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
Everyone's favourite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film.
"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek...." And thus, begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
Over 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good musical.
ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.
The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia!a guaranteed smash hit for any theatre.
A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!
Unfortunately this show is postponed. Ticket holders will be notified about details.
This professional production of the Bard's greatest love story, will tour outdoor venues in the Nelson Tasman region in January 2020. This special performance brings the tragic tale of the 'star-crossed lovers' into the comfort of Nelson's Theatre Royal.
Building upon the strengths of previous Summer Shakespeare seasons, highly experienced director Giles Burton has once again taken on this role, and has built a strong and professional ensemble.
What becomes of Romeo and Juliet? Will the long standing family feud between the Montagues and Capulets play out a disastrous end?
Don't miss out on the chance to see this classic love story, presented by eight of Nelson's best actors, retold in the beautiful setting of New Zealand's oldest wooden theatre.
Follow our tour on Facebook: Nelson Summer Shakespeare.
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
Burt Bacharach's hit songs have a sound like no other... Poignant, atmospheric, beautiful. The king of love songs in the 60s and 70s, Bacharach's music has stood the test of time and continues to touch millions of hearts all over the world.
Spend an evening with award winning Ali Harper as she weaves through the Grammy award winner's extensive collection - Close To You, Alfie, That's What Friends Are For, Walk On By, Anyone Who Had A Heart, I Say A Little Prayer and reminds us What The World Needs Now in The Look of Love.
If you have enjoyed Ali's previous shows - Songs For Nobodies (Awarded Best One Woman Show at the United Solo Festival, New York 2018), A Doris Day Special, Legendary Divas, Bombshells (Awarded Best Actress, United Solo Festival, New York 2016 & Best Actress, Chapman Tripp Awards 2008) - then you won't want to miss The Look of Love with Musical Director/Pianist Tom Rainey and Harry Harrison on Guitar.
'Ali Harper lights up every room she enters, owns every stage she steps upon, steals every heart that hears her sing’ - Alex Rybeck, New York
‘Harper transcends the 'star' label to prove herself a true artist’ - John Smyth, Theatreview
‘Ali Harper is a songwriter’s dream. Magical and in complete command of the stage’ - Christine Lavin, award-winning New York singer, songwriter
For details on New Zealand dates and venues visit http://www.aliharper.com
The play is based on the true story of the mysterious disappearance of Nelson businessman, and mayor William Wallace Snodgrass - a case that was never solved - until now perhaps?!
On March 20th, 1939 he was travelling on the Arahura Ferry from Wellington to Nelson. He had dinner with the Captain, said goodnight to his cabinmate, and the next morning his possessions remained in the cabin, but he was nowhere to be found.
The play takes the form of a live radio play, starts on board the ferry and then follows two detectives who are investigating Snodgrass' disappearance.
At the interval the audience will be encouraged to discuss amongst themselves what they think happened. The detectives will then gather up this information and see if the mystery can be solved?
5 December - Liquid Bar
6 December - Yaza!
7 December - Wakatu Hotel
An amazing night of Chinese Theatre and Music with an array of performers including: Qiao Yi Lion Dance Team Christchurch
The African savannah comes to life on stage in Disney’s The Lion King Jr.  Nelson Youth Theatre Company presents the one-of-a-kind musical  that has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world.
We will follow the rise of Simba, a young lion who will succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of the Pride Lands. But after Simba’s malevolent uncle, Scar, kills Mufasa and tricks Simba into believing he caused it, Simba flees and encounters meerkat Timon and warthog Pumba who help mature him into a grown lion who eventually returns to confront Scar.
A wonderful musical for young and old to enjoy, featuring the combined creativity of Elton John and Tim Rice in this delightful retelling of a much loved story.
