One of the most highly-anticipated events in the annual arts calendar, Fringe (2-22 September) showcases the best of Tāmaki's incredible arts scene serving up some of the most outrageous and unique events with theatre, comedy, dance, music, and everything in between in an impressive programme of over 50 shows.
So without further ado, here are the events that you can't miss at this year's Fringe festival, and don't forget to check out the full programme at the Auckland Fringe website.
Delightfool
3-7 September | Basement Theatre
Delightfool is a queer cabaret number that dares to delve deeper showcasing the immense power of the arts to tackle multiple narratives simultaneously. We could go on, but it’s best you just buy a ticket and experience it first-hand instead.
Me, My Mother And Suzy Cato
10-14 September | Tiny Theatre - Garnet Station
Image credit: Auckland Fringe | website
With a delicious 90s aesthetic, Me, My Mother And Suzy Cato, is a frolic through Y2K, Britney Spears, and low-rise jeans, plus a DIY apocalypse bunker in a garden. What’s not to love?
The Comedy Boil Up
11 September | Auckland Town Hall - Concert Chambers
What better way to celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori than with an all-Māori lineup of comedians? The Comedy Boil Up features Courtney Dawson, Janay Henry, Jamaine Ross, Heta Dawson, Tim De Nice, Kura Turuwhenua, Joel McCarthy, and Hoani Hotene.
Māori Krishna + Altarnative
11-14 September | Te Pou Theatre
Image credit: Auckland Fringe | website
Two gigs in one, Hone Taukiri and Acacia O’Connor reflect on two very distinct childhoods, neither of which fall into te ao Māori or te ao Pākehā. From Haare Krishna on the Kāpiti Coast to lizard people and being naked in the mud at folk festivals, Māori Krishna + Altarnative is anything but mainstream.
The Ballad Of The Duct Tape Cowboy And Six Shot Cinderella
12-14 September | Basement Theatre
The name alone inspires intrigue and you’d be right to follow that curiosity. Promising obsession and wrath, sunsets and showdowns (and the fires of hell, for good measure), The Ballad Of The Duct Tape Cowboy And Six Shot Cinderella is a live performance of folk rock artist Laika Loveheart’s concept album. It features projected visuals, live narration, and—perhaps essentially—cowboy hats.
PROWL
17-21 September | Basement Theatre
Image credit: PROWL Productions | Facebook
The latest from movement powerhouse, Hayley Tekahika, PROWL is an exploration of self-identity within the patriarchal framework of Aotearoa brought to life through street dance theatre. Urbanised Indigenous artists bring raw emotion and immaculate skill to the stage, cutting shapes that blend traditional elements with contemporary urban influences in a metaphor for the intersectionality of identity. In short, don't miss this.
Pure Grime
17-21 September | Basement Theatre
Image credit: Auckland Fringe | website
If you’ve ever wished you were a fly on the wall, Pure Grime is for you—think strange, twisted dark comedy, from the perspective of a fly. Get ready to grapple with humanity’s relationship to death and decay as invited by a fly performing in Bouffon Clown style. Say less.
Mana Wahine, Mana Tipua
18-21 September | Ellen Melville Centre | Free
In Mana Wahine, Mana Tipua you’ll be guided through a creative workshop by multimedia artists Savannah Kerekere and Michael-Lydia Winiana whose mahi toa riffs on what it means to be wahine Māori. Using texture, colour, and various mediums, you’ll flex your creativity in mindful ways.
Icky
19-21 September | TAPAC
Image credit: Auckland Fringe | website
With a promo pic featuring a human standing on a beach in a tartare sauce costume, it isn’t a matter of if you’ll go to see Icky, but when (that was the case for us, in any case). If you needed any further convincing, the show won Best Pasifika Play for the Admas NZ Play Award 2023. The story follows a university student processing their father’s death as best they can.
Essence
19-21 September | Factory Theatre
The ultimate multi-hyphenate, Essence, combines circus, contemporary dance, poetry, and spoken word, and it was created by 16-year-old, Orlando Green. Impressed? Join the club. And while you’re at it, snag yourself a ticket.
Femmes & Thems Comedy Megashow
21 September | Ellen Melville Centre | Free
Creatif Kate’s award-winning comedy show, Femmes & Thems, has leapt up from Pōneke to bring us a massive night of laughs. Packed full of women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming comedians, it’s sure to be on helluva night.
Kickstart your night early with a feed at one of the best spots to grab a pre-show bite in Auckland.
Image credit: Auckland Fringe | website.