Culture Vultures?

Since moving to New Zealand, we have certainly widened our range of recreational activities. Once upon a time our needs were simple: a Saturday afternoon game of hockey and a few pints on the town kept us happy. These days our needs are more sophisticated so trips to the ballet, a string quartet concert, open air Shakespeare plays, classical concerts, etc. are common place. Yes, we have become middle class ponces!

Classical Sparks

Every summer, Christchurch City Council puts on a schedule of fun events and activities imaginatively called 'Summertime'. Most of these events and activities are free. A recent Monday evening saw us lugging our chairs, picnic blanket and chili bin to North Hagley Park to watch the 'Classical Sparks' concert (The park 10 minutes walk from our cottage). See:http://www.summertimes.org.nz/2007/PaulKellyMotorCompanyClassicalSparks.asp

This year, the classical favourites that are normally found on 'Classic Classics Volume 26' (on sale at all good motorway services) were there again but this time so was Dave Dobyn. Who? Apparently, he is a kiwi icon, and the crowd around us certainly enjoyed his performance. A little too M.O.R. for our liking but who are we to comment when sharing wine and a picnic, with friends.

The evening was entertaining and the company was good but a particulary tacky moment was when horseriders in attire supposedly worn during the crusades (I didn't know nylon was so popular back then) paraded in on horseback. They were promoting the regional Super 14 rugby team: The Crusaders. Subtlety is done well here, as seen at the Crusaders' rugby venue which has a polystyrene castle complete with shooting flames.

The concert finale is always a rendition of the 1812 Overture complete with impressive fireworks. Last year, the cathedral bells chimed at the appropriate places but this year a kapa haka group performed the haka during it. A world first!

Comedy of Errors

Last Saturday saw us walking up to Mona Vale, packed with chairs, a table, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, a few Summer Ales, and our picnic. We were going to watch a play!
http://www.topdogtheatre.com/TDcomedy.html
http://www.topdogtheatre.com/COMEDYreviewPRESS.html

It was a lovely summer’s evening, sitting in the sun, sipping a lovely red, as well as watching a Shakespeare play. Comedy of Errors is not a difficult play to follow, the acting was okay, but what really makes this such a good thing to do on a Saturday night was the weather and the setting. Mona Vale is a lovely park!

We did forget to bring the camera, so I am afraid no photos, but click on the links if you want to find out more!

http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2007/feb/christchurch-city/open-air-shakespeare-festival.html