OSPA

Singer-songwriters Rosie and Maggie come together for an intimate evening of acoustic music exploring themes of gratitude, resilience, and the beauty found through life’s challenges. An award-winning international artist, Maggie brings songs from across her many projects, carefully chosen to reflect the heart of the theme. Rosie, a fresh and distinctive voice in the Aotearoa music scene, offers her own moving originals. Together, they create a bespoke concert where their voices intertwine—singing on each other’s songs, blending styles, and sharing stories of strength and learning. Warm, raw, and deeply connective, Grit & Gratitude is a celebration of music’s power to carry us through hard times and remind us of what matters most.

The Orange Box is the creation of Naranjarte, an extraordinary Spanish puppet theatre and circus company founded by Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar in 2011. The production will delight children and adults alike. Renowned for its unique fusion of puppetry and juggling, Naranjarte’s performances aren’t just shows; they are immersive journeys challenging perceptions and transporting audiences to realms of wonder and delight. "The Orange Box" is a visually captivating story featuring handmade puppets, mesmerizing juggling, and enchanting circus artistry. Blending diverse puppetry styles with different types of juggling, the story follows a paper puppet stuck in the routine of a packaging office. When a map and a mysterious box appear, they spark his longing for change and set him on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Beyond entertainment, the show carries a deeper message, inviting us to step outside the box, where true magic unfolds. Join this one-of-a-kind adventure.

Jack Worthington pretends to be Ernest to avoid certain social obligations, but Gwendolen has fallen in love with him as Ernest - and he with her. Quizzed as to his origins by his aunt, Lady Bracknell, Jack has to admit to being found in a handbag. Oscar Wilde’s classic is a delight from the first cucumber sandwich on, as Jack’s double life catches up with him. The problems are resolved in an extremely charming and quite unexpected way as Jack and Algernon discover the importance of being earnest while answering to the name Ernest.

When drag queen Anthony (Hugo Weaving) agrees to take his act on the road, he invites fellow cross-dresser Adam (Guy Pearce) and transsexual Bernadette (Terence Stamp) to come along. In their colorful bus, named Priscilla, the three performers travel across the Australian desert performing for enthusiastic crowds and homophobic locals. But when the other two performers learn the truth about why Anthony took the job, it threatens their act and their friendship.

Homegrown chanteuse Jackie Clarke turns her powerhouse vocals, wicked humour and maverick entertainment style to the songs of the 20th and 21st Centuries’ most legendary divas. Coming to OSPA on 5 April, Jackie pays homage to Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Streisand and more! From Alison Durbin to Dolly Parton, from Kate Bush to Gaga, she lets her diva flag fly, while playfully engaging the audience with her trademark witty panache. Accompanied by the splendid Karl Benton on piano (Ardijah, Che Fu, Annie Crummer), expect iconic songs performed with tender soul and gleeful virtuosity. Don’t miss this rollicking show of bravura song styling, dazzling frockage, pin-drop moments and plenty of laughs. Tickets $30 from www.ospa.org.nz or cash sales at The Urban Market, 214 King Street, Pukekohe. Doors open at 5.30, show starts at 7pm.

Dave Alley and Jon Sanders have been making epic acoustic world music as a duo since 2006 when they met in New Zealand. Jon’s years based in the idyllic melting pot that is Dingle, Ireland, instantly blended with Dave’s antipodean influences to produce sonic magic. Described recently as “the most stunning intuitive duo ..” the pair blend their virtuoso bouzouki, guitar and vocal talents with ears and minds wide open. https://jon-sanders.com https://www.davealley.co.nz

Back in 2000 when OSPA Theatre was just a dream, Matt Chamberlain brought The Anthony Wilding Story to Onewhero as one of the very first fundraising events. Now, 25 years later, he’s bringing it to the OSPA stage at 5pm on Sunday 2 March. Hear how a young man from Christchurch took on the world's best and beat them, winning Wimbledon four times! This charming solo performance is set on the Mansfield tennis court and tells the story of the free-spirited Anthony Wilding as he tours England and Europe on his motorbike, and plays in tennis tournaments. The Anthony Wilding Story has toured New Zealand extensively and was even performed at Wimbledon in 2003! Tickets are $25 and include a delicious High Tea. Cash sales also available at The Urban Market, 214 King Street, Pukekohe.

Green Fieldz is Keith Rea and Sally Carter performing bluegrass, Celtic, ragtime, gypsy jazz, pop, originals and old favourites. Stunning ukulele duets and wild fiddle with blazing guitar intertwine melodies and harmonies on well known tunes. With gorgeous vocal harmonies Sally and Keith feast on a show-stopping blend of genres that draw audiences in to enjoy their wonderful performance, lively onstage banter and warm humour. They are supported by Larry Coulter.

Sixty-year-old widow, Aroha Mataira, is the main character. She lives with her two children, Queenie and Johnny, at Te Parenga, their ancestral land which was sold and turned into a commercial orchard. All that remains of the native bush is one Pohutukawa tree on the last plot of land owned by the all-but departed tribeDespite whanau urging her to give up this last connection to her ancestral land to join them elsewhere, Aroha is just as determined to stay in Te Parenga.

West Auckland Folk Band Fables produce a gentle and heartfelt indie-folk sound which could warm even the coldest of hearts. The small ensemble has shared the stage with modern folk notables Great North, The Remarkables, Chris Preistley and Nadia Reid,with performances at the home of Auckland folk, The Bunker. Jess Bailey’s velveteen voice intermingled with a collection of strings and other harmonies should find you quite at home. Tickets $20.00