In February, Wellington's Fringe Festival brought us fabulous drag stories, risqué comedy, romantic adventures, and 'hot pink bits'. Now it's March, and Auckland's will be transformed into a glittering showcase of the local and overseas arts festival elite. Here are a few selections from the huge number of entertainment delights on offer. PENUMBRA The cast of this ambitious festival opening night production 'Penumbra' features veteran lesbian theatre actress Madeline McNamara. The epic story shows one family's journey through turning points in New Zealand's cultural history. A young New Zealand girl with Dutch heritage, working for Air New Zealand in the late 1960's, makes a phone call home from LA airport. So begins this sweeping family history, which travels from Auckland to Hong Kong and Amsterdam, weaving together a dramatic portrayal that is intensely personal and tender. McNamara tells us the play fits in well with her passion for more experimental theatre. "Penumbra is a passionate, interesting and intelligent drama. A very different work, but like many of the productions in this years' festival, it takes its place on a very high-profile stage." Penumbra @ SkyCity Theatre, Friday 9th until Sat 17th March. 10 DAYS ON EARTH Canadian gay master of puppeteering Ronnie Burkett is set to bring his latest amazing show to Auckland for just two special performances. For 'AK07' Auckland Festival he presents '10 Days On Earth', a poignant and tender adult drama played by a cast of superbly characterised marionettes. The story centres around Darrel, a middle-aged mentally retarded man who lives with his mother. When she dies in her sleep, Darrel does not realise she is gone, and so, for ten days, he lives alone. Tandem to Darrel's day-to-day routine are the adventures of his favourite children's book characters, Honeydog and Little Burp. Their search for a home leads the dog and duck duo to an understanding of family, while Darrel's ease in the world illustrates just how his mother has paved the path for him to be without her. Episodes from the past, like faded colour snapshots from a family album, illustrate this mother's love for her son in all its honesty and fierce, unwavering will. Simple, tender, funny and unapologetic, 10 Days On Earth asks: If you were alone, but didn't know it, would you feel lonely? 10 Days on Earth @ Maidment Theatre, Wed 14 until Sat 17 March JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND - 'FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN' The gorgeous Jennifer Ward-Lealand sings highlights from Marlene Dietrich's extensive career, accompanied by pianist Grant Winterburn don't dawdle - this one will sell out! Catch La Clique in Britomart's 'Red Square' from 9-25 March. EDDIE PERFECT SAYS: "DRINK PEPSI BITCH" Direct from sell-out seasons at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; the Melbourne Fringe and the Sydney Opera House comes Eddie Perfect, the man renowned for jet-black musical comedy that deconstructs politics, war, mass media, apathy and juice bars. Eddie Perfect sets his satirical attack-dogs on globalisation, conspiracy theories, materialism, sex, drugs, gay marriage and Cirque Du Soleil. It seems that from Persil to Oprah, corporations will go to any mind-boggling length or expense to make you buy things you don't want or need. Grab a crew and witness Eddie's disturbing sense of humour - from Wednesday 14th until Saturday 17th March in Britomart's Red Square. The full list of AK07 shows, the latest news from the festival, and those all-important booking details, visit their official website on the link below. Matt Akersten - 7th March 2007