5 Best Theatres in Wellington🥇

Below is a list of the top and leading Theatres in Wellington. To help you find the best Theatres located near you in Wellington, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.

Wellington’s Best Theatres:

The top rated Theatres in Wellington are:

  • The Opera House – has a unique character in adddition to an exciting architecture
  • Circa – committed to providing the best theatre experience to the capital city
  • BATS Theatre – specialises in talent introduction and events management
  • Gryphon Theatre – its 84-seating capacity delivers an intimate theatre feel
  • Hannah Playhouse – a multi-awarded performance arts venue

The Opera House

The Opera House is one of the leading performance theatres in Wellington. It has a lovely architecture that gives the whole venue its uniqueness and charm. The theatre is home to a variety of events from ballet performances, gigs, to theatre plays. It is remarkably known as the home of comedy for the capital city. Being a 100-year old structure, it has witnessed numerous important events throughout the course of history. Among them are formal dinners, private functions, and classical performances.

Products/Services:

Auditorium, Dress Circle Foyer, Event Management

LOCATION:

Address: 113/111 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(448) 014-231
Website:
www.venueswellington.com/venues/the-opera-house

REVIEWS:

“Stranglers concert. Great venue to feel up close to the act. The nice historic decor too.” –Neil Beckett

Circa

Circa was introduced to the Wellington public in 1976 after a massive breakaway of a bunch of talented actors from their affiliated theatre companies. The group are composed of the best theatre performers and actors that tapped the help of their non-theatre friends to conceptualize a model of their dream theatre. Soon a new performance venue was erected at the corner of Harris Street and Jervois Quay. Its first stage production was Knuckle by David Hare and this sparked a continuous quest to provide the best theatre experience to the audience.

Products/Services:

Event Hire, Fundraiser, Licensed Bar and Cafe

LOCATION:

Address: 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(448) 017-992
Website:
www.circa.co.nz

REVIEWS:

“We have seen an amazing show. Mr Red Light. Very good performance from the actors. Thanks and all the best guys and girls (woman).” –Wilfried Bockstruck

BATS Theatre

BATS Theatre was formed inside a stunning three-storey refurbished building in Wellington. The theatre was put up to be the centre of excellence in terms of creative performance and talent introduction. Its entire year of activities is a mix of various programmes namely stand-up, dance, theatre, and some experimental work. Their specialty is in the hosting of bold and energetic performance which was further enhanced with the latest digital live art technology. This allowed BATS to acquire the ability to showcase the distinct artistry and creative visions of artists through a series of festival activities.

Products/Services:

Event Hire

LOCATION:

Address: 1 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(448) 024-175
Website:
www.bats.co.nz

REVIEWS:

“A tent pole of the Wellington theatre community. I’ve seen dozens of productions here in the ten years since I’ve come here, it nurtures the most daring and passionate performers. Even in the era of COVID-19 it still provides a venue for indie events like zines and craft markets. Long may it continue!” –Angela Wells

Gryphon Theatre

Gryphon Theatre is nestled between Cuba and Taranaki Street in Wellington. It sits comfortably at its strategic location at 22 Ghuznee Street. The theatre is a quaint venue that can accommodate 84 persons. With its intimate features, spectators are rewarded with superior theatre experience highlighted by its gorgeous sound and lighting facilities. Its auditorium is flexible enough to be rearranged to form a circular end-stage style or any variation. Facilities like the foyer, kitchen, dressing rooms, loading bay, and toilet add convenience to performers and audience.

Products/Services:

Performing Arts Events

LOCATION:

Address: 22 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(443) 850-532
Website:
www.gryphon.stagecraft.co.nz

REVIEWS:

“Love this little theatre. Central location and cosy vibe. ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ is incredibly funny. Excellent performances. Go see it. And if you miss it, go to their next offering. You won’t be disappointed.” –Sharon Barnden

Hannah Playhouse

Hannah Playhouse was created through the efforts of the group behind Hannah Playhouse trust. The team envisioned a performance theatre that would be located at the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Courtenay Plance. The venue was named after the maternal family of its generous benefactor Sheilah Winn. It was built under the supervision of New Zealand’s Living Treasure theatre designer together with the team of architects made up of James Beard and Ron Parker. The design has bagged numerous awards with the most prominent being The New Zealand Institution of Architects Award in 1978 and the recent Award for Enduring Architecture in 2006.

Products/Services:

Productions, Events

LOCATION:

Address: 12 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(448) 947-419
Website:
www.hannahplayhouse.org.nz

REVIEWS:

“Amazing staff friendly and helpful …got switched here from the opera house and they went out of there way for ticket holders … very impressed.” –Lisa Baigent-Toms