Press Release: 3rd Birthday *Best Of* show for Wellington’s Weirdest
The Menagerie is celebrating a very special occasion at the end of this month. Saturday 26 marks the show’s third
birthday of regular variety shows at The Fringe Bar. Menagerie guest producer Eli Joesph has put together a ‘Best Of’
line up. Joesph is bringing back crowd favourites, and some exceptionally unusual acts.
Since 2013 the Menagerie has hosted everything from acrobats and burlesque acts, through to glass-eaters and
xylophonists. Owner Rachel Rouge has become a regular figure at live entertainment across the capital, always on the
search for the new, unusual and bizarre acts.
“There have been hundreds of never-to-be-repeated moments that I felt privileged to be experiencing” says Rouge. “We aim
with every show to deliver something memorable. We had one show when all the stage lights blew, and the comedian had to
finish their set under the lights of mobile phones. Our technician Belle sorted everything out while the next act stood
behind the curtain dressed as a martini glass.”
“There have been surreal moments, like when [Scottish sword swallower] Rachel Atlas warned me, ‘Don’t hand me the mic
while I’m standing on the tesla coil. We’ll all be electrocuted’.”
Alongside internationally performing clowns and aerialists, audiences can also expect prize winning comedians and
burlesque dancers. Plus a performance from Rachel Rouge herself.
“Every show is different, and every part of every show is different. Our main goal every time is to entertain. We aspire
to deliver the kind of show that has at least one act that really hits you in the heart, the kind of performance you’re
still thinking about a week later.”
Who: The Menagerie
Date: Next show - Saturday the 26th of November
Time: Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm
Where: The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington
Price: $30 online (no booking fee) or for cash on the door
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMenagerieNZ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMenagerieNZ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenagerienz/
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