From finding happiness to her most treasured possession, we catch up with Sally for some quickfire questions.

Renowned dancer, choreographer and co-founder of The New Zealand Dance Company Shona McCullagh performed in the first production of Gloria in 1990. With GLORIA – A Triple Bill featuring in the 2026 Festival, we ask Shona to recall memories from the days of the work’s creation.

Incognito Global debuts the newest iteration of their super-secretive, fine-dining, and immersive performance event, Chapter One, in Aotearoa for a one-night-only experience this November.

Hot off acclaimed seasons in Australia, Edinburgh and London, Wellington theatre company EBKM bring Heartbreak Hotel back home for a limited season this month.

Oscar Lavën and Damian Forlong are gearing up for a busy schedule at Wellington Jazz Festival this month with Oscar playing 20 shows and Damian managing 37 gigs.

Wellington-raised drummer Myele Manzanza returns to the city this October to perform with international jazz supergroup lvdf at Wellington Jazz Festival.

John Rae, an award-winning composer and musician, recorded his first album at sixteen with saxophonist Tommy Smith and has since appeared on over 30 albums. He was the drummer for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (2000-2003) and won a ‘Herald Angel’ at the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Since moving to New Zealand in 2007, Rae has been a prominent figure in Wellington’s jazz scene, notably as front man for The Troubles. After years of advocacy, his vision for a national jazz orchestra will be realised with the Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra's inaugural performance at the 2025 Wellington Jazz Festival.

Anapela Polataivao ONZM is a highly respected actor, director, writer, and has recently attracted media attention for her role in 2025’s hit film Tīnā. She is now directing NZ Opera’s The Monster in the Maze.

Workmates, the new film from writer/director team Sophie Henderson and Curtis Vowell, will have its World Premiere at the upcoming Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival.  Starring Henderson and Matt Whelan, this is a funny, heartfelt comedy romance about best friends, art, ambition, and messy feelings in messy theatres. It’s a love letter to theatre, friendship and the creative community. 

I braved a shaky internet connection for a Zoom chat with Sophie and Curtis to talk about theatre, love stories and how to work with your significant other without breaking something.