Looking to shake up girls night and try something new? Swap your usual dinner plans for something unexpected, a little bit extra, and seriously unforgettable — a night at the theatre, dressed to the nines, with Shakespeare’s most iconic love story as the backdrop.
Auckland Theatre Company’s rendition of Romeo & Juliet is anything but traditional. Reimagined as a whip-smart thriller set in the style-saturated 1960s, this breathless take on the Bard’s best-known play is a feast for the senses — and the ultimate excuse to get dressed up and make a night of it. Think: Missoni, Pucci, and heartbreak at high speed. The styling is a scene-stealer in itself — bold, cinematic, and brimming with mod-era glamour.
Set in sun-drenched 1960s Verona, Italy, director Benjamin Kilby-Henson’s take on the classic doesn’t waste a minute. With a brooding original score by Robin Kelly, death lurking around every corner, and a fresh cast including Theo Dāvid and Phoebe McKellar starring as the ill-fated lovers, this unmissable take on Romeo & Juliet is all tension, thrill, and emotional torque.
But beneath it all, you’ll still be moved by Shakespeare’s original meditation on love — romantic, platonic, forbidden, and all-consuming. It’s passionate, punchy, and heartbreakingly beautiful. And it might just be the perfect excuse to shake up your usual catch-up with the girls. Book your tickets here.
So, rally a group, put on something worthy of 60s Italy, and let this iconic tragedy be the main event of your next girls’ night out. Add a cocktail and an Italian feast pre-show, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable evening. Here, we round up where to head to truly lean into the show’s setting, and make a night of it.
Amano
Undoubtedly one of Auckland’s most popular eateries, Italian or otherwise, Amano is consistently humming with hungry punters around the clock. The eatery offers a delicious Italian-inspired menu that highlights seasonal, local produce (the pasta dishes are a particular highlight), and with a raft of unmissable sharing plates, this is a more than perfect spot for a bite and cocktail in the early evening.
Bossi
At this chic inner-city spot, the Italian energy is dialled all the way up — think sleek yet laid-back interiors, and a menu that’s equal parts classic and contemporary, not to mention the wonderfully warm team both in front of and behind the pass. At Bossi, house-made pasta, glossy sauces and beautifully plated antipasti set the tone, while cocktails arrive crisp and considered. It’s a buzzy slice of Milan in the middle of the city — perfect for a little theatre-night indulgence.
Pici
The humble yet incredibly delicious meals that can be found at the most unassuming neighbourhood trattorias were what originally inspired Karangahape Road favourite. Pici, from its intimate dining room to its mouthwatering menu which is designed to share. Here, you simply cannot pass up the cacio e pepe. Although the venison bolognese spaghetti is also popular; full of flavour and perfectly indulgent. Tables are limited, so head in early to grab a quick bite and glass of something delicious pre-show.
Baduzzi
At this beloved eatery, that happens to just be a hop, skip, and a jump away from the theatre, Italian-inspired food and wines fill the menu. You’ll find the likes of delicious beef short ribs, Karitane crayfish meatballs (there’s a whole section in the menu dedicated to the eatery’s hand-crafted meatballs), and countless handmade pastas amongst Baduzzi’s must-try dishes. Washed down with a glass of Italian Bianchi, of course.
Ortolana
This iconic restaurant is small but mighty. Offering a curated and concise menu, and an intimate, calm setting, Ortolana is one spot to which we always find ourselves returning for dinner in the Britomart precinct. With a pre-show dinner menu, the service is swift (if needed), and the fresh pasta is always divine.
Bivacco
Bivacco has become a go-to destination for delicious Italian — day or night. The food here is unparalleled, and is made even more perfect when enjoyed overlooking the sparkling waters of Viaduct Harbour with one of Bivacco’s delicious cocktails in hand. And while you really can’t beat the margherita pizza here, those craving something more lavish will find it in the goats cheese ravioli, adorned with endive, burnt honey and pistachio. Perfecto.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, 15 July to 9 August at the ASB Waterfront Theatre. Tickets on sale now at atc.co.nz.
