A virtual rainforest, Lawrence Arabia, plus more great Auckland events

Pop-up Globe: a magnet to the masses

On now until Sun 14 May

Following a sold-out season last year, Pop-Up Globe is back – this time in Ellerslie. This year’s line-up will be even more majestic: Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V, Othello and As You Like It will be performed on a brand-new, larger stage adorned with Jacobean imagery and architectural detailing. Audiences can expect star-studded casts, including Whale Rider actor Rawiri Paratene (above), who talks all about the Bard here The Shakespeare Gardens, Ellerslie. 

Auckland Arts Festival

Wed 8–Sun 26 March

Explore new worlds; laugh; sing along; and cry. This highly-anticipated festival offers a wide variety of theatre, performances and musical shows – and it’s just around the corner. Tickets are selling fast to see ballet superstar Natalia Osipova & Guests – check out our interview with Osipova here, where she talks about her show, in which she dances with real-life partner and ballet bad boy Sergei Polunin. Various locations 

Lookout

Wed 8–Fri 10 Mar

London artist Andy Field loves to facilitate the meeting of strangers. His participatory, absurdist show presents the idea of a utopian world where we’re all familiar with each other. Barfoot & Thompson Lounge, Q Theatre, 305 Queen St, central city 

Lawrence Arabia

Fri 24 Mar

James Milne, also known as Lawrence Arabia, is celebrated for his folk-rock, psychedelic sound. His 1960s-inspired musical prowess, coupled with a great sense of humour, makes for an upbeat show.Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 142 Pakiri Rd 

°TEMP 

Thu 16 Mar–Sat 8 Apr

Challenging climate change through art: A range of interactive activities, including a climate change-themed outdoor movie night, biology workshops and atmospheric science for kids, is combined with art installations, open studios and live music, to encourage people to think about the future.  Various locations in west Auckland 

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day

Sat 11 Mar

Don your fascinators: Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day (founded in 1874) is the perfect late-summer opportunity to dress up, sit back and enjoy the race for the $500,000 Auckland Cup. Giddy-up for a sunny afternoon in your best kit with a cold champagne in hand. Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Ave, Ellerslie 

The Encounter

Wed 15–Sun 19 Mar

In 1969, National Geographic photographer Loren McIntyre found himself lost in the Brazilian Amazon. This is his story, performed by Richard Katz (above) and directed by Simon McBurney. Set to a spine-tingling 3D audio score to recreate the sounds of the Amazon, the audience is immersed in the rainforest. With rave reviews worldwide, it’s a must-see. ASB Theatre, 50 Mayoral Drv, central city 

Vahine – Catching the Trade Wind

Tue 14 Mar–Sun 2 Apr

Vahine, meaning Polynesian woman, celebrates the work of contemporary artists and friends Lily Laita, Niki Hastings-McFall and Lonnie Hutchinson. Whitespace Contemporary Art, 12 Crummer Rd, Ponsonby 

Xylouris White with Tiny Ruins

Wed 8 Mar

Cretan lute player George Xylouris and drummer Jim White are the duo behind Xylouris White, a musical mix of lute and Aussie post-rock. They’ll be joined by Auckland’s own indie -folk band Tiny Ruins. The Tuning Fork, Vector Arena, central city 

The Innovators

On now

An inspiring exhibition focusing on the innovative ventures of New Zealanders. Digital interactives are coupled with a focus on success stories, like the one of Peter Beck from Rocket Lab. MOTAT, 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs 

Alliance Française French Film Festival 2017

Thu 2–Wed 22 Mar

The biggest French cultural event on the New Zealand calendar. From Jacques Demy’s 1964 musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg to Rebecca Zlotowski’s Planetarium, which stars Lily-Rose Depp and Natalie Portman (above), the extensive programme celebrates the very best of French cinema, both new and old. Various locations 

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