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Badjelly the Witch, the much-loved, utterly loony Spike Milligan classic, is this year’s Glow Show!

The brilliantly nonsensical tale is being entirely reimagined with the unique Glow Show treatment.

The Glow Show’s utterly original mash-up of science, puppetry and music is a glorious experience for children and this year it will be a wonderfully nostalgic event for adults.

The goofiness of Bare Bottom Land, the giggle-inducing catch-cries like “knickers, knickers, knickers!”, and the larger than life characters of Badjelly are set to bring a little fright and lots of fun to more than 30 venues across Aotearoa from July 5.

Nearly 100,000 Kiwi kids, parents and educators have seen a Glow Show; come and join the fun with the frolicking, witchy-poo, super-fun Badjelly the Witch!

Don't miss out!

Behind the Glow: 25 min Meet and Greet option after the show. Up close and personal with creator and puppetry. Limited availability.

Nelson Youth Theatre Company presents Disney’s Finding Nemo JR., a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (FROZEN).

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming”, “Fish Are Friends Not Food”, and “Go With the Flow”, Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

Nelson Youth Theatre Company presents Disney’s The Lion King JR, a wonderful 70-minute, one-of-a-kind musical that has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world, featuring the combined creativity of Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice.

With life-size elephant, giraffes, rhino and other animals from the African savannah, and songs like the magical ‘Circle of Life’, ‘I just Can’t Wait To Be King’, ‘Be Prepared’, ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ and ‘Hakuna Matata’, this is one spectacular show you won’t want to miss!

Everybody is invited to step behind the scenes at our Open Day.

The Theatre Royal Open Day is a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful historic building. You can learn a little about how a theatre works, understand what is involved to make a production come to life, and check out some of the technical operating systems, including the fly tower.

Those who want to take their turn in the limelight can experience the view that actors have from the stage. There will be the opportunity to dress up and make use of a dressing room photobooth. Post on social media to be in to win tickets to future shows!

There will also the chance to try our Hearing Assistance system. Then enables people with hearing difficulties to hear everything that runs through our PA system. Sound is transmitted via WIFI through an app, directly to hearing aids or to headphones. You can try it by downloading the free app on your smartphone. You will be able to hear what others can't!

There is no need to book for the Open Day, just come along to the Theatre Royal Nelson on Sunday 10 September, between 11am and 2pm, and join in the FREE fun for the whole family.

Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat – Live on Stage!

Yikes, the school holidays are coming. What to do with YOUR Thing One and Thing Two?! Here’s an idea, bring the whole family to The Cat in the Hat for an experience they’ll never forget. The story has been around for over 50 years and kids still love it, just like you did.

Two bored kids. (This was way before iPads). One rainy day. (We’ve all had a few of those.) And one crazy cat wearing a red-striped hat. (Where was the background check for that babysitter?!) In 1957, Dr Seuss used only 200 words to write his classic tale. More than 50 years later, The Cat in the Hat is a much-loved children’s phenomenon.

The play was adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Britain. The Cat in the Hat interrupts this rainy afternoon with his unexpected visit to Sally and her brother’s cozy home. Their outspoken and outraged pet Fish is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred. He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination. “It’s fun to have fun, but you have to know how.” Along with Thing One and Thing Two, the cat will fill the theatre with mischievous humour and madcap style.

Young and old alike will delight in this lively adaptation of a classic book coming to life before your very eyes. Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly!

Nelson Youth Theatre Company presents Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS, based on the beloved Disney animated film. Featuring a jazzy, upbeat score, Aristocats is a non-stop thrill ride of feline fun, complete with unbelievable twists and turns.

In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it's up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O'Malley, and his band of swingin' jazz cats to save the day.

Nelson Youth Theatre Company proudly presents Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS, a delightful show based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film. Featuring favorite songs from the film, as well as new hits by the Academy Award-winning Robert and Kristen Lopez (Frozen), this honey-filled delight is as sweet as it is fun.

Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and, of course... sharing snacks.

The 2023 Gala Concert is the final event in the three-week Nayland College Arts Festival, which includes an Art Exhibition at Greenmeadows, Vast Dance Festival, a Drama production, Solo Performing Arts Competition, and a Contemporary Music showcase.

Join our instrumental groups, choirs, dancers and actors for this wonderful celebration of the Arts, culminating in a fabulous finale showcasing New Zealand Music.

Gillian Francis’ Nelson Academy of Dance presents three wonderful ballets: two classical pieces, Papillon and A Night in Vienna, followed by the ever popular Peter and the Wolf.

As in previous Nelson Academy of Dance seasons, you will be treated to a wonderful set and stunning costumes, making this a performance not to be missed.

Nelson Youth Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!

Joseph is a bright, fun and musically entertaining take on the biblical life of Joseph, his father Jacob and his brothers, featuring many favourites, including Pharaoh’s ‘Song of the King’, ‘Joseph’s Coat’, ‘Go, Go Go Joseph’, ‘Close Every Door’ and ‘Any Dream Will Do’. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will surely have you smiling ear to ear!