It’s time to get out the glitter, slap on a frock and come down to The Court Theatre for a weekend of all things fabulous in what promises to be one of the most colourful, bold, provocative and exciting weekends this year.
The Court Theatre proudly announces the dazzling line-up for Rainbow Weekend, from 22-24 March, including New Zealand’s national treasures The Topp Twins and RuPaul’s Drag Race Downunder winner Kita Mean.
We are proud to present these amazing events overthree days for our LGBTQIA+ audiences, their allies and for those who wantto experience something which celebrates all those who make up our wonderful diverse communities.
There are comedy legends, cabaret superstars, drag royalty, children’s events, play readings from the newest playwrights and even something a little more scandalous for those who are daring to venture out late at night. Tickets will be popular so don’t delay, checkout all the events below and get booking.
This event is made possible by Rata Foundation
FRIDAY, 22 MARCH
BRADY PEETI – ICON, DIVA AND YES, TRAILBLAZER | 7PM |$25
An intimate, up close and relaxed evening with a true icon, diva and trailblazer. Brady Peeti has fast become one of the most in demand performers across Australasia. Come in for an evening of music, stories and cheeky conversations and get to know this incredible human onwhat promises to be a never repeated experience.
SCARED SCRIPTLESS: DRAGGED FEATURING KITA MEAN | 10.15PM| $16/$20
A staple of the Christchurch theatre scene for one night only is plucking, tucking and sparkling their way into a new realm. Scared Scriptless will slam together your favourite improv troupe in the most camp, sequin filled and glittery night ever with the extra special bonus of RuPaul’sDrag Race royalty Kita Mean joining them for the night
SATURDAY, 23 MARCH
TEA WITH THE TOPP TWINS | 11AM | $55
For a very special 70 minutes Dame Lynda and Jools Topp come together fora relaxed conversation. Telling stories of their careers, their hopes forthe future, how they see the world and yes, a song or two. This will be something very special. You’ll even get a cup of tea and a wee scone to enjoy. Hosted by Lana Searle from MoreFM’s Breakfast Club.
PLAY READING: TRIPLE X | 3PM | $5 | Studio Space
Hysterically funny and wildly provocative, Triple X takes a deep dive into the unknowable contours of desire. A smash-hit all across Australia, we are thrilled to present this one-off play reading to our audiences for thefirst time outside of Australia. Scotty is living the dream. A successfulWall Street banker, he has just bought a Tribeca loft for a cool three million and is about to marry his beautiful and loaded girlfriend Kymberley. But Scotty has a secret that will outrage both his conservative mother Deb and progressive sister Claire: his ongoing affair with charismatic trans drag performer Dexie. Suitable for ages 16+
QUEENS OF DRAG 7PM | $30 | Studio Space
Join us for an incredible evening of Drag Entertainment with Queens of Drag finally making its way to Ōtautahi Christchurch! Join Kita Mean and her girls for a night filled with glamour, laughter and non-stop excitement. Look forward to spectacular costumes, stand-up comedy, sensational choreography routines and more, in one of the most up-close and intimate drag experiences you will likely ever get to have. Featuring Kita Mean, Tess Tickle & Rita Menu.
NUDE DUDES DO DRAMATIC READINGS | 10.30PM | $25 | Mainstage | R18
You’ve heard of Naked Boys Reading, perhaps even the longest running off-Broadway hit Naked Boys Singing, but what happens when Nude Dudes Do Drama? Taking some of the most classic text even written by the likes of Tennessee Williams, Shakespeare and even a bit of Oscar Wilde, the snippets won’t be the only scandalous thing.
SUNDAY, 24 MARCH
AND TANGO MAKES THREE (KIDS EVENT) | 11AM | Free but please register via courttheatre.org.nz
One of the most successful and award-winning children’s books to deal with same gender parents comes alive for a special reading. The penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own. Suitable for ALL AGES
INTIMACY DIRECTION 101 | 1PM | Free but please register via courttheatre.org.nz
Saltburn, Poor Things, Sex Education and… even The Court Theatre. IntimacyDirection is a fairly new space and the demand for the role grew in the entertainment industry after the Weinstein scandal and the Me Too movement. With many links and similarities to the BDSM/Queer/Sex worker industry, audiences still do not quite seem to know what’s involved. Come join Kira Josephson with a specially selected panel of actors to discuss all things Intimacy Direction and Coordination.
ADAM RENNIE ONE (QUEER) NIGHT ONLY | 6.30PM | $45 | Mainstage Space
Finally returning to The Court Theatre, the star of the 2019 production ofHedwig and the Angry Inch, Adam Rennie. Be taken on a whirlwindtour of all the queerness, joy and quite frankly pain, that comes with performing some of the biggest roles in Musical Theatre History. Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Rocky Horror, Kinky Boots, Company and more will all make an appearance in what is guaranteed to be a sold out night. Suitable for ages 13+.