100% fun | 100% African | 100% joy
Cirque Africa is produced and directed by ‘Papa Africa’ aka Winston Ruddle, the director who brought us the HIT BROADWAY SHOW CIRQUE MOTHER AFRICA. Cirque Africa is coming to New Zealand in 2024 with a brand new show featuring the very best talent from across Africa.
Audiences will be fully immersed in traditional African culture while witnessing a hand-picked world-renowned African troupe. Ranging from acrobats to dancers, musicians to contortionists, masterfully performing in this energetic two-hour spectacle.
Rhythmic, colourful, energetic and awe-inspiring.
Cirque Africa artists have performed to over 2 million people worldwide and are guaranteed to captivate audiences young and old by combining the best of contortion, acrobatics, traditional dance, live music, pan spinning, hand balancing and so much more.
“Extraordinary talent. The performers bring so much energy and joy to the crowd” – Glam Adelaide
“Cirque Africa is fresh, funky, bold, fun and challenges your imagination like no other show.” – Broadway World
You won’t want to miss this uniquely vibrant performance.
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.
Everybody is invited to step behind the scenes at our Open Day.
The Theatre Royal Open Day is a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful historic building. You can learn a little about how a theatre works, understand what is involved to make a production come to life, and check out some of the technical operating systems, including the fly tower. Those who want to take their turn in the limelight can experience the view that actors have from the stage.
There is no need to book for the Open Day, just come along to the Theatre Royal Nelson on Sunday 22 September, between 11am and 2pm, and join in the FREE fun for the whole family.
From Stromboli to D’Urville Island
Martine Baanvinger brings another powerful, passionate and dynamic solo show to the stage. Red Heavens portrays the true story of Angelina Moleta, a pioneering Italian 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.
This dynamic play is inspired by the book Angelina by New Zealand author Gerard Hindmarsh.
Followed by Q & A with Gerard Hindmarsh and the actor.
Guru of Chai has been described as a work of genius.
The contradictions of modern India, with its iPhones and ancient gods, come alive in this much loved play from one of New Zealand’s finest performers.
A poor chai-wallah (tea-seller) has his life changed forever when a young girl is abandoned at a busy railway station and brings the place to a standstill with the beauty of her singing.
Jacob Rajan stars as a buck-toothed Guru, dispensing dubious spiritual wisdom while channelling 17 perfectly realised characters in this gripping romantic thriller.
Outrageously funny and heartbreakingly beautiful, with a killer live sound track, this is not to be missed.
Winner: Best Actor, Best Composer, Best New Play
“Genius” – Stuff
“Flawless” – Sydney Morning Herald
“Mesmerizing” – NZ Herald
“Sheer brilliance… a joy to behold” – NZ Listener
“Makes you laugh, shows you magic and touches your heart" – Arts Hub Sydney ★★★★★
When Caryl Churchill wrote Vinegar Tom in 1976, she said, "I wanted to write a play about witches with no witches in it; a play not about evil, hysteria and possession by the devil, but about poverty, humiliation and prejudice, and how the women accused of witchcraft saw themselves."
The play examines gender and power relationships through the lens of 17th-century witchcraft trials in England.
The play's title comes from the name of one character's pet cat, supposed to be her familiar spirit, likely inspired by the supposed imp of a woman tried and executed for witchcraft in Essex in 1645.
Esteemed and award-winning local director Anton Bentley says, "While it's set in the 17th century, the themes are as relevant today as they were then. It highlights female struggles in the past and modern day, in an engaging and accessible way, juxtaposed with modern songs."
R15. Contains adult themes. Some scenes may be confronting and shocking for some viewers.
Badjelly the Witch, the much-loved, utterly loony Spike Milligan classic, is this year’s Glow Show!
The brilliantly nonsensical tale is being entirely reimagined with the unique Glow Show treatment.
The Glow Show’s utterly original mash-up of science, puppetry and music is a glorious experience for children and this year it will be a wonderfully nostalgic event for adults.
The goofiness of Bare Bottom Land, the giggle-inducing catch-cries like “Stinky poo to all of you!”, and the larger than life characters of Badjelly are set to bring a little fright and lots of fun to more than 30 venues across Aotearoa from July 5.
Nearly 100,000 Kiwi kids, parents and educators have seen a Glow Show; come and join the fun with the frolicking, witchy-poo, super-fun Badjelly the Witch!
Don't miss out!
Behind the Glow: 25 min Meet and Greet option after the show. Up close and personal with creator and puppetry. Limited availability.
Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead. Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching Step-Fathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny.
Award-winning comedian Penny Ashton (Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom, Austen Found, The Panel RNZ) presents her latest literary solo musical with this Shakespearean frolic. She’ll spark 11 characters into life in an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s pizzles.
“Incredibly clever, the script is just so smart.” Radio NZ
“She’s such an entertaining storyteller and huge fun. The audience loved it.” Theatreview 2024
“…an excellently written script that Shakespeare himself would be proud of. There’s no need to be intimidated by the use of Shakespeare’s language for Ashton is clearly a master of it. She cleverly weaves modern phrases into the style of Elizabethan speech with precise comic timing, and hides lines ripped straight from Shakespeare throughout this new text. Every line is clear and each character is distinct – which is saying something, considering Ashton brings to life no less than eleven over the course of the story.” Theatrescenes
If you get Covid and cannot attend the performance, please contact the Theatre Royal box office. You will be fully refunded.
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.
The following courses are being repeated Mon 10 - Wed 12 June.
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.
