UB40 singer Ali Campbell says a comment from a producer is the reason he quit the talent show.

Design writer Douglas Lloyd Jenkins has been a Herald, Listener and Home magazine contributor and hosted The Big Art Trip on television.

Did you pass the time in school writing this pointy "S" symbol? No idea where it originated? Well prepare to be educated.

Auckland Choral's Messiah provided a much-loved finale to the city's musical year, writes William Dart.

1 When were you last embarrassed? I'm embarrassed all the time. I've thought about it quite often and wonder if it's a form of depression

Soak up Waiheke's creativity, writes Dionne Christian.

Aucklanders get their first glimpse of the new Whoa! Studios today.

Huge touring exhibition is an art world highlight for 2017, writes T.J.McNamara.

William Dart previews the concert highlights of 2017.

Kiwi couple donate seven works including pieces by Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Joan Miro at inaugural event.

William Dart listens to Brahms, Lieder & Liebeslieder Waltzes.

Northcote College students see their research displayed at Auckland Museum.

Tim Finn has created an engaging score for a hit Aussie musical.

Anthony Horowitz has penned his first original novel for adults in more than a decade.

A growing number of New Zealanders are signing up to sing.

When Auckland Choral presents its annual Messiah, Bianca Andrew will sing some of the oratorio's most powerful arias.

A Roald Dahl classic comes to the Auckland stage.

Dionne Christian reviews the latest kids' chapter books and points out some of 2016's best.

Peter Simpson picks 2016's best art books.

Jim Eagles and Mark Fryer pick 2016's best non-fiction books.

Kids books for Christmas reviewed.

Siobhan Harvey reviews recent poetry books and picks favourites from the year.

Auckland's acting community recognises outstanding achievements at annual awards.

They're usually found inside the guts of fish: but glow-in-the-dark bugs also look great on canvas.

Silo Theatre announces how it will celebrate 20 years; Auckland Fringe Festival announces its 2017 programme.

Veteran actor Rawiri Paratene will join the cast for Pop-up Globe's 2017 season.

"Essentially you breathe life into something that is dead material" Puppeteer Norbert Hausberg exhibits his lifelong passion. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Briefs is perfect pre-Christmas cabaret for grown-ups.

Acclaimed author and illustrator Donovan Bixley shares tales of the books that inspired him.

Ballet's former bad boy has turned his life around. Sergei Polunin talks to Helen Barlow