events
january 2026
Friday 9 January
Quiz Night
Returning for 2026, your favourite quizmasters Martin and Nicki present your chance to win at the high-stakes game of being the biggest know-it-all.
With 8 rounds of topics traversing realms of the familiar to the delightedly obscure, it pays to bring your ‘A’ game and a nerd (or two).
With 8 rounds of topics traversing realms of the familiar to the delightedly obscure, it pays to bring your ‘A’ game and a nerd (or two).
Teams of 4-6, $5 per person.
Doors & Bar open 6:30, Quiz starts 7pm sharp.
Bring an object from home to add to the prize table.
Doors & Bar open 6:30, Quiz starts 7pm sharp.
Bring an object from home to add to the prize table.
saturday 17 january
the lyric theatre
bazaar
Right in time for Summer, The Lyric Theatre will be holding a 2nd annual 'Bazaar' - the most spectacular day-time, market event on our calendar for 2026.
Here you'll find Art & Craft Stalls, Live Entertainment, Food & Drink, Fresh Fruit & Produce, Second-Hand Goods, Plants, Clothing, Books, Toys and everything in-between.
Free entry
Open 11am - 2pm
saturday 31 january
ZONNIS
Right in time for the Northern West Coast Art and Craft trail, in celebration of the arts, The Lyric Theatre are hosting Zonnis, a dynamic duo from Victoria, BC, fresh at the beginning of their 34-date 2026 Aotearoa Tour.
Drawing upon their experiences of traveling the globe and touring festivals since 2014, Andrea and Adam’s music takes audiences on a journey through upbeat and inspirational to somber and introspective, delivered with a healthy dose of humor for good measure.
Zonnis styles range from traditional folk to alternative rock, with funk and soul influence, establishing the duo as festival favourites across Western Canada and beyond. Boasting over 400 festival and international appearances under their belts, this show is sure to invigorate the spirit and awaken the soul in us all.
Drawing upon their experiences of traveling the globe and touring festivals since 2014, Andrea and Adam’s music takes audiences on a journey through upbeat and inspirational to somber and introspective, delivered with a healthy dose of humor for good measure.
Zonnis styles range from traditional folk to alternative rock, with funk and soul influence, establishing the duo as festival favourites across Western Canada and beyond. Boasting over 400 festival and international appearances under their belts, this show is sure to invigorate the spirit and awaken the soul in us all.
Adam Zonnis
Forced into violin lessons at the tender age of 5, with trumpet and music theory following in high school, Adam discovered in his early 20’s that all he ever wanted to do was rock out on the guitar.
He bought his first six-string while backpacking through Vietnam and taught himself to play, inspired by other musicians he met along the way.
Finding his calling as a songwriter soon followed, and he has since penned countless songs in various genres.
He bought his first six-string while backpacking through Vietnam and taught himself to play, inspired by other musicians he met along the way.
Finding his calling as a songwriter soon followed, and he has since penned countless songs in various genres.
Andrea Zonnis
Growing up in the sleepy town of 1980’s Kelowna, Andrea dreamed of traveling the world. Discovering her voice at an early age, she quickly became enthralled with the opportunities that music afforded her, with invitations to perform at local and regional events, followed by band trips and then a move to Victoria to pursue an education in opera and musical theater.
Discovering her passion for songwriting in her mid 20’s, she switched gears towards writing rock, funk, and pop songs, which opened new doors for performance and touring. Her natural expressive character tends toward dynamic and emotive lyrics, and a strong message of personal empowerment.
Discovering her passion for songwriting in her mid 20’s, she switched gears towards writing rock, funk, and pop songs, which opened new doors for performance and touring. Her natural expressive character tends toward dynamic and emotive lyrics, and a strong message of personal empowerment.
$20 entry, door sales only.
Doors and bar open 6:30, show starts 7:30pm
Doors and bar open 6:30, show starts 7:30pm
March 2026
Tuesday 24 March
Prima Facie
Presented by Arts on Tour NZ
Tessa Ensler loves her job. She’s worked her way up from working-class background to being the top criminal defence barrister at the top of her game – prosecuting, cross-examining and winning in the courtroom with her quick wit and intelligence. Fighting to defend those pleading not guilty – including securing freedom for men accused of rape and sexual assault. Innocent until proven guilty is, after all, the bedrock of human rights.
An unexpected event however forces Tessa to confront the very system she has spent her life believing and working within.
Directed by NZ acting royalty Michael Hurst and performed by Cassandra Woodhouse, NZ Theatre Company is honoured to bring Prima Facie to the NZ stage and continue to call the action that this story is demanding worldwide
An unexpected event however forces Tessa to confront the very system she has spent her life believing and working within.
Directed by NZ acting royalty Michael Hurst and performed by Cassandra Woodhouse, NZ Theatre Company is honoured to bring Prima Facie to the NZ stage and continue to call the action that this story is demanding worldwide
Michael Hurst
Director
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Michael Hurst has worked in theatre, film and television as both actor and director.
Michael has been celebrated widely as one of New Zealand’s leading theatre actors and directors , with scores of roles to his credit.He is also known for his innovative and compelling productions of Shakespeare, and, more recently, King Lear for Auckland Theatre Company and his solo work in plays such as The Golden Ass, No Holds Bard, The Daylight Atheist and An Iliad which he has toured successfully across NZ.
Highly regarded as a television director, he has pursued this aspect of his career for over 20 years, working on shows such as Spartacus, Westside and The Dead Lands. In 2003, he was made a New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate and, in 2005, he was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to theatre.
Michael has been celebrated widely as one of New Zealand’s leading theatre actors and directors , with scores of roles to his credit.He is also known for his innovative and compelling productions of Shakespeare, and, more recently, King Lear for Auckland Theatre Company and his solo work in plays such as The Golden Ass, No Holds Bard, The Daylight Atheist and An Iliad which he has toured successfully across NZ.
Highly regarded as a television director, he has pursued this aspect of his career for over 20 years, working on shows such as Spartacus, Westside and The Dead Lands. In 2003, he was made a New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate and, in 2005, he was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to theatre.
Cassandra Woodhouse
Actress
Cassandra has been in the entertainment industry for 20 years. Having worked professionally on stage, film and as a model.
Cassandra is the founder of NZ Theatre Company which was born of the passion to create a company that supports, develops and sustains the arts. A strong advocate of mental health, Cassandra is committed to establishing an environment that promotes the wellness of artists and society through strong, conscious storytelling and providing employment opportunities that enable artists to feel supported & and sustained to further develop their craft and artistic careers.
From 2022 - 2023 Cassandra produced and performed a nationwide sell-out tour of the one-woman show HANNA by Sam Potter connecting her to thousands of people across NZ and with whom she shared an intimate, unforgettable and heartfelt experience with both on and off the stage. Her ability to hold space for audience members after sharing stories that can expose a lot of vulnerability is a gift that has her being welcomed back to venues all across NZ.
Cassandra is the founder of NZ Theatre Company which was born of the passion to create a company that supports, develops and sustains the arts. A strong advocate of mental health, Cassandra is committed to establishing an environment that promotes the wellness of artists and society through strong, conscious storytelling and providing employment opportunities that enable artists to feel supported & and sustained to further develop their craft and artistic careers.
From 2022 - 2023 Cassandra produced and performed a nationwide sell-out tour of the one-woman show HANNA by Sam Potter connecting her to thousands of people across NZ and with whom she shared an intimate, unforgettable and heartfelt experience with both on and off the stage. Her ability to hold space for audience members after sharing stories that can expose a lot of vulnerability is a gift that has her being welcomed back to venues all across NZ.
Suzie Miller
Writer
Suzie Miller is a contemporary international playwright and screenwriter drawn to complex human stories often exploring injustice. Her plays have been produced in 40 productions around the world winning multiple prestigious awards, she has been commissioned by, or been in residence at theatres including London’s National Theatre, the National Theatre of Scotland, Griffin Theatre Australia, Theatre Gargantua Canada and La Boite Theatre Australia.
In 2020 her drama PRIMA FACIE (premiered 2019, Griffin Theatre) won the 2020 AWGIE for Drama; the 2020 David Williamson Award for Outstanding Theatre Writing; and the 2020 prestigious Major AWGIE across all categories of theatre, film and television. In previous years she has won amongst other awards, the National Griffin Theatre award (2018), the Kit Denton Award for Writing with Courage (2009); the NY Fringe Festival Overall Excellence Award for Outstanding Playwriting (2008); AWGIE for Radio Play writing (2013); Inscription (and a mentorship with Edward Albee 2006, 2009); and more.
It has now been translated in 20 languages.
PRIMA FACIE has enjoyed extraordinary acclaim in 2022 marking Suzie’s West End debut produced by Empire Street Productions and starring Jodie Comer before transferring to Broadway in 2023. In 2023 the production won the Tony Award for Best Actress (Jodie Comer) and the Olivier Award for Best New Play and Best Actress (Jodie Comer) and was nominated for a further 3 Olivier Awards along with the What’s On Stage Award London for Best New Play.
In 2020 her drama PRIMA FACIE (premiered 2019, Griffin Theatre) won the 2020 AWGIE for Drama; the 2020 David Williamson Award for Outstanding Theatre Writing; and the 2020 prestigious Major AWGIE across all categories of theatre, film and television. In previous years she has won amongst other awards, the National Griffin Theatre award (2018), the Kit Denton Award for Writing with Courage (2009); the NY Fringe Festival Overall Excellence Award for Outstanding Playwriting (2008); AWGIE for Radio Play writing (2013); Inscription (and a mentorship with Edward Albee 2006, 2009); and more.
It has now been translated in 20 languages.
PRIMA FACIE has enjoyed extraordinary acclaim in 2022 marking Suzie’s West End debut produced by Empire Street Productions and starring Jodie Comer before transferring to Broadway in 2023. In 2023 the production won the Tony Award for Best Actress (Jodie Comer) and the Olivier Award for Best New Play and Best Actress (Jodie Comer) and was nominated for a further 3 Olivier Awards along with the What’s On Stage Award London for Best New Play.
“Cassandra has delivered a war cry for the wounded wāhine
within so many of us, and it is as fierce as it is vulnerable.”
- Tarryn Utiger
“Make sure you see this, it is a superb piece of theatre. A standing ovation says it all.”
- Lexie Matheson ONZM
“Prima Facie transcends what I know to be ‘the theatre experience’ & it’s become something else that I have no name for. It’s sublime storytelling from a sublime storyteller, shaped by a theatre genius, and it’s for us. A gift without ego. No strings attached. As teamwork, it’s beyond good.”
- Lexie Matheson ONZM
"This production is not just a play but a poignant commentary on justice and the complexities of human rights. Highly recommended for its compelling narrative and outstanding performance by Cassandra Woodhouse."
- Broadwayworld
Content Warning:
This performance includes references to sexual assault.
Recommended for audiences aged 15 years and above, parent or guardian advised.
This performance includes references to sexual assault.
Recommended for audiences aged 15 years and above, parent or guardian advised.
Doors and cafe open 6:00pm
performance starts 7:00pm
Presales $25 (+BF)
Door sales $35
performance starts 7:00pm
Presales $25 (+BF)
Door sales $35
Thursday 26 March
The boy with wings
Presented by Birdlife Productions
As autumn closes in, the Kuaka (Bar-tailed Godwits) take flight to begin their long migration from New Zealand to Alaska, striving to live out their life cycle to its fullest. The success of this mission relies on gritty determination and their trust in some kind of ‘inner map’ that guides them to their ‘treasure’ – the northern breeding grounds that assure them of continued life.
This process is nothing short of a miracle and watching them take to the sky is young Jack who needs to go on a journey of his own because, due to lack of rain, his ancient apple orchard is dying. He has a dream that tells him to look for a “boy with wings and the treasure that will save his trees” and not knowing which way to go he decides to follow the migrating birds.
Jack’s adventure unfolds in a dramatic (and often humorous) way as he edges closer to finding his treasure!
This process is nothing short of a miracle and watching them take to the sky is young Jack who needs to go on a journey of his own because, due to lack of rain, his ancient apple orchard is dying. He has a dream that tells him to look for a “boy with wings and the treasure that will save his trees” and not knowing which way to go he decides to follow the migrating birds.
Jack’s adventure unfolds in a dramatic (and often humorous) way as he edges closer to finding his treasure!
Bridget Sanders
Bridget works full time for Birdlife Productions Theatre company as Producer and Creative Director as well as performing and touring their children’s puppet shows around New Zealand and Europe.
Bridget established a career as a Visual Artist for over 20 years while being a Librarian in Nelson. After becoming involved in the 'Body In Space’ Theatre Company in 2012 as a ‘maker’ and set designer, she grew a thirst for knowledge about performing and creating theatre.
Her passion lies in taking high quality work out to New Zealand children to enrich their lives and inspire the Creatives of the future.
Recent professional development includes 3 months training with John Bolton at The John Bolton Theatre School in Melbourne in 2019, an online ‘Bringing Puppets to life’ course with Sandglass Theatre (USA), an online ‘Puppetry for Film’ course through Little Angel Theatre (UK) and online ‘Suitcase Puppet Theatre’ with Judith Hope Puppet maker (UK).
Bridget established a career as a Visual Artist for over 20 years while being a Librarian in Nelson. After becoming involved in the 'Body In Space’ Theatre Company in 2012 as a ‘maker’ and set designer, she grew a thirst for knowledge about performing and creating theatre.
Her passion lies in taking high quality work out to New Zealand children to enrich their lives and inspire the Creatives of the future.
Recent professional development includes 3 months training with John Bolton at The John Bolton Theatre School in Melbourne in 2019, an online ‘Bringing Puppets to life’ course with Sandglass Theatre (USA), an online ‘Puppetry for Film’ course through Little Angel Theatre (UK) and online ‘Suitcase Puppet Theatre’ with Judith Hope Puppet maker (UK).
Roger Sanders
Roger is a Storyteller, Actor, Musician, Puppeteer and Improviser with over 30 years experience as a performer and creator of theatre.
Founding member of the UK Storytelling and Music Troupe ‘The Firebird’s Feather’, ‘Body In Space’ Theatre Company and ‘Birdlife Productions’ Theatre Company, New Zealand. Roger has collaborated with Japanese Master Puppeteer, Akiko Myamoto, and trained extensively in Physical Theatre and Improvisation.
Performance highlights include the solo show ‘The End of the golden Weather’ 2009, Philias Fogg ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, 2013, Oberon and Theseus ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’, 2017 and solo show ‘The Magnificent Man in the Moon’ Nelson Fringe Fest, 2017. Recent professional development includes 3 months training with John Bolton at The John Bolton Theatre School in Melbourne in 2019, an online ‘Bringing Puppets to life’ course with Sandglass Theatre (USA) 2021.
Founding member of the UK Storytelling and Music Troupe ‘The Firebird’s Feather’, ‘Body In Space’ Theatre Company and ‘Birdlife Productions’ Theatre Company, New Zealand. Roger has collaborated with Japanese Master Puppeteer, Akiko Myamoto, and trained extensively in Physical Theatre and Improvisation.
Performance highlights include the solo show ‘The End of the golden Weather’ 2009, Philias Fogg ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, 2013, Oberon and Theseus ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’, 2017 and solo show ‘The Magnificent Man in the Moon’ Nelson Fringe Fest, 2017. Recent professional development includes 3 months training with John Bolton at The John Bolton Theatre School in Melbourne in 2019, an online ‘Bringing Puppets to life’ course with Sandglass Theatre (USA) 2021.
"Thank you, Birdlife Productions, for the wonderful tour of ‘The Boy with Wings’ throughout our beautiful country; performing 26 shows to sold out audiences bringing delight to so many children and their whanau"
- Arts on Tour NZ Trust 2023
"Such a beautiful story, beautiful music and singing. It was so moving for me that I nearly cried.!! I found this a really warming performance and great story-telling in all art forms. Fantastic hand-made props. I really felt like I was on a journey with Bridget and Roger and of course The Boy with Wings.”
- Marina Phillips, Balcairn Hall April, 2023
Details coming soon
May 2026
Saturday 30 May
Moonflower
Returning to Granity after a knock-out show in 2024, Moonflower now a 4 piece!
From Christchurch, NZ, lead vocalist Bunny Reid, guitarist Hamish Ellis, drummer Adrian Barnett and bassist Josh Fairless.
They create an exciting sound inspired by 60's and 70's soul and classic rock, with a heavy twist.
From Christchurch, NZ, lead vocalist Bunny Reid, guitarist Hamish Ellis, drummer Adrian Barnett and bassist Josh Fairless.
They create an exciting sound inspired by 60's and 70's soul and classic rock, with a heavy twist.
Details coming soon
August 2026
Thursday 20 August
Daniel Champagne
Daniel Champagne lives and breathes live music. Playing upwards of 250 shows a year he is passionate about spreading it around the world, and on the back of an action packed 2025 traversing the globe to rave reviews he will bring his tour back to Granity in 2026.
He has been described as “the finest guitar player of this generation”, “a leading light in acoustic music” and “a performer that must be seen to be believed” and music lovers will be treated to an intimate live experience not to be missed!
He has been described as “the finest guitar player of this generation”, “a leading light in acoustic music” and “a performer that must be seen to be believed” and music lovers will be treated to an intimate live experience not to be missed!
He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing wherever he could, honing his craft and developing the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he finished school, turned professional and hit the road without looking back. The following 15 years have seen him independently release 7 studio albums, tour relentlessly around the globe, play some of the biggest festivals under the sun and share stages with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, INXS, John Butler, Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins and Rodrigo y Gabriela.
“Today I saw the future of Folk – Festival goers flocking in the thousands towards the main stage to witness a young musical phenomenon from Australia dish out an absolute show-stopper.”
- The Firefly Column, USA
“The word Prodigy seems to entirely fall short of this soft-spoken young man’s skills, he coaxes sounds and melodies out of his instrument that literally drop jaws.”
- The Calgary Herald, CANADA
Details coming soon
October 2026
Thursday 29 OCTOBER
The Tempestuous
Presented by Arts on Tour NZ
A Shrew’d New Comedy by Will Shakespeare and Penny Ashton
Arts on Tour favourite Penny Ashton is back for her 5th tour, and this time she’s skewering the Bard Himself. Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead. Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching stepfathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny. Award Winning Comedian Penny Ashton, creator and star of smash hits Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom and Austen Found, presents her latest literary solo musical with this Shakespearean frolic. She’ll spark 11 characters into life in an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s puzzles.
Arts on Tour favourite Penny Ashton is back for her 5th tour, and this time she’s skewering the Bard Himself. Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead. Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching stepfathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny. Award Winning Comedian Penny Ashton, creator and star of smash hits Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom and Austen Found, presents her latest literary solo musical with this Shakespearean frolic. She’ll spark 11 characters into life in an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s puzzles.
“Incredibly clever, the script is just so smart.”
- Radio NZ
“Masterful ‘shrewd comedy’ a tempestuous triumph…a phenomenal play.”
- The Post
“Surely at some point we get to call Penny Ashton a national treasure?”
- Flat City Field Notes
“Phenomenal energy, vivacity, versatility, inventiveness and humour.”
- Theatreview
Details coming soon
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