 32 Lorne St. Open 7am - 3pm Monday to Saturday

Best of the Rest

Friday

Nairobi Trio at Old Mt Eden Methodist Hall

Songs for Woody at Wine Cellar

Friday the 13th with Die Die Die at The Winchester

Saturday

Ladyhawke at The Studio

Ruby Frost at Zeal Henderson

Highlife and A-Lister Winter Social at The Wharf

Sunday