From The Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O’Brien comes a new satirical musical, THE KINGDOM OF BLING. The master of madness today announces that the musical will embark on its world premiere “Celebration of Kindness Tour” throughout New Zealand this October.

Starring O’Brien as The Narrator, alongside an extraordinary ensemble cast, this cautionary tale has the wacky hallmarks of Rocky Horror while featuring giants, a menacing fox, trolls, and the king of the land - the obnoxious ‘The He’. The musical is backed by a stonking rock band, belting out original songs in a style that made Rocky Horror such a blast.

THE KINGDOM OF BLING is set in the style of a radio play in "a time of confusion, when so many madly, strange beliefs collide. A time when kindness had been demonised, while crafty blindness wined and dined in a world it had divided”.

It breaks the fourth wall, giving audiences the rare treat of playing along with one of the world’s most celebrated authors and actors whose production has been performed in 20 different languages and been seen by 30 million people globally. As a bonus track, THE KINGDOM OF BLING tour will feature a second act – a Q&A with O’Brien talking about his life, The Rocky Horror Show, the theatre and inspiration for his latest project.

O’Brien further announces that 100% of all royalties of THE KINGDOM OF BLING will go to the Starship Children’s Hospital in perpetuity.

Rockshop Bandquest is a performance platform for the next generation of contemporary musicians, powered throughout Aotearoa by NZ Rockshop.

Young musicians have the chance to step out and perform in a supportive and encouraging competition format, with a focus on education, inspiration and entertainment.

GENERAL ADMISSION - seats are not allocated.

2024 Bands - Running Order

The Night Lights - Tāhunanui Primary School
After 8 - Nelson College for Girls Preparatory School
Five Ways - Nelson College for Girls Preparatory School
The Cookie Champions - Tāhunanui Primary School
Twisted Tongues - Waimea Intermediate
The Saints of Rock - St Joseph’s School Nelson
Opposite Seasons - Nelson Central School
Electrified - Waimea Intermediate
Obsidian - St Joseph’s School Nelson
Jawz - Te Kura Tūwaenga o Whakatū, Nelson Intermediate
Velvet Knights - Bohally Intermediate School
Solar Flare - St Joseph’s School Nelson
Eloquence - Waimea Intermediate
Brand New Second Hand - Bohally Intermediate School
Quest - Nelson College Preparatory School
SoundStorm - Te Kura Tūwaenga o Whakatū, Nelson Intermediate

Guest Act: Solace

Come and enjoy homegrown country talent Zac Griffith, a 19-year-old award-winning country singer, songwriter/musician, live at the Theatre Royal Nelson.

Hear great country songs as well as some newly written songs of Griffith’s, and enjoy the music from him and a 6-piece backing band!

Seating is GENERAL ADMISSION, not allocated.

Start your holidays off with a song in your heart!  A sing-along with Kath Bee always puts a smile on your face. All the songs you love, including Sprinkle A Little Sunshine, Dragons Under My Bed, Individuality, Dad I wanna be a Camel, Blowing Bubbles, Magic in Me and more!

Everyone loves Kath Bee's performances, her down-to-earth manner, ability to connect with the audience, both children and adults - she always makes everyone feel special.

Winner of multiple awards including the 2020 and 2022 APRA NZ Children's Song of the Year, Kath's songs are catchy, uplifting and will stay with you and your child long after the concert is over. Bring your favourite soft toy to dance with, dress up in your favourite outfit and come ready for some actions, dancing, laughter and fun!  Don't forget to bring your singing voice!

Kath always has giveaways, bubbles and very often some surprises during her shows. Plus she'll have books and ribbon wands to purchase and take away as a memento. She will be there after the show for photos and to sign your purchases. She can't wait to sing with you!

Nelson, are you ready for The Ultimate Drag Show?

Get ready to sashay, shante, and slay with the most fabulous drag performers from coast to coast. The Ultimate Drag Show is hitting the road, bringing you an unforgettable extravaganza of glitz, glamour and jaw-dropping performances that will leave you begging for more!

RuPaul's Drag Race has brought Drag into the spotlight and we're here to show that New Zealand Drag talent is not to be overlooked because we can twirl, kick and SLAY just as hard as the rest of the world!

Join us for a night of dazzling entertainment, fierce competition and unforgettable moments as drag performers from across the country showcase their talent and creativity on stage. Whether you're a seasoned drag fan or new to the scene, The Ultimate Drag Show promises to deliver an experience like no other, featuring a lineup of the most talented drag kings and queens in the industry.

From high-energy lip-syncs to stunning runway looks, prepare to be amazed as our queens and kings bring their A-game to each and every performance, leaving you on the edge of your seat and cheering for more. You best believe we aren’t coming to play Nelson, we are coming to slay! So don’t delay in securing your tickets today.

Parental Guidance recommended. Coarse language may be used throughout the evening.

The Nelson Regional Final of Smokefreerockquest, New Zealand's nationwide, live, original music, youth event, giving young musicians the opportunity to perform live in a professional setting, in venues from Northland to Southland.

Smokefreerockquest 2024, powered by Rockshop, aims to motivate young musicians to strive for success, to realise the opportunities available in music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand Music.

Stalls (downstairs): General Admission tickets. Some seats removed to make room for dancing.
Dress Circle (upstairs): allocated seating.

The 12 bands performing at the regional final are:

You’re invited to join the Creedence Clearwater Collective for a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, as they celebrate the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands – from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others.

From their album debut in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions. No other band has created such an impact in such a short time.

The Creedence Clearwater Collective, a real-life travelling band, captures the unique CCR sound. You don’t want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this fun, hit-packed live concert.

Wilson Dixon is known to many as the greatest country singer Cripple Creek has ever produced - as well as the only country singer Cripple Creek has ever produced. Whichever way you look at it, it’s a pretty good achievement.

Life of late has been fun* for Wilson navigating his way through the pandemic denying QAnon believing alt right leaning members of his own family.

*Use of the word “fun" in the previous sentence is heavily nuanced.

Join Wilson for an intimate hour as he performs his brand-new show with brand new songs about his unfortunately not brand new extended family.

(p.s. expect a few new stories about his binge eating angry horse Andrew).

Rock the City is back! Nelson’s long-running youth music concert is returning to the Theatre Royal Nelson.

Rock the City is a non-competitive band showcase that is all about supporting our talented young musicians and giving them the opportunity to play in a professional environment to an audience of their peers.

This year we are beyond excited to present a phenomenal line up of: KC PENELOMAY, frog, Lobotomy Stare, Solace, Finesse, Tizzy, Shed Heads and Imperfect Circles. With this talented mix of artists there is sure to be something for everyone, from indie rock to acoustic ballads and everything in between.

So, bring your friends, bring your family and get ready to be blown away by the talent on display. This is a night you won't want to miss!

Secure your seats for the ABBA show everyone adores - for a night of fun, frivolity and pop hits galore!

Direct from Australia, Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA returns by popular demand.

Far from being ‘just another cover band’, Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA is a full-scale concert production featuring more than two hours of fun, energetic musical performances with a live backing band, replica costumes, theatrical lighting and FX, and all the dancing an ABBA fan can handle.

Featuring internationally acclaimed impersonators ABBAsolutely fABBAulous, Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA gives fans of all ages a chance to re-live the ABBA concert experience, celebrate the music of ABBA and dance the night away!

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