This May Te Whanganui-A-Tara will be treated to a night of big laughs and queer joy at the two hour comedy extravaganza, the Wellington Comedy Club Rainbow Showcase, on at Te Auaha during the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo.

Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ) is delighted to announce the upcoming Music Therapy Week, aligning with the World Federation of Music Therapy's (WFMT) Music Therapy Week, from 10th – 15th April 2024. The 2024 theme ‘Looking Back Moving Forward’ serves as a poignant reflection on the rich history within the music therapy profession, honouring the dedicated individuals and co-collaborators working towards the growth of music therapy in New Zealand.

Get ready to unleash the laughter, as the 31st NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo arrives this May for over three full weeks bursting with unparalleled hilarity and unforgettable live comedy. Taking over the month of May, the annual festival boasts a side-splitting line-up of more than 150 local and international comics, taking to the stage in 24 venues, over 600 performances, representing 25 countries. The full programme and tickets are live at 12pm, and available to view at comedyfestival.co.nz

Dr Jason Leong is a medical doctor now turned Malaysia’s funniest comedian, according to Dr Jason Leong!

Following a slew of five-star reviews and critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, Ed Byrne is returning to New Zealand with his brand-new solo show, Tragedy Plus Time.

Hoist the flag of fun and mayhem as Tim Bray Theatre Company presents the first production in their 2024 season, The Great Piratical Rumbustification. Based on the delightful pirate tale by Margaret Mahy, adventurers of all ages can set sail from 13 April at The PumpHouse Theatre, Due Drop Events Centre, and Māngere Arts Centre Ngā Tohu o Uenuku.

After playing in more than 30 venues across the country, Michael Hurst brings a glorious dose of masterful storytelling to Wellington’s Circa Theatre with his latest show The Golden Ass, playing from 20 April – 11 May.

Silo Theatre is stoked to kick off their 2024 programme with the nocturnal ride that is ScatterGun: After the Death of Rūaumoko playing at Q Theatre, Loft from 18 April to 4 May. Created and performed by the award-winning Ana Chaya Scotney (Ngai Tūhoe), this epic solo show is a love letter to Aotearoa that explores the themes of grief, whānau, connection, and identity.

After the resounding success of the 2023 tour, Indian Ink are set to take their joyful comedy hit show Dirty Work to Hamilton, New Plymouth and Whangārei from 16 May. Featuring close to 30 people on stage, the production which received both audience and critical acclaim, tips the modern office on its head and celebrates an unsung hero.

Described as a work of genius, Indian Ink’s internationally acclaimed Guru of Chai returns by demand, 14 years on from its world premiere. For the first time in almost a decade Auckland, Kāpiti and Wellington will get to experience the outstanding theatrical magic of this production, filled with romance, intrigue, betrayal, and loss, from 12 June.

Direct from international seasons in the Netherlands and Germany New Zealand Dance Company is delighted to present the stunning double bill Whenua to audiences in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Tauranga and Tāmaki Makaurau from March 8 - April 12, 2024.

The big dreams and heart-felt reflections of award-winning disabled performing artist, Lusi Faiva take to the stage for the world premiere of AIGA at Te Pou Theatre from 20-24 March, as part of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival.

The wait is over, she’s coming back, Deborah Francis-White, The Guilty Feminist announces tour dates for her live podcast featuring a different lineup of incredible guests and comedian co-hosts at every show and music by Grace Petrie.

Combining theatre and live music, Two Guitars, the latest production from award-winning playwright Jamie McCaskill, wrestles with “Māoriness”, through comedy, song and outstanding showmanship. Following a successful premiere season in Palmerston North last year, Two Guitars heads to Wellington’s Circa Theatre from 23 March – 13 April.

The annual Best Foods Comedy Gala, a veritable feast of comedy, adds six more allstar comedians to the already impressive line-up. This stellar night of uproarious live comedy, on Friday 3 May in Auckland and Saturday 4 May in Wellington, will kick off a month of comedy with the 2024 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo.