This show has been cancelled.

Run through the fields of time with Nelson's much-loved theatre troupe the People's Republic of Improv, and jolly well share a laugh or two along the way.

In this comedic exploration of Nelson history from multi-media annals of the long-forgotten past, our brave actors will take timeworn Nelson Mail headlines, old-fashioned advertising, disregarded objects of eras bygone-and your suggestions-to regale you with history that definitely, precisely, unquestionably (might have) happened, in Nelson.

The Boy is back!

One of NZ’s most successful comedians on the world stage, and a champion of both America and Britain’s Got Talent.

Watched by over 70 million people on line.

He’s taking a short break from a 3 year residency in Las Vegas to return to the 2020 NZ International Comedy Fest for the first time in seven years, bringing with him a brand new show - New Jokes, New Props, Same Tape

Putting your shoes on will never be the same after seeing this show.

Don’t miss The Tape Face Show

“Utterly spectacular! Endlessly inventive, hysterically funny. Sublime physical lunacy – fight for a ticket” Time OUT UK

“So funny …I absolutely love you, congratulations” – Simon Cowell, America’s Got Talent

One of New Zealand's theatre icons, Mark Hadlow, stars in a one man theatre show as that most polarising of species - a middle aged man in lycra.

Bryan Cook is a property developer who has accumulated a small fortune building leaky homes. He's stressed out, self-medicating and self-loathing, killing himself to increase his bank balance while decreasing his golf score.

When things fall apart, he joins a men's cycling group to relieve stress - and makes a few startling discoveries in various cracks and crevices.

Achingly funny and poignant, MAMIL presents the male mid-life crisis in all its lurid glory.

"This production will be one of the highlights of the year. It is a must see show for men and women." - Dominion Post

R15+
No flash photography or recording allowed

In order to make this acclaimed show accessible to everyone in the time when many are struggling, we have created a limited number of $10 tickets. However, it will not come as a surprise that the Theatre Royal is struggling as well, after months without income, and no large productions in the near future. We are therefore offering more expensive tickets, with proceeds going to the theatre and for you to show your support.

Following her smash hit Promise and Promiscuity, and after a sell-out Nelson Arts Festival, Olive Copperbottom is back! Penny Ashton brings Dickensian inspired orphaned hero Olive, and a squalid gaggle of hilarious Victorians, to crusty life. A rollicking romantic musical journey through fifteen gin soaked characters told with song, dance and questionable personal hygiene. It's Oliver! meets Blackadder with a saucy feminine twist.

Ashton's "...tour-de-force..."(Theatreview) won the Press Critic's 'Iron Chicken award for best indoor show at the Christchurch International Buskers' Festival 2018 and Best Overall Show at the Victoria Fringe in Canada 2017.

"...very very good...very very funny" Radio NZ National 2017

"...a one-woman show wonder." Canadian Broadcasting Corporation 2017

"It sparkles with intelligence, wit and verve." The Christchurch Press 2018

R13

This show has been postponed

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and complex border & travel restrictions, we regret to inform you that Heath Franklin’s Chopper -'The Silencer' on March 3 is postponed.

Please hold on to tickets! Laughing Stock Productions is working towards rescheduling a new date for later in the year, and hope to have a clear outcome soon.

For updates, continue to check your inbox for Theatre Royal and/& Eventfinda emails (including in spam/junk folders). Information regarding new show dates will also be posted on this webpage and across relevant social media platforms too.

We apologise for the inconvenience.

Billy T Award-Winning Comedian Guy Williams is Back! Some of you might not have even noticed that he was gone, or even realised that he was here in the first place, that doesn't matter… he's back!

The star of the critically acclaimed "New Zealand Today" TV show (and only on-screen member of the show) is taking a short break from his busy schedule of arguing with people on the internet to make his self described "triumphant" return to touring. Striking while the iron is hot and most of his major competitors are taking a break from stand-up in the wake of sexual assault allegations.

"This year I want to do a political show (here's the catch) that doesn't suck. I know that sounds impossible, and I can't promise that I will achieve this amazing goal, but I'll give it a good shake because we've all got to do something to fill in the time before we die." - Guy

"A great hour of comedy" - TheSpinoff.co.nz

"Bloody funny" - Radio New Zealand

"Almost as bad as Reece Darbie and Flight of the Concords (sic)." - Kiwilad, Stuff.co.nz comments section.

Ticket prices are "Pay what you can" ranging from $10 - $40.

You don't have to print your tickets just show them on your phone.

R15 - Mature themes and a lot of bad language

Comedy Gold in association with Theatre Royal Nelson presents 'One night with the King' - The latest stand up comedy special from star of stage and screen; Andre King.

Once described as '...the squeaky hinge on the lid of Pandora's box...' King's comedy sparks and tickles, goading the audience into a false sense of security before bombarding the crowd with a flurry of hilarious punchlines leaving the audience gasping for breath and screaming for more. Often compared to 'The Great One - Jackie Gleason' and presenting a style of stand up comedy that harkens back to the crafts golden age, this is fun the whole family can enjoy.

'Endearing, hilariously caricatured impressions and accents. Comedy at it's most sincere and civilised!' Joanna Alpern - Broadway Baby Edinburgh

'One of New Zealands finest comedy exports…irresistibly funny!' Mark Ritchie - The Stage UK

The audience will be filmed as part of a live audience for a DVD recording.

AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

Lynda & Jools Topp

What better way to celebrate the Festival's 25th anniversary than to bring back the headline act from that very first year? Lucky for us all, it's the glorious, audacious and hilarious Topp Twins!

Among New Zealand's national treasures, Lynda and Jools Topp have performed around the world as an original comedy-music duo for more than 25 years. The identical twins re-invent themselves on stage, changing character, musical style and gender with ease.

Armed with guitar, mouth-harp and spoons, they deliver original songs and character comedy with their unique trademark style of spontaneity, audience participation, incredible harmonies and some of the best yodelling this side of anywhere.

"Expect the unexpected! The Topp Twins are guaranteed to have you laughing or crying with sheer joy" FINANCIAL TIMES, UK

"Break down doors to see them." THE AGE

Pop-up Globe presents Shakespeare's wild comedy Measure for Measure

"Show-stopping" - NZ Herald
"Delivered literally in 'delight by delight'" - Broadway World NZ
"A must see" - Jennifer, audience member

Don't miss the extraordinary and joyous comedy Measure for Measure as the critically-acclaimed Pop-up Globe production tours to theatres across New Zealand this winter.

Experience Moulin Rouge, Shakespeare-style with this all-singing, all-dancing cast as they take a wild romp through the seedy streets of 17th century Vienna, meeting larger-than-life characters who will charm you even as they pick your pocket. In a city of brothels, louche lads-about-town and illegitimate children, the mayor and a young nun meet in private. She wants to save her brother's life. He is happy to help - but at what price?

Featuring beautiful bespoke Jacobean costumes, a specially designed touring set that recreates the beautiful scenic design of Pop-up Globe Auckland and the extraordinary lively performances of Shakespeare's masterworks by a highly-experienced cast that have won the company awards across Australasia, including eight theatre awards in Sydney last year.

Enjoy a wild and hilarious night out, directed by Pop-up Globe's Artistic Director Miles Gregory. This production is not to be missed!

Presented by the Pop-up Globe Nottingham's Company
Directed by Dr Miles Gregory
Associate directors: Eddie Bijl and Brigid Costello
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes 15 minute interval)

Originally staged in the UK, this Le Navet Bete critically-acclaimed production is now being presented by the Nelson Repertory Theatre. Directed by local theatre legend Hugh Neill (One Man, Two Guvnors, Hound of the Baskervilles), this fast-paced and innovative comedy is now having its New Zealand premiere in Nelson!

Taking audiences on a journey across Europe from the dark and sinister Transylvanian mountains to the awkwardly charming seaside town of Whitby, the frantic Van Helsing and his three hapless actors try to stage a life-changing, factual theatrical production of the events of Dracula. Will they pull it off? It’s highly unlikely!

With four actors playing over 30 characters, you’ll see sensational slapstick, frantic costume changes and airborne props, all strung together with clever dialogue and hilarious wordplay.

Dracula – The Bloody Truth is a comedy to sink your teeth into!