From Stromboli to D’Urville Island
Martine Baanvinger returns with her powerful, passionate and dynamic solo show Red Heavens, inspired by the book Angelina by New Zealand author Gerard Hindmarsh.
Red Heavens portrays the true story of Angelina Moleta, an Italian pioneering immigrant whose fate is intertwined with the forces of nature, a bitter family feud and her deep connection with Wetekia Ruruku Elkington, a high-born Māori woman.
Written, directed & performed by Martine Baanvinger
Music & Soundscape by Mark Manson
Inspired by the book Angelina by Gerard Hindmarsh
Vast Dance Festival is a one-day event filled with workshops and performances to showcase dance across Te Tauihu, with a focus on bringing secondary dance students together.
The evening show is a reflection of dance happening across High Schools in Nelson/Tasman and showcases the high calibre of students that participate in these dance programs.
An Interactive Stage Show
Murder Mystery ‘Gatsby’ is the world’s first ever fully interactive theatre show, where every guest in the theatre gets to become a detective for the evening and try to solve the mystery of who killed the infamous stage director Larry Lugosi.
Set to a Gatsby theme, all guests are encouraged to come dressed in the glam of the 1920’s. Dress up is not compulsory but it does add to the immersive experience. No acting is required as the cast members of the show are the suspects, and guests get multiple opportunities throughout the evening to interact with the suspects to work out which one of them is the Murderer.
Get ready to laugh in the face of Murder, as this show is a side-splitting comedy with some guests even complaining that their “face hurt from laughing so much”. Others have said… “Haven’t laughed that much in ages, thanks guys and girls” and “Thanks team for such a great night!! We came last night and that’s the best fun I have ever had”.
Get a group of friends together, grab your costumes and book now for the latest sensation in live entertainment. But beware! There are many distractions along the way to keep you from solving this dastardly deed!
Step into a world of wonder with Illusionist Anthony Street, in a thrilling magic show crafted to captivate audiences of all ages!
Anthony, renowned as the creator and star of the world-famous Celtic Illusion, brings his unique blend of breathtaking illusions, mind-bending magic, and boundless charisma to the stage. Prepare to be amazed as he conjures impossible feats before your eyes, blending traditional magic with modern spectacle, creating an experience that’s both heart-pounding and heartwarming.
From larger-than-life illusions to mind tricks that will leave you questioning reality, Anthony’s show is packed with surprises and interactive moments. Watch as the audience becomes part of the magic, as you gasp in disbelief, and everyone shares in the laughter, suspense, and pure joy that Anthony brings to every performance.
Don’t miss the chance to see this truly wonderful spectacle this July and August across New Zealand!
Lights, Camera, Action!
The dance show with energy and excitement, presented by the Fargher Academy of Dance.
Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Ballet, featuring dances from 3yrs through to adults.
The dancers can’t wait to show you everything they have learnt this year.
Get Ready to Be Amazed and Laugh: Hilarious Comedy Hypnosis Show in Nelson!
Looking for a night full of laughter, jaw-dropping moments, and a touch of eerie fun? Don’t miss Haiming Jiang’s Comedy Hypnosis Show in Nelson! As seen on TV1’s Seven Sharp and viral on TikTok, Haiming delivers a high-energy, one-of-a-kind show that blends comedy, hypnosis, and just the right amount of creepy excitement.
Get ready for endless laughs, surprises, and a little chill as Haiming combines traditional Chinese Qigong with hypnosis to create truly wild moments. Volunteers will take the stage for unforgettable and hilarious challenges that will leave you amazed! As a life coach, Haiming also shares powerful insights to help shift your mindset, making this show not only fun but also life-changing!
This family-friendly show is fun for all ages! Kids will love the silly, slightly creepy moments, and adults will be captivated by the hypnotic feats and wild comedy. Whether you're new to hypnosis or a seasoned fan, Haiming’s show will keep you laughing and amazed!
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.
R15. Contains strong language and adult themes.
The power of Māori and Pasifika literature roaring to theatrical life.
The world of Oceania is not small. From the energetic volcanoes of O’ahu to the southern reaches of Aotearoa, she is borderless and vast - and growing bigger by the day. After decades of dismissal and disconnection, her children are closer than ever. It’s time for a reunion.
UPU, 'word' in Samoan, gives the stage to some of Oceania's most electrifying poets: writers like Maualaivao Albert Wendt, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Briar Grace-Smith, Karlo Mila, Hone Tuwhare, Sia Figiel, Ben Brown - they all have a home here.
In UPU, borders disappear and the theatre becomes a sea of islands. Be transported across an ocean to hear the voices dealing with colonisation, family, climate change, love, sex, religion, power and tourists.
Performed by a stellar cast of some of the best Tagata Moana actors in Aotearoa NZ - Maiava Nathaniel Lees, Mia Blake, Fasitua Amosa, Ana Corbett, Shadon Meredith and Nicola Kāwana.
