Coal Miner’s Daughter celebrates the incredible life of the late great Loretta Lynn, from her early days in the hills of Kentucky to her tempestuous marriage, tragic losses and enduring bonds with such luminaries as Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, across a stellar career, till her final send off to country music heaven in October 2022.
Amber Joy Poulton (Loretta Lynn), Lizzie Moore (Patsy Cline) and The Preacher Denis Surmon (Conway Twitty & Willie Nelson), along with kickin' band The Holy Men, will sing the story of and celebrate Loretta Lynn. In floor length gowns adorned with tassels and rhinestones, with hair as close to country music heaven as possible, where country music started and still should be, in the theatre, just like the Grand Ole Opry, and it's coming to New Zealand!
This inspiring show was a smash hit at the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival and has played to packed theatres across Australia since its debut in 2017, but it's New Zealand that has been screaming out for a tour and the cast couldn't be more excited for their first New Zealand tour in October 2025. They will have you tappin' your toes, tilting your head and falling in love with country music all over again with hits like 'Coal Miner's Daughter', 'You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man', 'Crazy', 'You're Lookin' At Country', 'Walkin' After Midnight', 'One's On The Way', 'Stand By Your Man', 'Faded Love' and more.
On their return to the stage post covid for their 2022 tour, Amber Joy Poulton and the cast of Coal Miner’s Daughter played to more than 10,000 people across Australia and in an eerie twist of fate, were performing opening night at the very moment of Loretta’s sad passing in Tennessee in 2022.
This is a show not to be missed and with the passing of the great Loretta Lynn, there is no better time to celebrate her music.
"Loretta Lynn paved the way for women like me in country music to take centre stage" - Amber Joy Poulton star of Coal Miner's Daughter
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.
Nelson Repertory Theatre presents the beloved Broadway classic musical.
Step into the enchanting world of My Fair Lady and the story of Eliza Doolittle, a spirited Cockney flower girl with big dreams, and Henry Higgins, a brilliant but arrogant phonetics professor. Higgins bets he can transform Eliza into a proper lady of society through speech and manners alone; their unlikely journey of self-discovery, romance and transformation begins.
With charming and witty songs like 'I Could Have Danced All Night' and 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly', you are in for a real musical treat; featuring the creme de la creme of Nelson’s acting and singing talent.
Director - Lynley Bradshaw
Musical Director - Chris Lukies
Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Music by Frederick Loewe
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.
Due to Covid, the June crew courses had to be postponed. The new dates are:
- Technician Induction - Mon 23 June (was Mon 9 June)
- Fly Induction - Tue 24 June (was Tue 10 June)
- Combined Refresher - Wed 25 June (was Wed 11 June)
All crew courses are held backstage. Go to the stage door at the back of the theatre, accessed from Vanguard Street or through the carpark beside Advantage Tyres.
FLY TOWER INDUCTION
Discover the world above the stage at the Theatre Royal and our region’s only counterweight fly-tower rigging system!
Led by our venue Technical Manager, this course offers a deep dive into the mechanics, uses, and limitations of the Fly-Tower System. Everything above our stage, from lighting electrics to drapery and scenery, is suspended from this system. Gain an in-depth understanding and hands-on training in its correct and safe operation, ensuring you can confidently contribute as a certified fly operator.
Safety is paramount, and as a professional performance venue, we take our responsibility seriously. The Fly-Tower System, our most crucial yet potentially hazardous equipment, is operated exclusively by certified personnel. Join us to become a trained fly operator, venue-certified to handle live local productions and collaborate with our venue staff during pack-ins and outs.
TECHNICIAN INDUCTION
Dive into the world Behind the Curtain: become a Backstage Technician! Unleash your passion for live productions by joining our backstage crew courses at the Theatre Royal.
Led by our seasoned Technical Manager, these courses provide a swift yet comprehensive introduction to our lighting, sound and intricate cabling systems that help bring performances to life. Embark on a captivating backstage tour, gain hands-on experience rigging lights and delve into the safe practices that govern the seamless operation of our diverse technical systems.
Participants acquire valuable insights into the inner workings of the Theatre Royal and receive a take-home resource. Plus, with venue certification, attendants over 13 are set to actively contribute to community productions for the next 12 months. Don't just witness the magic – become a part of it!
Theatre Royal Crew Inductions are available to people of any age as a learning experience. Attendants must meet the minimum (at the time of training) and display the expected attitude and conduct to be granted venue certification.
COMBINED REFRESHER
Brush up with a combined refresher course designed for past attendants of our technician and fly operator inductions. Led by our expert Technical and Venue Managers, we merge insights into the inner workings of the lighting and technical systems and an in-depth review of the Fly-Tower System.
What to Expect:
Don't miss this opportunity to refine your skills and renew your passion for life behind the scenes.
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.
All crew courses are held backstage. Go to the stage door at the back of the theatre, accessed from Vanguard Street or through the carpark beside Advantage Tyres.
FLY TOWER INDUCTION
Discover the world above the stage at the Theatre Royal and our region’s only counterweight fly-tower rigging system!
Led by our venue Technical Manager, this course offers a deep dive into the mechanics, uses, and limitations of the Fly-Tower System. Everything above our stage, from lighting electrics to drapery and scenery, is suspended from this system. Gain an in-depth understanding and hands-on training in its correct and safe operation, ensuring you can confidently contribute as a certified fly operator.
Safety is paramount, and as a professional performance venue, we take our responsibility seriously. The Fly-Tower System, our most crucial yet potentially hazardous equipment, is operated exclusively by certified personnel. Join us to become a trained fly operator, venue-certified to handle live local productions and collaborate with our venue staff during pack-ins and outs.
TECHNICIAN INDUCTION
Dive into the world Behind the Curtain: become a Backstage Technician! Unleash your passion for live productions by joining our backstage crew courses at the Theatre Royal.
Led by our seasoned Technical Manager, these courses provide a swift yet comprehensive introduction to our lighting, sound and intricate cabling systems that help bring performances to life. Embark on a captivating backstage tour, gain hands-on experience rigging lights and delve into the safe practices that govern the seamless operation of our diverse technical systems.
Participants acquire valuable insights into the inner workings of the Theatre Royal and receive a take-home resource. Plus, with venue certification, attendants over 13 are set to actively contribute to community productions for the next 12 months. Don't just witness the magic – become a part of it!
Theatre Royal Crew Inductions are available to people of any age as a learning experience. Attendants must meet the minimum (at the time of training) and display the expected attitude and conduct to be granted venue certification.
COMBINED REFRESHER
Brush up with a combined refresher course designed for past attendants of our technician and fly operator inductions. Led by our expert Technical and Venue Managers, we merge insights into the inner workings of the lighting and technical systems and an in-depth review of the Fly-Tower System.
What to Expect:
Don't miss this opportunity to refine your skills and renew your passion for life behind the scenes.
Enter Strange Phenomena, howl with the Hounds Of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights.
Kate's not there, but you are.
Following multiple tours across the UK and Australia, this award-winning cult cabaret pays glorious tribute to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in pop music.
“You don’t need to be a Kate Bush fan to be transported into something very special” - Scotsman ★★★★
From releasing Wuthering Heights aged just 19 to selling out the Hammersmith Apollo nearly 40 years later, Bush has always surprised and confounded her critics.
Through it all her fans have stayed strong. Whether you’ve been a ‘Fish Person’ for decades or recently joined the shoal via Stranger Things, release your inner Bush at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show.
Made by Sarah-Louise Young & Russell Lucas.
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.
18+ EVENT
Chuck on the heels and round up the girls! For one night only, Magic Men Australia is bringing together the biggest and baddest crew near you.
This is your chance to watch our top-tier stage production with exhilarating dance moves you will daydream about. Expect a blood-pumping performance from our all-star cast and find out why we are voted the best male revue show in Australia.
Come see the best hunks we have lined up for you - all with gorgeous faces, and well-chiselled bodies, ready to bring the house down.
So, grab your girls and enjoy an epic Girls Night Out! Be treated like a queen and experience a night of fun, laughter and lots of man-candy.
