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In the Theatre, catch Backwards In High Heels and experience the comedy and chaos when the sensual rhythms of tango awaken a couple’s surprisingly wild side. Also, don’t miss the iconic, queer comedy spectacular No Homo: Queer Comedy featuring Chris Parker, James Mustapic, Liv Mckenzie, and Aroha Awarau and hosted by Janaye Henry!
In the Studio, catch Jonathan Vanderhoorn’s debut solo show, Caterpillars and Butterflies, a blend of original music, comedy, and autobiography that proves we still learn and grow despite everything. Also, catch Don’t Quit Your Day Job, to see which comedian can survive the spooky challenge and walk away as “Employee of the Month” featuring James Mustapic, Joe Daymond, Liv McKenzie, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Anthony Crum, and Luci Elisara. And, don’t miss Bull Rushfor your weekly dose of improv comedy.
Mā te wā,
Basement Theatre x
Backwards In High Heels
14 – 18 October, 8pm. TheatreWhat was once a devilish orgy is now a way of walking.
Jorge Luis Borges
A middle-class couple learn tango but the dance has a surprising effect on their comfortable lives.
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Backwards in High Heels is a twenty-first-century comedy of manners about what may politely be called mature relationships.
Holly and Jonathon are well off and bored. Holly decides to learn tango and meets Marta, a mysterious woman, who introduces both her and Jonathon to the animal world of tango.
Dancing is dangerous, it has the power to disturb, subvert and confront, and it puts us in touch with the very rhythms of life.
Caterpillars and Butterflies
16 – 18 October, 6.30pm. Studio. Choose What You Pay.We learn, we grow, we create. Somehow, despite everything around us – or maybe because of it.
Now if you’re still reading this tiny text, you’ll be interested to know that Jonathan Vanderhoorn (Bull Rush, Late Night Knife Fight, Improverished) is making his solo theatrical debut as part of Basement’s Spring Season.
Half observational comedy, half autobiography, half critique, half celebration, he seamlessly blends these four halves together in an hour of original music and monologue. At the time of writing, it’s not finished yet – but he assured himself it’ll be pretty good when it’s done. You should come and see it.
Don’t Quit Your Day Job
17 October, 8.30pm. Studio. Choose What You Pay.Which comedian can cut a job in the “real-world”?
There’s plenty of people who will say ‘comedy isn’t a “real job”’ but this is the only show which tests comedians to see if their capable of doing anything else.
No Homo: Queer Comedy
17 October, 9.30pm. Theatre.No Homo is back for an extra special showcase in The Basement main room! After a sold-out show in August, we’re returning on Oct 17th with another iconic lineup of queer comedy superstars. Hosted by Janaye Henry, and featuring the hilarious Chris Parker, James Mustapic, Liv Mckenzie, and Aroha Awarau! No Homo always sells out, so bookings are essential!
Bull Rush
17 October, 10pm. Studio. Choose What You Pay.No Friday night will ever be the same again.
With a roster of Tāmaki Makaurau’s best and brightest performers, expect spit-take- worthy gags, epic stories, heartbreaking tales, and live improvised music at Bull Rush.
So gather your mates for a night of never before seen, totally made up, improvised comedy every Rāmere Friday.
Mess with the bull, feel the rush.
Since 2020, Bull Rush have been making it up as they go. With several seasons (Jingle Bull(Rush), Ghoul Rush, 1822) under their belt, these self-professed improv nerds know how to put on a bloody good show.
Winners of Best Improv Group at the 2024 NZ Comedy Guild Awards, among other accolades (not to brag.
Ilang-Ilang
28 Oct – 1 Nov, 8pm. Theatre.Following the sudden death of her beloved cousin, young Filipino-Kiwi Aya returns to her hometown expecting to find only grief and memories. Instead, she comes face-to-face with her cousin’s ghost, who confronts her with an impossible question: “If my life were yours and yours were mine, would our fates have been different?”
Caught between the living and the dead, Aya navigates the contrasting worlds of diaspora and home, wrestling with the haunting realities that shape Filipino women’s lives across oceans.
In this risk-taking intimate drama, playwright and director Alyssa Medel weaves a deeply personal story that honours both the resilience of Filipino women and the seaside community of Ilang – her home village in Davao City.
Ghoul Rush
28 Oct – 1 Nov, 6.30pm. Studio.GHOUL RUSH lives again!!! Your Friday night friends from Bull Rush have somehow, through demonic ritual and devilish bargains, brought their hauntingly hilarious horror improv show GHOUL RUSH back from the grave!!! With terrifying tales and chaotic cackles, this new and updated show promises to thrill and delight.
Dare you entomb yourself in Basement Theatre, for an hour of unpredictable improv mastery? O reckless patron of the arts, be warned that once you enter, there is no turning back! Unless of course there is some kind of emergency, like a fire alarm, or something.
Support Basement Theatre, supporting artists, supporting a vibrant Tāmaki Makaurau.
Basement Theatre is where the ideas, artists and arts leaders of tomorrow are being formed. We are hell-bent on supporting artists to develop their craft and build sustainable careers. We need your help to make this happen and there are a number of easy ways you can support us.
You can choose to make a one-off donation or set up a recurring donation to support our mission for a sustainable sector.
