Part gig, part stand-up, part diary-entry read aloud, James takes spectators on a chill field trip through life's transitions, navigating the complexities of identity, ethics, and self-discovery along the way. Expect jokes about veganism, Queer identity, ethics and self-discovery, all weaved together with original solo songs sung live by James with their trusty guitar. Join James for their brief but heartwarming ode to the beautiful contradictions that make us human, acknowledging that we are all doing our best in a world that is truly cooked.
Sessions
Te Ātea | North Atrium:12-12.30pm
Grey Gallery: 1-1.30pm
Bio
James Hilary Penwarden loves nothing more than dragging their trendy identity crisis to the stage. Penwarden lost their gender, found some new pronouns, and now milks their hot new identity for all it’s worth. A fresh face on the comedy scene, Penwarden is here to raise the flag for stand-up comedy that’s down with the patriarchy and here for the theytriarchy. Their debut comedy hour Them Fatale performed in the 2023 New Zealand International Comedy Festival to rave reviews and they're currently working on their next musical comedy hour, Vegan Fun Terror – a mooosical milktasia on national creams. This event is part of the 2025 Auckland Pride Festival. Theytriarchy? Is cosying up in the same space with Queer Yarns. Click on the Rainbow tag to see all our gallery Pride events or check out the full Auckland Pride Festival programme at aucklandpride.org.nz
Photo credit: Julie Zhu and Todd Karehana
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Visit outside weekend and school-holiday mornings for a quieter experience, or head along during relaxed hours on most Tuesdays from 3pm to 5pm.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Auckland Art Gallery is on the corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets in the city centre. Te Waihorotiu Station is around a 5-minute walk away, while Waitematā Station and the ferry terminal are around a 15-minute walk. The OuterLink also stops nearby on Wellesley Street East. For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
More info
He pārongo atu anō
