Takapuna is lucky to be the home of the fantastic Bruce Mason Centre – a venue that is a cornerstone of the Takapuna and wider North Shore community, that regularly hosts an enormous variety of shows and events. From family entertainment, to dance, to music, to comedy, (it’s one of the hubs for the New Zealand International Comedy Festival) the Bruce Mason Centre offers something for everyone.
Looking for something to do in Takapuna? Why not check out what’s on at the Bruce Mason Centre!
Annie
When: 19-22 June 2025
With equal amounts of pluck and positivity, Annie has won the hearts of audiences around the globe for nearly 50 years. Featuring a Tony Award winning score of songs such as “Easy Street”, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile”, “It’s The Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow”, this timeless story of an unfailingly optimistic 11 year old girl, and her dog Sandy, is perfect for all ages.
Hot off the heels of the extremely successful season of Matilda, Encore Theatre Collective’s reputation for excellence in theatre has attracted a cast of nearly 150 of the finest young talent from around the North Island. With dazzling costumes, stunning choreography, and a delightful canine companion, Annie is the family event of 2025 that you will not want to miss!
Morning Melodies with Kumeu Vintage Brass
When: 23 June 2025
Time: 11am
This Morning Melodies favourite returns for 2025 with a concert of toe-tapping, popular music by an eclectic band of masters of brass instruments with an average playing experience of forty-four years.
Formed in 1948, Kumeu Vintage Brass comprises 40+ of some of New Zealand’s finest players who have played for many brass bands in New Zealand and overseas.
Kumeu Vintage Brass believe that like a vintage wine, they improve with age. Their melodious tones have attracted the attention of Auckland and National brass critics. This is not a show you should miss!
Last Night of the Proms
When: 28-29 June 2025
Get ready for a spectacular show of unforgettable music, tradition, and pure celebration at the Auckland Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 Last Night of the Proms – Best of British!
From traditional Proms fare to vibrant Pop classics, along with plenty of fan favourite singalongs, this year’s programme offers a diverse and exhilarating musical journey to all corners of the British Isles, along with a Kiwi twist. With a cast of over 100 performers onstage, and led by conductor Emma Featherstone, the Auckland Symphony Orchestra will be joined by acclaimed vocal soloist and recording artist Will Martin, the sonorous tones of Harbour Voices, the stirring sounds of The City of Sails Pipe Band, and the dazzling Auckland Regional Highland Dance Company.
Whether you’re a long-time Proms fan or a first-timer, Last Night of the Proms – Best of British! promises a thrilling night of fun and festivity, complete with balloons, streamers, flags, as well as prizes for ‘best dressed’ attendees. This is the ultimate musical celebration of the year – don’t miss out on the revelry! Get your tickets now and join us for a show you’ll never forget!
Oliver! the Musical
When: 5-6 July 2025
One of the best-loved musicals of all time, Lionel Bart’s award-winning masterpiece, Oliver! arrives at the Bruce Mason Centre this July, for a strictly limited season. Oliver! has captivated audiences since 1960 with it’s sensational score, including “Food Glorious Food”, “Consider Yourself”, “You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two”, “I’d Do Anything”, “Oom Pah Pah”, “As Long As He Needs Me”, and many more.
Based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, this Victorian-era tale follows the journey of an orphan boy, Oliver, as he navigates the harsh realities of poverty, crime, and ultimately, finds his long-lost family. With its rich storyline, memorable characters, and catchy musical numbers, Oliver! is a timeless classic that will delight audiences of all ages.
Don’t miss this vibrant and energetic production, showcasing the exceptional talents of Auckland Performing Arts Academy‘s students! Gather the whole family and create lifelong memories together as you experience the enchantment of live theatre that will have you humming the iconic songs long after the final curtain falls!
The Gruffalo
When: 9-13 July 2025
A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood …
After sell-out seasons across the world, including London’s West End & Broadway, The Gruffalo returns to Aotearoa for the first time since 2016!
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups.
Community Classics – North: Beyond the Stars
When: 19 July 2025
Join Auckland’s orchestra for our popular Community Classics concerts across Tāmaki Makaurau!
In 2025 we’ll be celebrating superstar composers and their most sparkling pieces, from Mozart and Strauss to Kiwi contemporary talent Salina Fisher, plus some special guest artists.
Gather the whānau together for an uplifting afternoon of music for everyone.
Mark Normand
When: 20 July 2025
Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up-and-coming comic,” Normand is quickly becoming one of the most talked about touring comedians on the scene. Normand’s latest one-hour Netflix special, Soup To Nuts, has been a staple in the streamers’ Top Ten since its premiere. This follows Normand’s self-released special, 2020’s Out to Lunch which amassed over 12 million views on YouTube. He also starred on Netflix’s season 3 of The Stand Ups.
An extremely prolific stand-up, he previously had both a one-hour and a half-hour Comedy Central special and has made an unparalleled seven appearances on Conan, four appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and has also appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Mark is a frequent guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, and hosts his own podcasts Tuesdays with Stories and We Might Be Drunk.
Morning Melodies with AOTANGO Quintet
When: 21 July 2025
Time: 11am
Prepare for a riveting morning of tango and world music with AOTANGO Quintet!
AOTANGO features violinist Andrew Beer (Concertmaster, Auckland Philharmonia), pianist Somi Kim (NZTrio), bassist Gordon Hill (Principal Bass, Auckland Philharmonia), jazz guitarist Sam Swindells, and world champion accordion Grayson Masefield. A combination of artists not to be missed.
Morning Melodies is lucky to have this show for the first time, get your tickets now!
Hilarious Comedy Hypnosis Show
When: 23 July 2025
As seen on Seven Sharp and going viral on TikTok, you’re in for a treat with Comedy Hypnotist Haiming Jiang, bringing his Comedy Hypnosis show to Takapuna. Be prepared to laugh hysterically — and take part too, if you’re up for it! It’s a night of fun!
Haiming combines hypnosis with comedy to entertain the audience while also demonstrating the benefits of hypnosis through audience participation. With his unique cultural background and understanding of New Zealand, this is a must-see event for any fun-loving Kiwi interested in hypnosis. Come and discover how this Chinese hypnotist uses hypnosis to both entertain and relax.
Fun for All Ages!!
Hairy Maclary’s Greatest Hits
When: 26 July 2025
A magical concert to captivate the whole whānau.
Join Auckland Philharmonia for Hairy Maclary’s Greatest Hits. The effervescent Jackie Clarke will bring the stories of Hairy Maclary and his adorable friends from Donaldson’s Dairy to life with music and songs. Look out for Schnitzel von Krumm, Bottomley Potts, Zachary Quack, Slinky Malinki, Scarface Claw and more.
Don’t miss this spellbinding, interactive show celebrating New Zealand’s beloved canine icon!
Presented in association with Auckland Live & The New Zealand Herald
Chicago the Musical
When: 23 July 2025
A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, a smooth-talking lawyer and a cell block of sin…so the story unfolds in the award-winning global stage show Chicago The Musical, opening this month at the Bruce Mason Centre.
This striking new production is helmed by acclaimed Kiwi theatre director Michael Hurst ONZM and features a line-up of “criminally great” New Zealand talent which include Jackie Clarke, Nomi Cohen and Lily Bourne.
Opens 31 July and runs for a strictly limited season. Tickets are selling fast so grab yours quick – it would be a crime to miss it.
We’ve got the best spots to eat and drink when going out for a show in Takapuna!
Takapuna is proudly home to so many different places to eat and drink – we have flavours to suit every tastebud from the fussy connoisseur, to allergy-conscious, to the easily pleased! Check out our picks for a pre-show dinner or post-show bite close to the theatre, or for more options, check out the full directory of eateries right here!
