events
- Want to know about shows coming to The Lyric Theatre?
- Subscribe to our events mailer* for early bird ticket specials and be first in-the-know.
- *Emails sent out once a month, unsubscribe anytime.
january 2025
friday 24th january
QUIZ NIGHT
Calling all brainiacs, introverts, bibliophiles, science-buffs, quiet observers, history geeks and trivia nerds...
Your favourite Quiz-masters Martin & Nicki present a unique opportunity to recall that odd fact you learned all those years ago. Now's your chance to dazzle (or disappoint) your family and friends.
Teams of 4-6, $5 per person.
Doors & Bar open 6:30, Quiz starts 7pm.
Move an item on from home to add to the prize table.
february 2025
Saturday 1st - Monday 3rd february
northern west coast
art & craft trail
Running from Waimangaroa to Mokihinui this February, a showcase of the many talented artists of the Northern West Coast.
Visit historic halls and engage with artists at their galleries and private studios.
Displays (including The Lyric Theatre) will be open from 10am - 4pm, February 1 - 3.
Find a map/brochure via The Scullery Waimangaroa, Westport i-site or download via the link below.
sunday 16th february
Arts on tour nz presents
Mundi Trio
Mundi Trio take to the road again in February 2025 with Arts On Tour New Zealand, transporting audiences through their joyful music to ancient times and places where the beat of the drum and the haunting flute rings out across a star-studded sky …
Filled with joy and exuberant energy, Mundi Trio has captured hearts across the land and far-flung seas, touring and performing extensively. Just some of the events include Newtown Festival, Festival of Lights (New Plymouth) Christchurch Arts Festival and TEDX. They have also been involved in collaborations with Pub Choir in the Christchurch Town Hall and internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Marlon Williams as part of Yo-Yo Ma's Bach Project.
Mundi Trio comprises Brazilian percussionist Ricardo Stuani, guitarist and dancer Chris Dabinett and flautist/ vocalist/ percussionist/ dancer and composer Tamara Smith.
Tamara Smith has travelled the world compiling inspiration for her compositions along the way - from performing in jazz clubs in Paris and recording an album in Sri Lanka, to learning traditional Indian flute by the Ganges and warding off alligators in the heart of the Amazon. She is a dedicated professional and her commitment to her craft shines through in her unique, polished and high energy performances.
In this Arts on Tour performance Mundi Trio perform a new series of compositions that weave together the two oldest instruments in human’s history – flutes and percussion- into a sizzling array of dueling Brazilian/African percussion with hypnotic guitar, and vocal melodies soaring above and interlaces stories through music of our interaction’s with nature and ourselves.
With dances choreographed by Tamara intertwined, these exciting new compositions lure people into an ancient memory of the pulse of life and awaken our dancing selves lurking beneath.
Presale tickets $20 or $25 on the door.
Wednesday 19th February
South for winter
OF SEA & SKY NZ TOUR
With a blend of dreamy acoustic duets, foot-stomping folk and bluesy murder ballads, New Zealand-formed and Nashville-based trio South for Winter’s sound is as eclectic as their origins. The act is comprised of kiwi Nick Stone, Coloradan Dani Cichon, and Michigander Alex Stradal, and together the three multi-instrumentalists and songwriters combine elements such as percussive acoustic guitar, cello, mandolin, suitcase stomp, resonator guitar, and effortless harmonies into a genre-bending sound described by American Songwriter as impeccable”.
The band has landed accolades such as a Semi-Finalist in the 2023 and 2022 International Songwriting Competition, Finalist for Best Group in the 2023 International Acoustic Awards, Official Artist at South by Southwest Music Festival in 2023, Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International in both 2022 and 2024, and “Most Wanted” Emerging Artist at Falcon Ridge Festival in 2018. Their latest album, Of Sea and Sky - released May 16, 2024 - has already reached hundreds of thousands of listeners, raised over $20,000 via a Kickstarter campaign, and sold-out shows across North America, New Zealand, and Europe.
Pre-sale tickets $20+BF, or $30 on the door.
Children under 16 $10.
march 2025
saturday 8th march
arts on tour presents
heti & hope
Heti has created lyrics and tunes most of her life. Adie and Heti have been together for over thirty years both as partners in life and making music and it shows in their performance. The connection is palpable. Musically Adie skilfully weaves in and out of the lyrics and keyboard either on lead or rhythm guitar or violin, whilst Heti’s soulful melodies ring out with lingering words to reflect upon.
Heti loved listening to female artist growing up, Carol King, Patti Smith, Nina Simone, Billy Eilish amongst many. She also enjoyed David Bowie, Pink Floyd and Van Morrison. Her unique songs are from a personal view looking at herself and humanity, body, soul and spirit and the World we live in. She loves engaging with an audience, creating connection and a memorable evening for everyone.
friday 28th march
QUIZ NIGHT
Calling all brainiacs, introverts, bibliophiles, science-buffs, quiet observers, history geeks and trivia nerds...
Your favourite Quiz-masters Martin & Nicki present a unique opportunity to recall that odd fact you learned all those years ago. Now's your chance to dazzle (or disappoint) your family and friends.
Teams of 4-6, $5 per person.
Doors & Bar open 6:30, Quiz starts 7pm.
Move an item on from home to add to the prize table.
april 2025
Friday 4th April
Dave Flynn
Celtic Guitar Journey NZ Tour
Award-winning Irish-Kiwi guitarist/composer Dave Flynn returns to New Zealand with an exciting expansion of his acclaimed show Celtic Guitar Journey. For his extensive Summer/Autumn 2025 tour of Aotearoa, Flynn will blend familiar Celtic sounds with fresh flavours from his global travels.
From Ireland to Andalucía and Beyond
A new dimension to Flynn’s Celtic guitar style is the exhilarating, percussive sounds of Flamenco. Recent studies in Andalucía with a flamenco guitar master have inspired Flynn to bring Celtic Guitar Journey into new avenues. Connections between Irish and Spanish music come alive in the Rumba Reel, whilst Galician and Irish jigs dance in unison. New arrangements of music from Brittany (France) and Cape Breton (Canada) further his explorations of global Celtic culture.
Praised by the New York Times for the power and grittiness of his music, Flynn’s latest compositions reflect the landscapes and cultures he’s encountered during his decade-long travels around New Zealand. These Irish-Kiwi pieces combine the beauty of Celtic music with the unique spirit of Aotearoa, offering a distinctive musical journey that blends his Irish heritage with his adopted second home.
What to Expect
Whether you’re new to Flynn’s music or a regular at his annual NZ shows, the 2025 tour promises a vibrant mix of new compositions and familiar favourites, including:
• The Irish haka ‘O’Neill’s March’, enlivened with a hint of Flamenco.
• Intricate, soulful arrangements of O'Carolan’s baroque harp music.
• The infectious energy of Celtic jigs and reels, spanning centuries of tradition.
Flynn’s performances are more than just concerts—they’re immersive journeys through heritage and history. With his virtuoso guitar playing and engaging storytelling, he brings new life to the rich tapestry and heritage of Celtic music.
Connecting continents, traditions, and generations - don’t miss the chance to experience Dave Flynn’s latest Celtic Guitar Journey around Aotearoa.
Doors open 7pm, show starts 7:30pm
Presale tickets $20 or $25 on the door
Arts on tour nz presents
aya & the butterfly
Birdlife Productions are back with a new puppet and music show using exquisite puppetry, live music, lots of giant caterpillar fun! ‘Aya and the Butterfly’ is a heart-warming, joyful story about a little girl who finds happiness through her experience of the metamorphosis of the Monarch Butterfly. Designed for families and ideal for children aged 3 to 9 years, Aya’s story encourages compassion and empathy for different cultures, and helps us all become part of an important movement of change towards living together in peace, and all the while featuring plenty of magical puppet moments, music and songs, and lots of joining in!
may 2025
Arts on tour nz presents
jackie goes prima diva
Homegrown chanteuse Jackie Clarke turns her powerhouse vocals, wicked humour and maverick entertainment style to interpret the songs of the 20th and 21st Centuries most legendary divas.
Ms Clarke pays homage to Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand and more! From Alberta Hunter to Dolly Parton, from Kate Bush to Lady Gaga, Jackie lets her diva flag fly, while playfully interacting with the audience with trademark witty panache.
Accompanied by her trusty sidekick Maestro on piano, expect iconic songs performed with tender soul and gleeful virtuosity.
In 2018 Jackie Clarke was awarded an MNZM for services to entertainment; 40 years treading the boards in theatre, (Mamma Mia, Shirley Valentine) music (When The Cat’s Been Spayed, The Lady Killers) and T.V. (NZ Idol).
september 2025
november 2025
Arts on tour nz presents
the orange box
‘The Orange Box’ pays homage to captivating artistry with spirited circus acts, intricate puppet craftsmanship, and enchanting illusions — from hand puppets to marionettes and shadow puppets to the finesse of contact juggling and buugeng.
Beyond entertainment, it carries a profound message, inviting us to step outside the box where true magic unfolds.
Step into the magical realm of Naranjarte, an extraordinary Spanish company founded by visionary artists Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar in 2011.
Naranjarte’s performances aren’t just shows; they are immersive journeys challenging perceptions and transporting audiences to realms of wonder and delight.
Arts on tour nz presents
shades of shakti
Shades of Shakti are an intercultural group of musicians bridging the gap between traditional Indian music, classical music and Jazz. Their performance mesmerises audiences through the intricacy of the musical interplay, the propulsive energy of their melodies, the excitement of their rhythms, and the overall interconnectedness of all the performers on stage.
A collaboration that seeks to bring communities together and celebrate human diversity through music.
“The ultimate blend of authenticity and virtuosity. Their musicianship is second to none – an eclectic mix of acoustic instruments.” – Chris Gee (Black Seeds, Fly My Pretties, Anika Moa)
“Bringing together musical influences from different sides of the world to create something fresh and unique and reinforce the notion that music knows no borders… One of those rare ensembles that transcend into the sonic stratosphere” – Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords)
