Details and tickets come from the organiser (auckland.gaycities.com). Check with them before you go. Facebook page ↗
This Waitangi Weekend, the legendary Staircase Nightclub will be resuscitated one more time with a party that pays homage to the golden era of Auckland’s gay nightlife. Three original Staircase drag divas – Bertha, Buckwheat and Tess Tickle – will be joined by three original Staircase DJs – Alex Taylor, Bevan Keys and James Leuii – plus a galaxy of special guests from across the Staircase decades. Proudly supported by 28 BLACK and LYC, the party will play out across all three floors of the historic Galatos venue. Opening at 8pm, the infamous Piano Bar will be recreated in the basement, with a soundtrack of disco classics from DJs Antony Jones and Steven Oates, plus live vocal performances from Cindy of Samoa, Leon Wharekura, Victor Hawkins-Sulfa and friends. The main Staircase dance floor will open at 10pm, with DJs Alex Taylor, Bevan Keys and James Leuii playing back-to-back-to-back all night long! Dramatic reenactments of your favourite Staircase drag shows will shake the stage at midnight, 1am and 2.30am – with a massive cast starring Bertha, Buckwheat, Tess Tickle, Coco Kane, Chanel D’Vinci, Victoria Secretz and dancers Anton Fassler and James Luck – plus a late, late show from the inimitable DeeZaStar! An intimate Marae-in-the-Sky VIP Lounge will be located on the top floor, where icons of yesteryear will be holding court like a flock of High Street hairdressers to the rare groove selections of DJs Karl Moser and Mauri. If you survived the original Staircase, you do not want to miss this very special reunion party! Tickets are selling fast at https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2016/feb/staircase-reunion by phoning 0508 484 253, or in person at Real Groovy, Marcello's Caffé, Garnet Station and The Eagle Bar. Warning: You may experience some out-of-control senior citizens!