It’s a kind of magic at the Monkey House
By Kaspur Franke.
Monkey House Theatre in Coghill Street has that young energy and vibrancy. Last Saturday night the programme on offer was JLB band with their pumping covers music, combined with the daring queens of burlesque. It was super in value and entertainment - certainly not a combination you might find anywhere else but with Molly and Kaspur Franke, this full rainbow of entertainment from the serious drama to the outrageous comedienne is the norm. Saturday night started quietly and numbers were humble, but wait a half an hour and the dance floor and seats were fully occupied. Out at the bar, people find a stool and enjoy being that little distance from centre stage action. There is a place for everyone and something for everyone. Mercury Bay loves it.
True to the vision of bringing a wide variety of the best acts and incredible diversity to Whitianga and the wider Coromandel Peninsula, this upcoming week at the Monkey House is set to be one of the best yet. “The team at Beat Fairy Events are looking forward to the wealth of talent set to grace our stage”, says Molly Franke, and adds, “All the performers are top of their game, ready to impress the event attendees.” Perhaps this is made even more impactful by the fact these performers are, in many cases, taking the scenic route to deliver this entertainment right to our doorsteps.
On Thursday, 20 April, New Zealand’s Top Young Magician, Brendan Dooley, is delivering two shows that will wow and amaze. The first is his Family Magic Show at 4.00pm, where Brendan will combine his skillset of mind blowing magical madness, insane stunts, original quick wit comedy and plenty of audience participation to create the ultimate experience for the young and young at heart that can only be described in one word - mayhem! An absolute treat for the school holidays. And then later that same evening, Brendan brings his show, tailored to adult audiences.
Friday, 21 April, brings top-calibre rockers East York, currently supporting the mighty Devilskin on their nationwide tour. East York are quickly generating a unique buzz worldwide with their epic, heavy, groove-laden metal-rock. The band are squeezing in two regional shows, for which Whitianga is one of the lucky locales. “We are so excited to bring our live show to Whitianga and Wanaka on our upcoming tour; two places we are strongly connected with as a band and can’t wait to meet some new friends along the way,” says Daz Coppins (Guitarist). Joining East York in Whitianga will be local garage-punk rock heroes Corrosive Moses who will be bringing all their blistering energy to the Monkey House stage. The added bonus is local duo, Yo Yo, is opening from 7pm.
And back by popular demand on Saturday night, 22 April, is New Zealand’s Best Contemporary Blues Band, The Flaming Mudcats. After a brilliant show on Friday, 13 January, that bought the house down and kept the dancefloor full; they return to play before they jet away for an international stint in Hawaii. Host of Sat Night Blues in the USA, David James, said “If this band doesn’t get your toes tapping, then you must be dead.” Local support is Stewart Pedley bringing his blues and harmonica laden set too. An absolute treat in musicality is on the cards.
Note tickets to all events can be obtained from Eventfinda.co.nz or the friendly team at Whitianga’s i-site or by popping into the Monkey House Lounge & Cabaret.
Caption : JBL Band.