Auckland Theatre

Auckland has a small but vibrant theatre scene. Always feels like there’s something on worth seeing, though faces do become familiar in productions after a short while…

The Basement – easily my favourite venue, with a real buzz about the place and a cool bar. They have a huge range of shows, often about an hour in length, perfect post work, and tickets are usually about $20-$25

Q Theatre – has made a big impact on the theatre scene since it opened a few years ago, hosting many Auckland Theatre Company and Silo Theatre productions, plus the Documentary Edge film festival in late May. Also home to the best bar on Queen Street

Maidment Theatre – thunder somewhat stolen by Q Theatre, a more traditional venue but home to some great productions, plus the occasional random film screening

Herald Theatre – seemingly becoming more popular for productions, half way in size between Q Theatre and The Basement, just round the side of the Aotea Centre

There are two main theatre companies in town who publish programmes for the year ahead so there’s no excuse to miss their generally excellent shows…

Auckland Theatre Company – 8-9 shows a year, including their big musical toward the end of the year which tends to be a complete sell out, plus local versions of internationally successful plays, new NZ plays and classics

Silo Theatre – 5-6 shows a year, tending to be a little edgier than Auckland Theatre Company