Stories

WATCHING Downton Abbey Four years after the series called it quits, the highly anticipated Downton Abbey film is finally here. The film picks up in 1927, when the Crawley family find out King George V and Queen Mary are coming to visit. The occasion is so great that beloved former head butler Carson comes out of retirement to chip in. Most of the cast are reprising their roles, including Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery. Catch the regal drama in cinemas from September 12. Hustlers What do Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Lizzo and Lili Reinhart all have in common? They star in knockout crime-comedy Hustlers. The film follows a group of former strip club employees as they get revenge on the Wall Street men who did them wrong. Hustlers delivers on laughs and drama and feeds into pop culture’s current obsession with scam artists. Oh, and it’s based on a...

Rugby World Cup fever is sweeping the nation as we get into the 2019 tournament. Here’s what you need to know to survive the full-noise six weeks of sport. The mighty All Blacks are gunning for a three-peat at this year’s Rugby World Cup (RWC). They won the Webb Ellis Cup in 2011 (on home soil no less!), they took it home from England four years later, and now we’re crossing our fingers that they’ll bring it home from Japan.  The opening ceremony and match for the RWC kicks off at 10:45pm on September 20 (NZ time) at Tokyo Stadium – the same venue Japan hosted the All Blacks in last year. From there, the six-week tournament will see the All Blacks touch down in Yokohama, Oita City, Tokyo and Toyota – and that’s just for the pool games!  There are various ways to watch the games. A selection of free...

As businesses and their teams head back to the inner city and into the flash new office spaces being built for them, it’s good to know someone’s thinking about where the children can go. When developer Richard Peebles bought the old Family Courts building on Armagh Street in 2018, he already had in mind that an inner-city childcare facility would be a great future for the building. You can see the attraction – the Gothic architecture evokes images of castles, princes, princesses and magical goings-on; there’s a view over the River Avon; and in the grounds there are 100-year-old horse chestnut trees to play under. The idea led to the Peebles Group and childcare operator Millie’s House working together to transform the building into an early learning centre that meetsall Ministry of Education and health and safety requirements. Millie’s House Early Learning Centre was born and is now open.  It’s a...

Forget bungy jumping – Irish comic Dara Ó Briain has much more refined plans for what to do during his first visit to New Zealand. Cityscape taps into the ‘Voice of Reason’ before his Christchurch show. Your tour is called Voice of Reason and in the poster for it we see you bellowing into a megaphone – that’s an image for the age right there, isn’t it? Voice of Reason seemed like a good general expression of the kind of stuff I normally do, and we had a very angry looking poster. It turns out later it’s subconsciously very similar to classic Soviet art of the 1930s, 40s and 50s. There’s one particular picture of a brave peasant woman shouting her support of the Soviet project, which this mimics exactly, and I’m not sure how we stumbled across that because there wasn’t a hidden message at all. It’s a weird echo,...

The cool cats at BurgerFuel have tapped into the sustainable super food – hemp! They have created a mouth-watering hemp burger – the Electric Pūhā is 100 percent vegan and locally sourced, so it tastes good and is good for you and the planet! The burger is packed full of nutrients – you’ll discover crumbed hemp and broccoli bites, pūhā and cabbage kraut, hemp seed oil aioli, fresh rocket, avocado and an ounce of relish all between a wholesome organic hemp sourdough bun – yum! Packing a punch of flavour, it’s not just for vegans either – anyone can enjoy this one, even if just for curiosity’s sake! Hemp is in and is a natural way to consume iron, protein, iodine, zinc and the all-important omegas. If you’re not keen on a vegan burger, no sweat, you can grab the Hemp & Broc, which feature in the Electric Pūhā, as a...

Take your skincare regime up a notch with the divine natural collection from the pros at Velettà Skincare. Mix equal parts nature and luxury and you get the results-driven range – packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. All that goodness will have your skin feeling soft, nourished and hydrated, and help to improve its texture while fighting those nasty free radicals. Treat yourself and indulge in healthy and glowing skin – who doesn’t want that! velettaskincare.com

We stopped by Titan Training Ground to check out their spacious Sydenham studio and were blown away by what they can do to help you achieve great things on your training journey. The health and fitness centre is built on the concept of balance. They practise what they preach and offer a multitude of high-energy Muay Thai (Thai boxing) classes as well as advanced master classes, where leading professionals in their chosen sports share techniques, experiences and knowledge. Muay Thai is not all about fighting, it’s about helping to develop your mind, body and soul. So much more than just a great workout, it offers an assortment of health and fitness benefits. It’s a great way to work on core and leg strength, promote increased hip mobility, let off some steam and relieve stress. TitanTG is different because of its supportive and progressive atmosphere and its classes, which are engineered to...

At Grassroots Yoga and Health, experienced teachers take you on a journey to be the best version of yourself through yoga, wellbeing and by belonging to a friendly and heart-felt yoga community. The studio, which was established six years ago, is inside the beautiful Tannery building in Woolston. It is open seven days a week and has free and convenient parking on-site. Each class has a dedicated teacher, so you’ll experience yoga as it was traditionally intended – with a teacher that knows you and encourages your physical and spiritual growth. Yoga is a healing practice that is accessible to all. Grassroots lives up to this by offering specialised classes for different life stages including prenatal yoga, mums & bubs, seniors classes, gentle and therapeutic yoga, and 1-on-1 sessions. The studio’s general hatha yoga classes are divided into Yoga 1, 2 and 3 so people can join in at the right...

If you wear glasses, there are few things more daunting than switching from the tried-and-true pair to a new style, yet at the same time it’s probably the easiest way to take on a whole new look. If you have been putting off an update, visit Matthews Eyewear Eyecare. They pride themselves on ensuring that every client leaves confident they are seeing better, looking better and feeling better. Attention to detail and personalised service have been good for business, and the family firm has grown a lot since opening its doors in 1957. It now operates a nationwide chain of independent optometry practices. In Christchurch, Matthews Eyewear Eyecare’s practice, previously Buchanan Optometrists, has moved to modern, stylish premises in Riccarton. They have an exclusive relationship with world-leading lens manufacturers Zeiss. Matthews can help you find a new favourite pair and a style you will love. Its international range of frames and...

Sofas that make you happy for a long time – hülsta designers not only create modern sofas but timelessly modern sofas, and they are available exclusively at Frobisher Interiors. The hülsta hs.480 Armchair features flowing lines like an organic structure from nature that slowly expands until it has found its perfect shape, and comes to rest in the living room. Featuring a lush shape yet a simple design, they are meticulously crafted, which is reflected in the high-quality piped seam. The sofa was awarded the ‘Blue Angel’, an eco-label in Germany since 1978 that sets high standards for environmentally friendly product design. The Blue Angel award has proven itself over the past 40 years as a reliable guide for more sustainable consumption. Frobisher Interiors offer exclusive furniture brands in their stunning showroom alongside full interior design services plus their own Espressory serving Lyttelton Coffee and fresh, daily-baked goods. Open Monday to...

If you headed over to Welles Street on Friday night, you would have been greeted by a woman dressed as a man in a bright red suit singing his own rendition of ‘Let Me Entertain You’. Georgie Sivier’s alter ego Tony Chestnut was a perfect opener for the launch night of the fourth Comedy Carnival, which will run until September 21. Fourteen comedians took to the stage to deliver laughs and they did not disappoint. If Tony Chestnut didn’t set the scene, next act on stage was Stephen Lefebvre, who wandered around the crowd, shaking everyone’s hand, greeting them with “Hi, great to see you” – and that was his entire act. ‘Your Dad’ found his long-lost son in the audience, who proceeded to join him on stage, sit on his knee and listen to some words of wisdom. Jim Smalls captivated the audience as he told the story of adopting...

The booming bass was felt throughout Christchurch Town Hall as the sold-out Synthony crowd buzzed with good vibes. The venue was transformed into a high-energy nightclub full of amazing visuals and a killer sound system. Cherie Mathieson had everyone singing along to ‘Show Me Love’ as she nailed it with her powerful voice, not missing a beat. Looking around, there wasn’t a single seat in use as every person was dancing along to track after track of club favourites. The collab between Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, DJs and live singers, all performing with an incredible light and laser show, made for an absolutely banging night. Kicking off with DJ Craig Shaw, the mood was set and everyone was amped up as he played a sensational set. When the orchestra took to the stage the audience went wild, they were ready to take a journey through the last three decades of club classics....

Every movement during the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Bold Moves was completed with fluidity and without fault – each dancer made the entire work look seamless. Act by act you will be taken on a breathtaking journey and they save the best for last with the stunning Artifact II. Full of passion, quick footwork and daring, bold moves, the show delivers on its name. This sensational show will have you mesmerised and is certainly one not to be missed – showcasing the performers' versatility, strength and dynamic range. Serenade is the opening dance, choreographed by George Balanchine and staged by Patricia Barker. As the lights dim and the curtain goes up, the chatter simmers down and the crowd welcomes 17 women, poised motionless on stage. The tender performance is laden with meaning and has an unspoken narrative. The deep emotion can be seen through whirling movements and awe-inspiring footwork. All movements...

Cityscape headed down to the boutique Deluxe Cinema at The Tannery to check out Amazing Grace. The concert film of Aretha Franklin is a breathtaking and hair-raising performance that needs to be seen to be believed. Barely a word is spoken by the gospel queen throughout, the music speaks for her. The 1972 performance was filmed at New Temple Baptist Mission Church in Los Angeles over two nights and this is the first time it’s been released to the public. The footage was held back due to technical issues, but we’re so glad that it has been released for our viewing pleasure. Her unique and captivating voice filled the theatre as she sang alongside the Southern Californian Community Choir and Reverend James Cleveland, and the result was beautiful, harmonic melodies. The film shows the audience enjoying themselves and getting swept up with the music, clapping, singing and encouraging Franklin throughout. This...

The trio behind shared workspace developer Qb Studios – Alex Brennan, Mike Fisher and Tom Harding – have an impressive track record of repurposing the old for the new, turning outdated commercial or industrial buildings into modern, flexible office environments. Alex tells Cityscape it’s like finding buried treasure. What developments have Qb Studios already completed? It’s been a busy 4½ years. We have opened six locations since we started in Christchurch in 2014. In Christchurch we have opened in Southwark Street, St Asaph Street and Addington, and in Auckland we are in Ponsonby, Herne Bay and Newmarket. In the last year we have more than doubled in size, expanding our flagship locations in Auckland and Christchurch and opening a new, more intimate location in Newmarket. What is in the pipeline? After a busy year we are looking forward to strengthening and nurturing the community of businesses that we already have in...

Cityscape brings you the goss from Ballantynes as they celebrate the season with the fashion event of the year. Fashionistas rejoice – September brings Ballantynes Fashion Week. The stylish central-city department store will show why they are the most on-trend hangout in town as they host the South Island’s biggest fashion event, which struts its stuff from Thursday September 19. Among the must-see events are appearances by three of New Zealand’s leading fashion icons – Kathryn Wilson, Paula Ryan and Karen Walker, all offering a variety of events. The big show doesn’t come together overnight – Ballantynes’ Liz Mills gave us a rundown on the timeline. At six months out the planning starts as they consider venues. Fast-forward three months and it’s time to choose themes and structures. With one month to go, models are cast and outfits selected. Overdrive kicks in with one week to go, with lots of garments...

Aldous Harding opened her homecoming show to silence. As she walked on-stage at the James Hay Theatre you could hear audience members’ every moves – the shuffling, the drop of a cup and the anticipation. Then, slowly, as Harding took a seat centre stage, the silence erupted into applause. She opened the show acoustically before launching into her recently-released third album’s title track ‘Designer’. The quiet crowd loosened into the music and the night was under way. “I’ve got a lot to say, but now is not the time. Thank you,” she told the crowd during her first interaction. When the opening bars of Designer’s lead single ‘The Barrel’ started playing – after ‘Treasure’ – Harding reminded the crowd that this “isn’t the Party tour", and encouraged them to have a little fun. And that we did. Bar one man rockin’ out next to me, no one in the well-dress Wednesday night...

The highlight of the nation’s annual fashion calendar, New Zealand Fashion Week, has lit up the catwalk for 2019 and officially gotten under way. The festivities kicked off last night with Kate Sylvester’s romantic and ethereal show, which was an ode to love letters. Maggie Marilyn, Yu Mei, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Zambesi and Juliette Hogan are among some of the many esteemed designers showing their Fall/Winter 2020 collections throughout the jam-packed week. Supermodel Elle Macpherson will also be making an appearance. The iconic face in fashion is helping launch the inaugural New Zealand Fashion Week Gala. The black-tie gala has been modelled on the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Met Gala and will raise money for youth organisation The Rising Foundation. The luxury event is due to take place at SkyCity on September 27. Macpherson said she was “honoured” to be appointed as the gala’s inaugural host. “New Zealand is so...