Rise and shine babies! The 2025 season of Basement Theatre is here and we’re swinging open the doors for a bright and bountiful Summer/Pride.
Basement Theatre is where the performance artists of Tāmaki live and we want you to drop in for a visit! Starting February 11, we’ve got a fresh batch of independent artists presenting the most vibrant and boundary-pushing takes Tāmaki has on offer.
The Summer/Pride season from 11 Feb - 26 April has more flavours and combinations than an ice cream scoopery - theatre, spoken word, comedy, improv, music, podcasts, drag and script readings… we’ve got the lot!
Kicking it off, all February long, we’re celebrating Pride with 10 shows led by LGBTQIA+ artists and makers, each part of Auckland Pride’s incredible open-access festival. Then, in March and April, we’re keeping the summery vibes going with a dozen more shows full of cheek, heart, and explosive ideas.
Check off that New Year’s resolution to stop doom-scrolling and book tickets now to see a show in Basement Theatre’s Summer/Pride season.
BASEMENT THEATRE SUMMER/PRIDE SEASON - 11 February - 26 April
Auckland Pride - February
Flesh or Wound, 11-15 February, Trans and Non-binary Flesh explored through movement and performance art. The challenges and joys of Gender affirming health care in Aotearoa. Presented by SKIN SUIT.
In the Body, 13-14 February, A one-human spoken word poetry performance set in a musical soundscape by Redwood Reider.
No Homo: Queer Comedy - Auckland Pride Showcase, 13-15 February, Join your host James Mustapic, alongside Aotearoa’s best LGBTQIA+ comics for a fabulous night of queer excellence!
La Catrina, 18-22 February, A magical realism production delving into life, death, and the mysterious in-between presented by Laenye Productions.
Little Gay In, 19-21 February, A vibrant celebration of queer musical talent, showcasing the incredible artistry within our community with Jason Parker.
Can’t Think Straight, 20-22 February, A dynamic and daring queer variety show where creativity knows no bounds presented by Comedy Culture NZ.
Before We Begin, 25 February - 1 March, Through a series of escalating invitations for performer and audience, Before We Begin offers an intimate encounter with queer dating and gay hookup culture. Presented by Hamish Annan.
From Another Woman, 27 February - 1 March, An experimental show about a messy burgeoning relationship and finding meaning in the mundane, told through unconventional means, by renowned playwright Sam Brooks.
Big Queer Improv Party 2, 26-28 February, A celebration of queer joy featuring a delightful cast of queer comedy superstars you’ll recognise from the stage and screen presented by Comedy Culture NZ.
SUMMER SEASON - MARCH
Frigidton, 5-8 March, A twist on the beloved Regency-era romp Bridgerton, prepare to be swept off your feet by the award-winning Heartthrobs.
Fitting in at Myers Park: A Site-Specific Trail, 8 March, A performance art and contemporary dance series about how anything goes at Myers Park, celebrating the unexpected! Choreographed and produced by Jang Huddle.
Eat, Sleep, Dance, Repeat, 11-15 March, Be transported through mockumentary to the final Stage Challenge and try and understand what all went horribly wrong. Watch as Rachel Brebner alone tells, acts and dances the sordid tale of blood, sweat and confetti.
Chrome Dome and Schizo, 11-15 March, After a sell-out season in 2022, the cast of the original production come together again to bring you a story of real love between an unreal couple, living with psychosis but make it sexy (or at least bearable), and trying our hardest not to die alone. Difficult when your partner turns out not to be real. Presented by Hot Shame.
Antonio!, 19-22 March, A queer punk pirate musical starring Shakespeare's ultimate love interest presented by Butch Mermaid Productions.
Some Regrets, 19-21 March, Sam Gibson has Some Regrets and he’s not afraid to share them in his hysterical debut show.
My Clowns, My Circus, 25-29 March, A riotous sketch show about the chaos of modern life by comedy powerhouses Janaye Henry and Sean Dioneda Rivera.
Love; Mum, 25-29 March, Love; Mum is about 5 Pacific women who meet at 'Mums Anonymous' - a self-help group for new Mums. They form a sisterhood that embarks on the challenging journey of parenting together and the struggles we don't often talk about. Presented by Sela Faletolu-Fasi.
SUMMER SEASON - APRIL
HER Festival, 03-05 April, A multifaceted festival for all who identify as wom*n to connect, create and celebrate.
The Play That Gets Louder, 8-12 April, In a crumbling hospital ward amidst a retrofuturistic war, a wounded soldier is confronted by three others. Presented by Booth Box Banter & Black Creatives Aotearoa.
Big Time, 24 April, Set entirely outside a fictional theatre, Big Time is a gutsy, empathetic story, exploring hope, envy, and the nuances of female friendship through the brutal lens of the entertainment industry. Presented by Harriett Maire, Isabella McDermott and Tate Fountain.
Te Matawai (Life Is For Living), 24-26 April, Step into the world of Te Mātāwai, a Kāinga Ora community a stone's throw from Basement Theatre, 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.
