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New Zealand

Theatre entertainment in New Zealand

  1. A

    Silo Theatre

    With an annual programme that presents current plays, past plays, locally devised theatre and overseas theatre, it's not easy to pin down the Silo. Past plays have included Toa Fraser's No 2, plus those from playwrights of the ilk of Neil La Bute (US), Dylan Thomas (Wales) and Louis Nowra (Australia).

    reviewed

  2. B

    Fortune Theatre

    The world’s southernmost professional theatre company has been running dramas, comedies, pantomimes, classics and contemporary NZ productions for almost 40 years. Shows are performed – watched over by the obligatory theatre ghost – in a Gothic-style old Wesleyan church.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Circa

    Circa’s main auditorium seats 240 people, its studio 100. Cheap tickets are available for preview shows, and there are standby tickets available an hour before the show (anything from pantomime to international comedy).

    reviewed

  4. D

    Aotea Centre

    Auckland’s largest venue for theatre, dance, ballet and opera, with two main stages: the cavernous ASB Auditorium and the tiny Herald Theatre. NZ Opera (www.nzopera.com) regularly performs here.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Downstage

    Original NZ plays, dance, comedy and musicals in a 250-seat auditorium.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Founders Theatre

    For live theatre and concerts (anything from Bee Gees tributes to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra), try Founders Theatre.

    reviewed

  7. G

    St James Theatre

    A grand old heritage auditorium hosting big productions such as the ballet and opera (www.nzballet.org.nz; www.nzopera.com).

    reviewed

  8. H

    Regent Theatre

    Divinely detailed theatre hosting big-ticket international acts like the Russian Ballet and the Platters.

    reviewed

  9. I

    BATS

    Wildly alternative BATS presents cutting-edge and experimental NZ theatre – varied, cheap and intimate.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Meteor Theatre

    Live theatre and concerts can be enjoyed at the Meteor Theatre .

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Centrepoint Theatre

    A mainstay of the simmering Palmerston North theatre scene, Centrepoint serves up big-name professional shows, theatre sports and seasonal plays.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Abbey Theatre

    Quality amateur productions, with a penchant for cheesy musicals.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Globe Theatre

    Large community theatre; home to the Manawatu Theatre Society.

    reviewed

  15. N
  16. O

    Theatre Royal

    Joan Rivers, eat your heart out, because the 'grand old lady of Nelson' (aged 134) has just had the face lift to end all face lifts. If you love heritage buildings and the performing arts, visit Everyman Records, find out what she's showing and book a ticket.

    reviewed

  17. P

    Q Theatre

    The city's newest theatre showcases works by various companies as well as intimate live music events. Silo Theatre (www.silotheatre.co.nz) often performs here.

    reviewed

  18. Q

    Napier Municipal Theatre

    Not only the city’s largest venue for the likes of concerts, dance and drama, but also one of the world’s few working art-deco theatres. Worth going for the foyer lighting alone. Box office on-site.

    reviewed

  19. R

    Court Theatre

    Christchurch's original Court Theatre was an iconic part of the city's Arts Centre, but it was forced to relocate after the earthquakes. Its new premises in up-and-coming Addington are more modern and spacious, and it's a great venue to see popular international plays and works by NZ playwrights. Check the website for what's playing.

    reviewed

  20. S

    Opera House

    A heritage theatre, with heart-stopping gods, hosting sit-down concerts, touring plays and the odd musical.

    reviewed

  21. T
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  23. U

    Maidment Theatre

    The University's theatre often stages Auckland Theatre Company (www.atc.co.nz) productions.

    reviewed

  24. V