It’s our second week of celebrating Pride at Basement!
Laenye Productions are back with a return season of La Catrina. This long-form dramatic improvisation combined with the magical realism that Latinx stories are known for, will expand your definition of “improv” and what this discipline is capable of.
Little Gay In with Jason Parker is a vibrant celebration of queer musical talent, showcasing the incredible artistry within our community. Three exciting nights, each offering a unique experience.
Can’t Think Straight is a dynamic and daring queer variety show featuring a different lineup of LGBTQIA+ performers each night presenting stand-up comedy, spoken word, experimental theatre, music, and everything in between.
Mā te wā,
Basement Theatre x
La Catrina
20 – 22 February, 7pm. Theatre. Choose What You Pay.Step into the enigmatic world of ‘La Catrina,’ a magical realism production delving into life, death, and the mysterious in-between. Join three souls on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, guided by the captivating figure of La Catrina, who will decide their fate. As the Latinx community’s voice is amplified, immerse yourself in a thought-provoking and entertaining theatrical spectacle, exploring the richness of their culture.
Little Gay In
19 – 21 February, 8:30pm & 10pm. Studio & Theatre. Choose What You Pay.Little Gay In with Jason Parker is a vibrant celebration of queer musical talent, showcasing the incredible artistry within our community.
This year Little Gay In expands to three exciting nights, each offering a unique experience.
- Sponsor Promotion -
The first two nights will take place in The Studio, featuring an intimate live podcast hosted by the charismatic Jason Parker. These sessions will include one-hour interviews with rising queer icons Katie-Lee and Tyrun, blended with captivating live music performances.
On the final night, the event moves downstairs to The Theatre, where all the featured artists will take the stage to showcase their exceptional talent in a thrilling grand finale.
Can’t Think Straight
20 – 22 February, 6.30pm. Studio. Choose What You Pay.Can’t Think Straight is a dynamic and daring queer variety show where creativity knows no bounds. Featuring a different lineup of LGBTQIA+ performers each night, the show invites performers to test bold new material on a like-minded audience, ranging from stand-up comedy to spoken word, experimental theatre, music, and everything in between.
Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud monologue, a heartfelt ballad, or a thought-provoking performance, each act celebrates the vibrant spectrum of queer identities in Aotearoa and the joy that fuels our community. Join us for an evening of laughter, authenticity, and unapologetic creativity—because in Can’t Think Straight, we embrace the mess, the magic, and the wonderful chaos of queer expression!
Before We Begin
25 February – 01 March, 6:30pm. Studio. Choose What You Pay.Before We Begin asks for permission.
It waits until you are ready.
It hopes you’ll like it.
Through a series of escalating invitations for performer and audience, Before We Begin offers an intimate encounter with queer dating and gay hookup culture.
It’s joyful and awkward, playful and uncomfortable — it’s a performance about permission, patience, and the vulnerable act of trying to do better.
Big Queer Improv Party 2
26 – 28 February, 8.30pm. Studio. Choose What You Pay.Big Queer Improv Party is back for round 2! We had so much fun at our sold-out season in 2024, we’re coming back for more.
Big Queer Improv Party 2 is a celebration of queer joy featuring a delightful cast of queer comedy superstars you’ll recognise from the stage and screen. Not only will this show fill your cup with joy and nonsense, it will also fill you with good vibes because every ticket sold raises money for our friends at Rainbow Youth!
From Another Woman
27 February – 01 March, 8pm. Theatre. Choose What You Pay.“Hey! Just dropping you an email to say hi! Sorry to miss you this morning. Had an appointment clash. This office can be super confusing, feel free to hit me up if there’s anything you need clarified. Hope to see you in person soon.”
“Hey there, Thanks for the note! Everybody here seems so nice. Big change from my last job. Will definitely hit you up if there’s anything I need clarified, it seems fairly straightforward so far.
Hope to meet you soon too.”
A story told entirely through the mundanities of everyday life. Emails, memos, receipts. This new experimental show from award-winning playwright Sam Brooks, starring Renaye Tamati, follows a relationship as it builds from absolutely nothing into an unfortunate something.
No Drama X Pride w/ Blush.mp3
01 March, 5pm-6:30pm. Bar. FreeKanikani at the Pride edition of No Drama – Basement Theatre’s monthly club night with Blush.mp3!
One to watch within Tāmaki Makaurau’s electronic scene – BLUSH.MP3 is a selector, promoter, artist and superstar. Their sound is all-encompassing, genre-bending and fast-paced. The goal of all of Blush’s sets is simple: to make you feel hot, sexy, alive, and free through good music, great blends, and stunning energy!
Frigidton
05 – 08 March, 7.30pm & 9.30pm. Theatre.“Even a frigid wallflower can bloom.”
Prepare to be swept off your feet by the award-winning Heartthrobs as they present Frigidton, a twist on the beloved Regency-era romp Bridgerton.
This improvised parody breathes new life into the halls of aristocratic society. Drawing inspiration from the Netflix series – and suggestions from the audience – Frigidton introduces you to an ensemble of vibrant characters navigating courtship, scandal, and societal expectations. And kissing in the hedge maze!
Expect high-energy performances and sharp humour, featuring a rotating cast of Auckland’s top comedians and comedy actors. Frigidton promises audiences an unpredictable and highly entertaining night out!
“…delightfully shambolic, totally hilarious” – The Spinoff
How can I support Basement Theatre? Donations help us keep advocating for artists. Becoming a Basement Lover or a Basement Mate is the best way you can continually support us – and you get some bonus treats too!
