Auckland's theatre scene is hardly vibrant at the moment; there is no professional company with a permanent venue though the Auckland Theatre Company (tel 09/309 3395, www.auckland-theatre.co.nz ) is now firmly established at both the Aotea Centre and the Maidment, with occasional performances elsewhere. The Aotea Centre doubles as the major venue for classical music, opera and ballet , but events are held only sporadically: the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra strikes up every month or so, the Wellington-based New Zealand Ballet calls in during its tours of the provinces from time to time, and the Auckland Opera puts on several shows a year. The comedy scene is livelier, with a dedicated venue hosting regular stand-up comedy, while in late April and early May theatres and pubs around town are alive with local stand-up comics and top-flight international acts for the two-week comedy festival .

Aotea Centre , Aotea Square, Queen St (tel 09/307 5060). New Zealand's first purpose-built opera house, opened in 1990 and the home stage for New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Ballet. The Auckland Theatre Company frequently perform in its Herald Theatre .

Classic , 321 Queen St (tel 09/373 4321, www.comedy.co.nz ). Bar and comedy venue hosting all the best local names and the smaller world-class acts when they're in town. Shows Wed-Sat (and sometimes other nights) but with the best line-ups at weekends when it is around $15 for the main acts and $6 for the 11pm improv show.

Silo Theatre , Lower Grays Ave (tel 09/373 5151, www.silo.co.nz ). Small venue specializing in less mainstream plays and events. Success varies, but there's usually something interesting on.

Maidment Theatre , cnr Princess St & Alfred St (tel 09/308 2383). Two university theatres, with mainstream works in the larger venue and more daring stuff in the studio.