Tales of life's little disasters, from mishaps to misunderstandings.
"Oh, Bugger!" moments can spark growth, vulnerability, resilience, innovation, empathy or sometimes complete chaos! Join us as 10 local storytellers step onto the stage to share their unforgettable "Oh, Bugger!" tales.
No pictures, no notes - true stories that will make you laugh, gasp, cringe and relate!
To find out more and listen to past shows visit www.couchstories.co.nz
This one's for the young hearts, the old hearts, and the broken hearts.
Story, science and a synth combine in an exhilarating performance that examines what happens in our bodies when we’re bereft. From acclaimed New Zealand company EBKM, Heartbreak Hotel tracks a woman’s broken heart in a wrenching and relatable journey that's studded with classic break-up songs and razor-sharp observations on the physiology of love.
Enjoy an hilarious, honest take on a universal human experience, and leave feeling all the better for it.
Fresh from smash-hit shows at RISING Festival in Melbourne, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and a season at Soho Theatre London.
Winner of Best Play at TimeOut Australia Arts and Culture Awards
Winner Actor of the Year (Karin McCracken) at the Wellington Theatre Awards 2024
Winner Sound Design of the Year (Te Aihe Butler) at the Wellington Theatre Awards 2024
“One of the best productions I’ve seen this year... a tender-hearted exemplar of what can be accomplished when creative stagecraft meets authentic, measured storytelling.” — TimeOut Melbourne ★★★★★
“I defy even the coldest cynic to resist the aching charm of this unapologetically tender two-hander. Hijacks your nervous system and fast-tracks its way into your soul.” — The Scotsman ★★★★
“Slickly staged and sharply written...as funny as it is wistful.” — The Stage ★★★★
12+
Supported by: Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Toitū Te Tiriti. From 10 to 19 November 2024, thousands of New Zealanders walked together from Te Heringa Wairua Cape Reinga to parliament.
Hikoi Āwhiowhio is an anthology of stories told by those from Te Tauihu who joined the Hikoi in 2024 to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand. These stories are woven together with poetry by Donna McLeod.
The journey starts at Kaiteretere beach with karakia acknowledging the Nelson Tenths and unresolved grief, following the ferry trip and plane flights across Te Moana o raukawa - Cook Strait, followed by marching and to standing before the Beehive.
These are the voices of pēpē, tamariki, rangitahi, pakeke, kaumatua, and whānau. Through waiata, haka, karakia, whiti and kōrero in Te Reo Māori, English and other languages, and taonga pūoro, their stories are told.
This is intergenerational, this is bicultural, this is multicultural, this is Aotearoa.
Presented in partnership with Nelson Festivals Trust.
When the Theatre Royal is not in use, we can take small groups on a tour around the building.
Learn about the history and the major refurbishment, look at 19th century artefacts, and see the technical side of the theatre, with backstage and on stage access.
Please note, there are quite a few stairs to negotiate.
Maximum 10 people.
Additional tour dates will be added.
Alternative days may be available upon request.
When the Theatre Royal is not in use, we can take small groups on a tour around the building.
Learn about the history and the major refurbishment, look at 19th century artefacts, and see the technical side of the theatre, with backstage and on stage access.
Please note, there are quite a few stairs to negotiate.
Maximum 10 people.
Additional tour dates will be added.
Alternative days may be available upon request.
When the Theatre Royal is not in use, we can take small groups on a tour around the building.
Learn about the history and the major refurbishment, look at 19th century artefacts, and see the technical side of the theatre, with backstage and on stage access.
Please note, there are quite a few stairs to negotiate.
Maximum 10 people.
Additional tour dates will be added.
Alternative days may be available upon request.
In a world full of AI and Robot tech, can a simple dad with slightly tight jeans stay relevant? Ancient Astronaut Theorists say yes! Rhys hopes to prove that right now a touch of very human silliness is more important than ever!? Perhaps his unique skills, once thought of as absurd, might just be useful after all!
Darby’s shows are always a mix of astute observations and physical stand-up cocooned in a fantastical storyline that takes his audience on a hilarious journey.
“I’m so excited to return to the stage, a bit older, a bit wiser but mostly a bit sillier than ever before!” says Darby.
While Darby may have been treading the standup boards since the mid ‘90s, he is best known internationally for his on-screen work. He first gained attention as the well-meaning, but inept band manager, Murray Hewitt in Flight of the Conchords. More recently he has starred in the Jumanji franchise and Our Flag Means Death, alongside long-time collaborator Taika Waititi. Rhys is also a prolific voice over artist having appeared in over 50 animation roles from Monsters at Work to Voltron Legendary Defender. When not on screen this busy guy has written four books, has NZ’s longest running podcast The Cryptid Factor, and shares his funny musings on his Substack.
On the few days that the Theatre Royal is not in use, we can take small groups on a tour around the building.
Learn about the history and the major refurbishment, look at 19th century artefacts, and see the technical side of the theatre, with backstage and on stage access.
Please note, there are quite a few stairs to negotiate.
Maximum 10 people.
Additional tour dates will be added.
Alternative days may be available upon request.
My Story, Your Issues
Paddy G, live on stage. Now this really is The F#$%ing News.
Paddy has written a book and he’s taking it on the road, from Stewart Island to Waitangi. The F#$%ing News is coming to a stage near you!
He will crack you up with his ripper yarns from a crazy life story.
This performance mixes journalism, stand-up comedy and motivational speaking - talking shit and giving uplifting messages about what it means to be a Kiwi.
Paddy was down, but he got back up again. He'll talk about the personal issues he has overcome, and the issues New Zealand needs to overcome.
In each place, he’ll tackle a local issue and show you a local hero.
And there will definitely be a Q and A!
Don’t f#$%ing miss this.
Disclaimer: There might be F-Bombs.
Family Friendly | Aotearoa Premiere | Hearing Assistive Technology Available
Join World of WearableArt Founder & Ambassador Dame Suzie Moncrieff, Show Director Malia Johnston and award-winning designer Gill Saunders for an entertaining evening of memories.
As part of our 30th birthday celebration, we’re thrilled to go back to where the Festival started: alongside WOW!
Since it was established in 1987, World of WearableArts has embraced the worlds of art and design, running an international competition that culminates in a spectacular theatrical performance each year. The exhilarating WOW Show is a visual feast for audiences and an opportunity for designers to be recognised and celebrated on the world stage. And we have WOW’s founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff to thank for the birth of our festival as well - the inaugural Nelson Arts Festival, in its current form, took place in 1995, envisioned as a wrap-around event for WOW and to encourage visitors to the region to stay longer.
“WOW rewards the curious, the courageous and those who are passionate enough to stand in the face of self-doubt and embrace creativity no matter the cost,” says Dame Suzie.
As the closing event of our 30th festival, we look forward to taking a look behind the scenes of the WOW phenomenon. Please join us for an entertaining kōrero with Dame Suzie, show director Malia Johnston and 2023 Supreme Award Winner and Whakatū-local Gill Saunders.
Image Credit: Gill Saunders, Earthling, photographed at the 2023 WOW Show, BEYOND.
