The Liberal Agenda - Basement Theatre Guide

Kia ora Basement whānau,

Nau mai haere mai ki ngā whakaari hou i tēnei wiki!

In the Studio catch Te Mātāwai residents Angus Jowitt and John Hughes in Life is For Living as they share readings from their work, supported by Dominic Hoey, Liam Jacobson, and Talia Stanley. Also in the Studio, Nicky Vella is hosting Live Reel: DeathTrap BoardGame with six hilarious comedians as they improvise everyone’s favourite board game movie, JUMANJI. It’ll be 60 minutes of chaotic fun you won’t want to miss!

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In the Theatre, join us for The Chestless Quest a vibrant night of music, drag, art, and community, all in support of helping Felix Cooper get the gender-affirming care he deserves.

Mā te wā,
Basement Theatre x

Live Reel: DeathTrap BoardGame
23 April, 8.30pm. Studio. Choose What You Pay.This April, join host Nicky Vella as six of Auckland’s most crack up comedians perform everyone’s favourite film about a board game (not you Battleship!) all from memory, JUMANJI!It’ll be 60 chaotic improvised minutes of big bugs, slow rhinos, and a hunter that bears a striking resemblance to Robin Williams’ Dad. #daddyissues

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Life Is For Living
26 April, 6.30pm. Studio.Step into the world of Te Mātāwai, a Kāinga Ora community a stones throw from The Basement, where everyday life becomes extraordinary. In this vibrant, heartfelt show, the residents take the stage to share their stories, poems and insights—offering a window into the highs, lows, and everything in between of living in social housing.With raw honesty, crack up stories, and some hearty wisdom, Life is for Living celebrates the resilience, camaraderie, and joy that thrives in these communities. Through moments of laughter, struggle, and truth, the show invites you to reflect on what it means to live, to survive, and to find joy in everyday life.

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The Chestless Quest: FTM Top Surgery Fundraiser
26 April, 3.30pm. Theatre.Felix Cooper (he/him), like many other trans folk across Aotearoa, has been fighting hard to get the gender affirming care he needs to feel at home in his body. FTM top surgery is one of the biggest and most important steps in his transition, but also the most expensive, coming in at around $30,000NZD. The alternative would be a public waitlist, which could take as long as 5-10 years at most, which is less than ideal.“The Chestless Quest” is an attempt to make a dent in that figure and get Felix as close to his goal as he can before his surgery on June 16th, whilst creating a fun and entertaining environment for those who wish to donate.
That’s why we’ve chosen to facilitate an event which has something for everyone, including music, drag, art stalls, raffles, and more!

If any of this picks your fancy, grab a ticket and come on down, and we promise you won’t want to leave empty handed!

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Comedy Fest: Auckland Preview show
30 April, 7pm. Theatre.The NZ Comedy Trust presents the Auckland Preview Show, your first look at the laughs coming your way at the 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival

.Hosted by the hilarious Joel McCarthy and featuring must-see sets from:

Angella Dravid, Bailey Poching & Anthony Crum, Bridget Davies, Liv Parker, Theo Shakes, Tony Lyall. Plus 2025 Billy T nominees David Stuart, Hoani Hotene & Itay Dom!

This show will sell out, so don’t sleep on it!

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Bull Rush
2 May, 10pm. Theatre. 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.

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Comedy Fest
2 – 25 May The freshest and funniest comics in Aotearoa are taking over the Basement stage with solo shows, chaotic collabs, and everything in between. Whether you’re after sharp wit, absolute silliness, or some delightfully unhinged storytelling, we’ve got you covered.

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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!