Theatre Royal

Nelson’s historic Theatre Royal is one of the oldest wooden theatres in New Zealand. Listed by the Historic Places Trust, the building is nearly 130 years old. It remains very largely in its original condition.

Before the theatre closed in 2005, some 22,000 visitors a year enjoyed the theatrical and dance performances staged there. National and international musicians and touring groups as well as local theatre, school events and community groups used the venue on a regular basis. The theatre also hosted the Nelson Arts Festival, ballet and musical theatre, plays and repertory performances.

The Theatre Royal was commissioned by The Loyal Howard and Loyal Nelson Oddfellow Lodges and opened on 18 July 1878. It is constructed out of native timber with a corrugated iron roof. The theatre is a surviving remnant of 19th century architecture, performing its original function. Most buildings of this era, particularly in Nelson, no longer exist.

Theatre Royal a credit to Nelson’s community

Live Nelson issue 315

Nelson’s historic Theatre Royal is being hailed a credit to Nelson’s community vision, officially receiving a New Zealand Historic Places Trust Category I listing. It is already protected by the Nelson City Council and scheduled in the Nelson Resource Management Plan as a Category A protected heritage building.

The NZHPT is New Zealand’s lead heritage agency and on behalf of New Zealanders, identifies, protects and preserves historic places. A site may be included on the Register if it possesses aesthetic, archaeological, architectural, cultural, historic, scientific, social, spiritual, technological or traditional values.

The Trust’s Heritage Researcher Vivienne Morrell says it really is a credit to the Historic Theatre Trust and Nelson community who have on a number of occasions raised money to save or refurbish the building.

“The auditorium still retains much of the look of a Victorian theatre, while the stage, its fly tower above, and back stage facilities were rebuilt.

“The façade was remodelled, with extra windows installed on the ground level to open it up to the street, while the second storey and veranda look more like the theatre did in its early days.”

She says a restoration project of this size is a credit to the vision and willing hands of any community. 

The theatre is the oldest purpose-built theatre building in New Zealand.  Designed by local architect William Bethwaite, the two-storey timber building opened in 1878 and has operated continuously as a theatre.  The NZHPT’s national Register records several theatres that were built in the 19th century, however only three were purpose-built as theatres and have continued in that role.

The Nelson Historic Theatre Trust spearheaded a fundraising campaign following the theatre’s closure in 2005.  A major refurbishment was carried out from 2008 to 2010, with as much of the heritage fabric as possible retained.  The Theatre Royal’s importance to the community was reflected in all its theatre seats being sponsored, mostly by local individuals and businesses. A large number of people and community groups also made hands-on contributions to the restoration work.

Over the past 130 years the theatre has been used for a great variety of live performances including boxing bouts and vaudeville shows, movies, and public events, such as political meetings and talks.

Substantial earthquake strengthening work and fire protection upgrading were undertaken during the Theatre Royal’s re-development, conservation and restoration.

‘Sponsor A Seat’ at the Theatre Royal

The Nelson Historic Theatre Trust is offering the people of Nelson an opportunity to ensure the final fit-out of the theatre is completed to a high standard. You're invited  to ‘Sponsor a Seat’, which will secure your support and presence now and in the future.

Each ‘Sponsor a Seat’ donation will offer:

  • Your name, company or organisation engraved on a plaque attached to the back of the seat
  • Your name, company or organisation listed on the Honours Board in the Foyer
  • Preferential show bookings
  • An invite to an Opening function
  • Advance information on shows as they are announced.

Find out more about sponsoring a seat

For more information please contact

Louise Allan
+64 3 544 2750
Email Louise Allan about the Theatre Royal 'sponsor a seat'

Grant bestowed

November 2007

The $2.9m government grant bestowed on the Theatre Royal by Prime Minister Helen Clarke has been welcomed by the Nelson City Council. Council also had $809,000 in its 2008/09 budget for the refurbishment project.