Circa Theatre: A magical, Memorable, Theatrical Experience

Circa Theatre Wellington is where absolute magic happens, with incredible talent taking the stage away. The theatre hosts up to 20 shows a year, presenting amazing events for all theatre lovers. With incredible crafting of playwriting and mind-blowing performances, Circa Theatre has a nationwide reputation for excellence. Located in the capital, well-known for being an artsy and creative city, you’ve come to the right place for shows that breathe life into the city!

Circa Theatre open in 1976

Photo Credit: Circa Theatre

Circa Theatre has had hundreds of productions since it opened in 1976 and has a number of exciting shows lined up for 2024, providing a wide selection of diverse productions and amazing talent to entertain all people involved.

The pairing of members of the architectural community and a group of New Zealand thespians looking to break away from the traditional British theatre mould led to the establishment of the original building site with a “less is more” small-scale style. Later, in 1994, the demolition of this building occurred. The new circa theatre building was designed by Grahame Anderson of Ampersand Architects with support from concept designs drawn by theatre consultant Grant Tilly. The original location on the corner of Harris Street and Jervois Quay was moved to the city waterfront near Te Papa. The façade of the former Westport Coal Company building was moved to become the front façade of the Circa Theatre, adding another touch of Wellington's history to the building.

There are two rooms used for performances at the Circa Theatre building, which can accommodate up to 224 people in Circa One and 100 people in Circa Two. There is a mix of genres - popular, competition, academic, comedy, drama musicals, play reading, solo shows and pantomime - anything you could think of!

Circa Theatre 2

Photo Credit: Circa Theatre

Where is Circa Theatre in Wellington? 

The Circa Theatre building is located in Wellington’s architecture centre, at 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington, 6011. This can be found right next to Te Papa on the Wellington Waterfront. 

There is no car park at Circa Theatre, but it is recommended that you park at the Te Papa car park, which you can easily access off Cable Street. 

If you plan to watch a show at Circa Theatre, collect a car from Omega Rental Cars Wellington City, located at 77 Hutt Road, Pipitea, Wellington 6035. Enjoy the convenience of an 8-minute drive to the Te Papa car park, and you’ll be sitting in your seat watching an epic performance in no time!

Take a look at the awesome shows Circa Theatre have in store for you!


2024 Circa Theatre shows:

End of Summer Time 4 May - 16 June 

Transmission Beta 18 May - 15 June

The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular 19 - 29 June

Sense and Sensibility 6 July - 3 August 

The Messy Magic Adventure 3 - 20 July 

Leave ‘Em Laughing 27 July - 3 August

Lizzie 10 August - 7 September

The Body Politic 24 August - 21 September

Prima Facie return 11 - 28 September

Trees Bees and Me 28 September - 12 October 

And the Lockburns 5 October - 2 November

Cynthia & Gertie Ride Again 16 October - November

The Tempestuous 6 November - 1 December

Seat at the Circa Theatre auditorium.

Photo Credit: Circa Theatre

Key ticket information 

If you hear about a show that catches your attention, quickly secure tickets online before they sell out! Use the website link on our page here: https://www.circa.co.nz/

If you prefer an alternative way of booking - email [email protected] or call 04-801-7992. There is also a Box Office for any questions related to bookings. 

Ticket pricing varies from $55 to under $30, and concessions are available for students, unwaged and seniors. 

If you purchased tickets online, your physical tickets are ready for collection up to 15 minutes before your show starts! Be sure to arrive early. 

Feeling peckish? Before or after the show, come to the restaurant and bar to have a tasty snack, meal, or cold beverage. The café is open an hour and a half before the start of the earliest show and is open until late, so come along for a bite or enjoy a cold refreshing beverage! 

Are you ready for these famous productions?

Circa Theatre is showcasing a wide range of fantastic plays this year, but there are two famous productions that stand out… 

Transmission Beta:

Poster of Transmission Beta.

Photo Credit: Circa Theatre

Transmission Beta is a powerful play reflecting the fight against COVID-19, which caused a war between people. Directed by Stuart Mackenzie and Miranda Harcourt, this production captures the emotional rollercoaster New Zealand faced, with fiery protests and an economic crisis that followed the vaccination rollouts and mandates, leading to the downfall of a prime minister. 

The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular:

Casts from The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular.

Photo Credit: Circa Theatre

Come along and celebrate Matariki like never before! Enjoy watching a unique blend of kapa haka, drag artistry, and live vocals with bilingual reimaginings of your favourite pop songs throughout the decades! The Tiwhas - featuring Dame Jthan, Slay West, Pania, and the sensational newcomer Huh? Mama! - are set to amaze audiences with their incredible performances. A delicious main meal is also included in your ticket! Don't miss this spectacular show; book your tickets to watch these divas own the stage!

Circa Theatre has been a supplier of countless entertaining experiences since it was formed. It is a fantastic venue for a show if you love theatre or want to experience the magic of live performances in Wellington, New Zealand

Check out the website - https://www.circa.co.nz/ and book your tickets now!