Heath Franklin's Chopper - GOLD Hits Hawke's Bay

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

Heath Franklin’s handlebar-moustachioed alter ego is storming Hastings as the critically acclaimed comedy powerhouse brings Heath Franklin's Chopper - GOLD to the historic Toitoi Opera House stage. Marking two decades of unapologetic, rapid-fire satire and relentless crowd roasts, this nationwide anniversary tour packages twenty years of beloved routines, razor-sharp improvisations and brand-new material into one explosive greatest-hits showcase. Chopper remains one of the most enduring and decorated character acts on the Australasian comedy circuit, selling out international comedy festivals from Edinburgh to Melbourne, and this sole Hawke's Bay tour stop offers local comedy fans a rare opportunity to see an iconic stage persona firing on all cylinders inside the region's premier theatrical auditorium.

Tear-Away Moustaches and Unfiltered Punchlines

Stepping into the theatre for a Chopper gig is an exercise in collective surrender. From the moment Franklin strides out in trademark aviators, flannel and heavily inked forearms, the energy in the auditorium shifts into overdrive. The performance pulls no punches, dismantling modern absurdities, petty social grievances and fragile egos with blistering comic timing. Standout moments feature classic rants that fans have quoted for years alongside unexpected tangents born from spontaneous clashes with brave souls in the front rows. The pacing is relentless, trading polite sit-down comedy for the kinetic drive of a rock show, where each punchline lands with chest-thumping delivery and theatrical swagger.

A Raucous Congregation of Comedy Devotees

Audiences at Franklin’s Chopper shows are an eclectic, fiercely enthusiastic mix spanning diehard fans who first caught his skits on sketch television in the mid-2000s through to a fresh generation of live comedy diehards. The atmosphere across the stalls crackles with anticipation well before house lights dim, as strangers trade favourite quotes over pre-show drinks in the foyer. There is an unmistakable camaraderie in the room—an unspoken pact that everyone is here to drop their inhibitions, laugh at life's shared frustrations and take a good-humoured beating if Chopper catches anyone slacking in their seat. In an ornate, historic lyric opera house, that raucous, irreverent communal laughter creates an electric contrast that stays with you long after the final bow.

Know Before You Go

• Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before curtain-call to clear ticket scanning and grab a drink at the municipal foyer bars without rushing.
• The production is recommended for audiences aged 15 and over due to frequent coarse language and unabashed adult themes.
• Central Hastings offers abundant free on-street evening parking along Hastings Street South and surrounding side streets, though spaces directly outside the venue fill fast.
• Full wheelchair accessibility, companion seating and hearing loop assistance are available throughout the stalls; contact the box office in advance to confirm specific access requirements.
• Seats for this one-night-only performance are in high demand across the region, so secure your passes through the official Eventfinda Chopper GOLD Booking Page to avoid missing out.

Make a Weekend of It

Turn a night of high-octane laughter into a complete Heretaunga Plains getaway by anchoring your evening around the city's lively East Block and neighboring wine hubs. Start your late afternoon exploring Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre and its grand Spanish-style architectural details before setting off on a culinary wander. For dinner before the show, stroll just a couple of blocks to tuck into slow-cooked brisket and glazed ribs at Black Betty BBQ, where Texas-style smoked meats and craft brews make for a laid-back feast.

If you prefer a scenic wine-country prelude, take a ten-minute drive out towards Havelock North to enjoy vineyard views and seasonal plates at Craggy Range Restaurant, or settle in for generous sharing platters and estate pours at Deliciosa Restaurant right in the heart of the village. Those arriving early in the weekend can spend a leisurely morning walking through the sculpture trail and historic sweet shop at Birdwoods Havelock North, or make the gentle climb among the vines to taste crisp regional vintages at Black Barn Vineyards. Whether you stay locally in Hastings or base yourself in the rolling hills nearby, pairing big laughs with Hawke's Bay's celebrated dining scene delivers an unforgettable escape.

See you in the stalls, Alyssa for What's On Hawke's Bay.