What’s on this weekend November 7-9, 2014

Auckland: Fresh from an overseas tour which included performances in Edinburgh, Seoul and New York City, Black Grace presents Xmas Verses. The collection of original dance works are laced with humour and choreographed by one of our most celebrated artists, Neil Ieremia. Take in this stunning performance at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland from November 7-9, see ticketmaster.co.nz. For more performance dates around New Zealand, see blackgrace.co.nz

Wellington: You know the festive season is just around the corner when the Royal New Zealand Ballet tours with their Christmas ballet. This year, Charles Dickens’ iconic tale, A Christmas Carol, is retold by some of the country’s most talented ballet dancers at the St james Theatre, Wellington on Friday and Saturday November 7 and 8. The performance will feature live music by Orchestra Wellington. For more information, see rnzb.org.nz

Christchurch: New Zealand Cup and Show Week kicks off on Saturday November 8 at Riccarton Park Racecourse, Christchurch. The Sothys New Zealand 2000 Guineas Day is the first event of the week, and includes the Gold Club Metropolitan and Yesberg Insurance Services Pegasus Stakes. Gates open at 10am with the first race at 12.27pm. For more information, see nzcupandshow.co.nz

New Plymouth: British comic, actor and musician Bill Bailey returns to New Zealand with the live show, Limboland. The show explores the gap between how we imagine our lives to be and how they really are. Bill will perform at the TSB Theatre, New Plymouth on Sunday November 9, 8pm. For more information, see ticketmaster.co.nz

Auckland: Take in the action court-side at the FAST5 Netball World Series at Vector Arena, Auckland on Saturday November 8 and Sunday November 9. Six international teams; England, South Africa, Malawi, Jamaica, Australia and New Zealand, will play 18 games during the two-day tournament.For more information, see Ticketmaster