Nelson Youth Theatre Company presents Disney’s Finding Nemo JR., a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (FROZEN).

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming”, “Fish Are Friends Not Food”, and “Go With the Flow”, Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

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 show!

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.

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. Each artist will perform 2-3 songs for a supportive and enthusiastic crowd. With multiple bands on the bill, there's 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!

Expressions is a performance showcase presented by F.A. Dance Centre Company dancers.

Join us for a night of unforgettable entertainment as the company presents Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Contemporary pieces. Be impressed and mesmerised by these talented young dancers as they prepare for a National Dance Competition in Australia in January 2025.

With something for everyone, come along for this special one night only performance.

Nelson Youth Theatre Company presents Disney’s The Lion King JR, a wonderful 70-minute, one-of-a-kind musical that has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world, featuring the combined creativity of Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice.

With life-size elephant, giraffes, rhino and other animals from the African savannah, and songs like the magical ‘Circle of Life’, ‘I just Can’t Wait To Be King’, ‘Be Prepared’, ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ and ‘Hakuna Matata’, this is one spectacular show you won’t want to miss!

Presented by Nelson Youth Theatre Company.

Since 2002, over 16 million theatregoers in 28 countries have been thrilled by this awe-inspiring production which is based on the songs of Queen with a book by Ben Elton (The Young Ones, Blackadder, Popcorn).

Elton fashioned this hilarious futurist comedy around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hit songs, including ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Radio Ga Ga’, ‘I Want To Break Free’, ‘Somebody To Love’, ‘Killer Queen’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ‘Under Pressure’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ and of course, ‘We Will Rock You’.

The musical takes place in a future age, on a planet once called Earth, that is now controlled by a mighty corporation...rock music is unheard of and all musical instruments are banned. The hope of breaking free rests with an unlikely resistance – an alliance of rebel Bohemians.

The must see show for December! F.A. Dance Centre is excited to perform their 2023 show Jigsaw for Nelson audiences. Jigsaw is about the different pieces of dance, with Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Musical Theatre pieces, as well as Tap from Tasman Tappers.

This show certainly has something for everyone with high energy Musical Theatre and Jazz numbers, through to emotive, technical Lyrical and Classical performances, as well as popular Hip Hop dances that have everyone dancing in their seats.

Performing is the highlight for the dancers, giving everyone the wonderful experience of dancing in the beautiful Theatre Royal. Beginners, adults and experienced competitive dancers are all given their chance to shine. Jigsaw is also showcasing talented dancers that recently enjoyed the trip of a lifetime dancing in NYC and LA this year.

Director Trudy Fargher, teachers and dancers can’t wait to share their passion and energy with you.

Nelson Youth Theatre presents one act plays for the whole family.

The Secret Garden, adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s much-loved book about the nurturing power friendship, love and nature can have. Follow the fortunes of Mary as her ice begins to melt and her curiosity leads her on one of the greatest adventures in popular literature. With a delightful score and a menagerie of puppets, Jessica Swale’s richly imagined adaptation is a must-see for all ages.

Cinders The True Story, a pantomime, retells the classic Cinderella tale with a few twists and witty word-play. Neil, the prince of Pantoland, is tired of looking for a suitable bride with status. When he spots Cinders at a ball, it’s love at first sight. However, marrying a kitchen maid will prove not to be as easy as it seems. This musical pantomime offers a whole new take on a very popular fairy tale with colourful characters, popular songs and a happy ever after ending. Or is it?

PLUS, IN THE 6PM PERFORMANCE ONLY: Little Red Whittington
A unique situation arises when two companies, each about to perform a different pantomime - Little Red Riding Hood and Dick Whittington, combine forces and do the two as one.

Nelson Youth Theatre presents two one act plays, Forget Me Knot and Kindly Leave the Stage.

Expect plot twists, lots of laughs and a play within a play. These plays bring together Youth Theatre talent both on the stage and behind the scenes. Plus, some of the parents will be taking to the stage in Kindly Leave the Stage.

Little Red Whittington is now being performed during the 6pm show on Sunday 19 November.

Follow Alice on her adventure down the rabbit hole based on Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This unusual story comes to life on stage with all the characters and creatures. The White Rabbit who is always late to the mystical Caterpillar and cheeky Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter and the tea party, elegant Flamingos and cute hedgehogs and of course we cannot forget the Queen of Hearts herself!

The ballet is danced along with the lovely score by Tchaikovsky taking you on an enchanting adventure.

Performed with a cast of local aspiring dancers from Ballet Nelson along with guest dancers. We are super excited to welcome back Oliver Carruthers (ex Footnote and currently Freelance dancer Nationally and Internationally), Leonora Voigtlander (ex RNZB) and James Burchell (NZSD graduate and currently Freelance dancer).

Produced and choreographed by Adriana Harper, (ex RNZB) who strives to provide outstanding performances for our local dancers to experience a full production on stage.