A comedy about love, death and preserves
Rip the lid off a jar of utterly delicious theatre, bursting with wit, wonder and the faint whiff of death.
Sasha, the blind receptionist of the crumbling Empire Hotel, knows she is cursed – everything she loves dies. But when true love finds her, she can’t help falling. One night, Death checks into the hotel.
Belly laughs combine with throat-catching pathos to create a sophisticated modern fable that is “an intelligent and hilarious celebration of human resilience” – The Scotsman
The Pickle King is Indian Ink’s most awarded play; winning an Edinburgh Fringe First, a record seven nominations at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards and the supreme accolade – Production of the Year.
For our twentieth anniversary we’ve made a significant change in this vintage Indian Ink script to centre the love story around a same sex couple. Whilst this contemporary update would have been a real statement 15 years ago – today it just reflects the diverse culture of New Zealand.
All wrapped up “in a package of good plain laughs, luminous performances and brilliant staging” (Dominion Post) this timeless tale highlights the injustices of immigration and globalisation, and having the courage to love, no matter your gender.
See what audience have to say here.
Ever wondered how a theatre works or wanted to have a better understanding of what is involved to make a production come to life? The Theatre Royal’s Open Day is the perfect opportunity to find out!
We are throwing open our doors and inviting you to step behind the scenes, giving you the opportunity to tread the boards of our stage and we will show you exactly how our theatre operates including the fly tower!
You will also have the opportunity to meet many of our local artists and companies who perform regularly at the theatre, join our Royal Family and find out about our technical training programmes that are available throughout the year.
It’s your chance to be ‘centre stage’! If you’ve ever wanted a look behind-the-scenes, to see how the magic of theatre really works, now is your chance.
Leapin' lizards! Annie is returning to Nelson! The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including "It's a Hard-Knock Life", "Easy Street", "Little Girls", "Maybe", "I Don't Need Anything But You", and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow", Annie is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family. Don't miss this all-new production that Variety calls "a winner!"
Peter Pan, a free spirited and mischievous young boy who can fly and never grows up, spends his never-ending childhood having adventures on the mystical island of Neverland as the leader of the lost Boys, interacting with fairies, pirates, mermaids, Native American Indians, and occasionally ordinary children from the world outside Neverland. Featuring some of our promising ballet dancers in this dramatic and fun filled adventure.
Showcase: Jazz and Contemporary students aged 5-16 years showcase their skill, precision, technique and focus in a variety of dance styles. Concluding with a Finale performance from our very own Rebecca Bignall Boutique Dance Company.
The Showcase demonstrates how hard they have worked this year and clearly they have loved every minute of their performance.
Talented performers from throughout the region perform Classical Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Jazz numbers.
Following a successful year with performances throughout NZ, and an exciting dance tour to LA and Las Vegas, the dancers are excited to showcase their talents and what they have achieved this year, from beginners through to senior dancers looking ahead to further their dancing overseas.
This event is the Nelson Regional Final of the Nationwide Intermediate school band competition, Rockshop Bandquest.
A fast paced naval romp through the decades.
From the arrival of Captain Cook in 1769 through to protecting trade routes against piracy around the Horn of Africa in 2015, The Complete History of the Royal New Zealand Navy navigates its way around the world's oceans through song, satire and silliness. Don't expect a history lesson but don't be surprised if you learn something.
On a national tour, the show is part of Operation Neptune, 75th Anniversary of the RNZN.
Ooh la la! Something sinister is afoot. New Zealand is under attack from the infamous French Pirate Captain Langlois and his fiendish Gallic rooster, Napoleon.
From the Hauraki Gulf to Foveaux Strait, nowhere is safe from his piratical plundering. When all else fails the nation turns to the Royal New Zealand Navy and courageous Commander Claire to lead the resistance against the feisty French marauder.
A wildly imaginative children’s pantomime with audience participation, puppetry, songs and over-the-shoulder cardboard ships!
Hinepau is different from other members of the hapu. She looks different, weaves back to front and inside out, and just doesn't seem to fit in. Hinepau's attempts to hide her uniqueness fail and, through fear and prejudice, she is cast out.
As time moves on, the influence of the tete ara - upcoming chief - grows, along with his arrogance. His actions lead to a violent volcanic eruption, destroying the village. With their land desolate, there is little chance of survival.
Hinepau respects the mauri - life force. The power of her respect offers the opportunity to save the village, but only through an ultimate gift of aroha can she save the very people who rejected her.
Recommended for children aged 7-13 and adults.
Capital E National Theatre for Children
Based on the book of the same name by Gavin Bishop
Directed by Jamie McCaskill
It's springtime and something isn't right. Where have the bees gone? What has happened to the Queen Bee? Has Bizzy Lizzy the evil Wasp Queen something to do with it?
We know our bee population is declining but Buzzz brings us one particular hive with a story about believing in yourself. A story that says YOU can make a difference.
Buzzz - a brand new pantomime, written here in Nelson has all the traditional panto fun we know and love. Alongside the slapstick, goodies, baddies, the hero and dame is an interactive message we just can't ignore!
Buzzz - can YOU save the bees?
