Paul Lyons and Ian Jones as Shylock and Tubal ready for the 2020 production of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice.
Photo / Elise Goodge
Paul Lyons and Ian Jones as Shylock and Tubal ready for the 2020 production of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice.
Photo / Elise Goodge
The Shakespeare in the Park 2020 season of The Merchant of Venice - Shakespeare's darkest comedy begins tonight. Travel back in time to 16th century Venice and explore themes of religious persecution, gender inequality, greed, revenge and love with lashings of comic relief. All set outdoors within the beautiful surroundings of the Bason Botanic Gardens.
The Merchant of Venice When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, February 27-29 at 7pm; Sunday, March 1 at 1pm Where: Bason Botanic Gardens, 552 Rapanui Rd, Westmere Details: Adult $25, senior and student $15, child 1-18yrs $10. Book at Royal Wanganui Opera House, phone 06 349 0511. Gate sales - $5 admin fee per party - cash only.
Seaweek at the Museum When: All week Where: Whanganui Regional Museum Details: A week of sea-themed activities for kids along with a lunchtime talk for the public on March 5. Go to www.wrm.org.nz for details.
La Fiesta 2020 Where: Various locations Details: A range of events and activities throughout February that celebrate women in Whanganui. Go to lafiestanz.com for the programme.
Bike Wise Whanganui Where: Various locations Details: February is Bike Wise Month with a range of events for all ages. Go to letsgowhanganui.org.nz for the programme.
Thoughtful Thursday When: 6.30pm Where: Confluence, 15 Watt St Details: Romantic Road: Rupert and Jan Grey journey across India in a 1936 Rolls Royce to a photography festival in Dhaka. $10 (cash) at the door or book at www.confluence.kiwi or call 06 281 3474.
Fulfilling Fridays Film When: 6.30pm Where: Confluence, 15 Watt St Details: Golden Globe winner Donald Sutherland narrates the story of Ailo, the little reindeer, as he lives his first year in the Lapland wilderness warmed by his mother's endless love. $10 (cash) at the door or book at www.confluence.kiwi or call 06 281 3474. Proceeds to Whanganui Toy Library.
The Air Force on Tour When: 7pm Where: Royal Wanganui Opera House Details: The Royal New Zealand Air Force Band plays military classics to popular show tunes. Adult $35, senior and unwaged $30, child 3-13yrs and student $5. Book at RWOH, phone 06 349 051.
Stargazing When: Half an hour after sundown Where: Ward Observatory, Cooks Gardens, St Hill St Details: Entry is by donation (suggested $2, $5 family). Call Ross 027 245 8066.
Ben Hurley When: 8pm Where: Lucky Bar + Kitchen, 53 Wilson St Details: Endless Summer Tour - like having your favourite comedian live in your living room. Limited seats left. Go to benhurley.com for tickets ($25).
SATURDAY
Whanganui River Market When: 8.30am-1pm rain or shine Where: Downtown Whanganui Riverbank Details: Local produce and plants, street food, artists, crafts and collectables.
Walking Tours When: 10am and 2pm today and Sunday Where: Whanganui i-Site Details: Learn about Whanganui's history, buildings and people. $10 per person. Book at Whanganui i-Site. To book another time phone 349 0508.
Arts Review Opening Day When: 10.30am-12.30pm Where: Sarjeant Gallery, 38 Taupō Quay Details: Winners Talk - 2020 pattillo Whanganui Arts Review winners talk about their winning works and practice.
Photo / Lewis Gardner
SUNDAY
Street Drags When: 10am-3pm Where: Taupō Quay Details: Wanganui Road Rodders annual street drag event. Adults $15, children $5, under-5s free. No dogs, no glass. Pay at the gate.
Castlecliff Market When: 11am-3pm Where: New location - Rangiora St, opposite kids playground Details: Hot food, drinks, plants, crafts, jewellery and more.
Frocks on Bikes When: 2pm (register from 1.30pm) Where: Assemble at 75 St Hill St Details: Dress up in your finest frock, suit or superhero costume and join the fun, family-friendly ride around town. Gold coin entry.
Wanganui Jazz Club When: 6.30pm Where: St Johns Club, 158 Glasgow St Details: Kevin Clark and Fran Barton entertain. General admission $20, members $10. Memberships available at the door.
Dancesport Whanganui When: 7pm followed by supper Where: St Andrew's Hall, Bell St Details: Monthly social dance - ballroom, new vogue, Latin, social dances. This month's theme is blue. Members $5, non-members $10. Contact Kathleen on 06 344 2245 or Graeme 027 434 1823.
MONDAY
Badminton When: 7.30pm Where: Whanganui Badminton Club, Springvale Stadium Details: Feather shuttles, timed games. $8 per session; $6 16yrs and under. Contact Jude Hildreth 343 7669 or Kate Matthews 027 776 6015.
Turuki, turuki, Paneke, paneke When: 12.30pm-2.30pm Where: Balance Whanganui, Room 120 at Community House, Ridgway St Details: Free lifestyle, health and wellbeing course. Today's speaker is Victoria Butler on the WRAP - Wellness Resilience Action Plan. Registrations are essential and can be sent to Carla@balance.org.nz or call 06 345 4488.
REBS Farmers' Market When: 2.30pm-5.30pm Where: All Saints' Church hall, Moana St, Whanganui East Details: Local growers selling fruit, vegetables and free-range eggs.
WEDNESDAY
Knit and Yarn When: 10am-noon Where: Ladies' Rest, 75 St Hill St Details: All knitters welcome. Gold coin entry.
Tennis Lessons When: 5.45pm Where: Wanganui Tennis Club, Bassett St Details: Free 75-minute coaching sessions for non-member adults wishing to return to tennis, or who are keen to learn.
