While outside, bright sunny days, crisp air and blooming daffodils bring the promise of summer, inside The Fringe Bar on the last Saturday of October the mood is entirely different. Jars of wet specimens decorate the bar. Skulls, weapons, cobwebs and creatures hang from every corner. A caged vulture ominously watches the curious display of talented performers:

• Comedy by hilarious new comedian Sera Devcich
• Burlesque by Miss Anthropy (Auckland)
• Aerial hoop by Cherry Boomb (Napier)
• Freakshow acts by Roxy Paradox
• Dance by Les Folies de La Mort (by daylight they’re known as Les Folies de L’amour)
• Magic and mystery from Mike Kay
• Hosted by notorious New Orleans voodooist Samuel S Snakeeyes
• A reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven by producer Rachel Rouge.

In addition, for the first time The Menagerie will hold a best dressed competition, with prizes awarded to the best costume on the night.