April 30, 2014

Sara Pascoe Vs The Truth

Sara Pascoe is described as a 'rising star in the UK' and you can see why. She's comfortable on stage and slightly self deprecating (just to put the audience at ease). Her comedy runs from topic to topic with little segways which she throws in with an almost off-hand "I'll get back to that." It feels so natural, like listening to an overly excited and talkative friend.

In amongst the comedy Sara takes the audience through a brief outline of some pretty major philosophical theories, not that you'd know it. My handful of philosophy papers qualify me to recognise them. The major one you can see in the title - what is the truth? This is intelligent comedy that doesn't rely on swearing for laughs.

You'll want to discuss it after but there's no chance to linger as patrons for the next show will already be lined up outside. We were hurried out by festival staff to make way. But you can make your way down to Foxglove to sample their rather fancy bar menu.

Shows: 29 April - 3 May, 7pm (followed by a season in Auckland)
Venue: Foxglove Ballroom
Tickets: $26

April 13, 2014

Roller Derby: RCRD vs WRDL

Roller Derby is back in the capital for 2014. The first game was against Whakatāne Roller Derby League (WRDL) at Richter City’s new home, the Kilbirnie Recreation Centre. This years games will be split between Kilbirnie and TSB Arena.

It appeared at the start of the game that it would be an easy win for the home team but quickly WRDL fought back. It was a close game with only a six point gap at half time. The final score was 151 Richter City Convicts to 186 Whakatane.

Stand out players were tiny dynamite Invisigirl for WRDL and Meat Train for RCRD who both shone at working their way through the pack - Invisigirl by skilled weaving and Meat Train by slamming. Other standouts for WRDL were pool players Miss Crunchbull (Hellmilton Roller Ghouls, Hamilton) and Hellvetica (Mount Militia Derby Crew, Tauranga), who were down this end of the country for Team New Zealand training in Palmerston North earlier in the day. Other players who were present at that training and playing last night were; Meat Train and Crash Candy Boot.

The new venue was a tight squeeze but added to the atmosphere. It welcomed back derby’s favourite seating; suicide seats. Suicide seats are on the edge of the track and come with the risk / bonus of having a player end up in your lap. Parking was easier and the smell of the sausage sizzle was welcoming.

The next game is a triple header on 10 May back at TSB Arena with Pirate City Rollers (Auckland) and Paradise City (Gold Coast). Richter City is fundraising to get to the Southern Slam “the largest roller derby tournament in the southern hemisphere”. If you’d like to help you can contribute here.

April 6, 2014

The End of the Summer Movies

This weekend marks the end of summer, despite the fact that we are already well into autumn, we don't really tend to think of summer ending until Day Light Saving finishes. As we gain an hour of sleep we lose other things like summer movies.

Across Wellington this summer there have been three players on the outdoor movie scene:
1. Wellington Free Outdoor Cinema at the Lagoon outside St John's bar
2. Films by Starlight, and
3. Firefly Cinemas an old fashioned drivein in Upper Hutt.

I enjoyed watching classic movies at the lagoon like Dirty Dancing, Grease and The Princess Bride. It's a convenient location and St John's even provides beanbags. There is an option to book tables and (even if you're sitting on the grass) order food.

Films by Starlight was part of Wellington Summer City and offered an eclectic selection of movies for free across Wellington alongside night markets.

I never made it out to Firefly but I'm impressed they managed to keep going as the only charging outdoor cinema. They also offer fundraising and advertising. You can squeeze in another couple of movies there. For Wellington Fashion Week they are offering the chance for viewers to chose the movie and view for free, this Tuesday (8 April), details are few but what there are you can find here. Firefly Cinemas last movie is Back To The Future (I and II) next Sunday (13 April) at 6.30pm. As an extra treat you can park next to a DeLorean. For all the details go here.

It looks like all three ventures will be back next summer. What movies did you enjoy watching outdoors this summer and what are your requests for next?

And if you're looking for things to keep you busy now that summer has gone there's ice skating and the Whittakers Big Egg Hunt (judging by the number of eggs that have moved I think some Wellingtonians have already discovered that).