The only New Zealand performance of an unusual theatrical experience takes place in Tauranga on October 27 and 28, when 'Echo Beach' is staged as part of the city's Arts Festival – and the festival is offering bargain tickets for group bookings.

'Festivals are a great opportunity to take a punt and try something different,” says associate festival director Claire Mabey.

'When I saw this show in England I knew immediately we had to have it here. It's warm, funny, touching and intriguing – and Tauranga is your one and only chance to see it."

Hannah Sullivan developed her solo show from a memory of watching her parents dance together, realising by the way they interacted their relationship was changing. The show's name is taken from the song by Martha and the Muffins, the track the couple were dancing to when observed by their daughter.

''Echo Beach' is about the dancing that everyone does,” Hannah says. 'I'm interested in how dance can be an expression of intimacy and also that it's the way we attract people, the way we try and impress people. It can be very awkward too.”

Music for 'Echo Beach' has been carefully chosen. 'The reaction that people have when a song they know and love comes on is brilliant.”

The show, she says, is about love.

'I talk about dancing as a way in which you can see something breaking – see a relationship that isn't working anymore. But it's also about those first moments of love, the initial excitement of meeting on the dance floor.”

Overseas audiences have described 'Echo Beach' as delicate and elegant, honest and absorbing.

'Echo Beach' is at the Tauranga Arts Festival at 7.30pm on October 27 and 28 at the X-Space, Baycourt. Tickets from Baycourt or ticketek.co.nz (TECT discount applies until October 7). Tauranga Arts Festival is also offering groups the chance to purchase eight tickets for $80.