Wellington Theatre

The St James Theatre (77 - 87 Courtenay Place, Wellington) and The Opera House (111 - 113 Manners Street, Wellington) are two of New Zealand’s most popular and iconic cultural landmarks. His Majesty’s Theatre (later to become the St James) was built in 1912, designed by renown architect/engineer Henry White. Inside, the Theatre’s auditorium is highly ornamental, featuring decorative cherubs and, at the time, it was the largest vaudeville and picture theatre in Australasia.

In the mid-1980s, the St James Theatre, despite its prized status, faced financial difficulties and the threat of demolition; fortunately, one of New Zealand’s great assets lives to entertain to this day. Today, the rejuvenated St James, refurbished in 2001, is the permanent home for The Royal New Zealand Ballet and offers the best stage for dance in the country. Visitors will find a Ticketek Box Office conveniently located at the theatre for all your event and group booking needs.

Guests can enjoy the relaxed and informal atmosphere at The Jimmy Cafe in the grand foyer of The St James Theatre – a great venue for breakfast, lunch or pre-show dining and post-show, sumptuous coffees. Its choice street level location lends Wellington’s Courtenay Place theatre precinct a dependable and charming vitality. And for those out to really paint the town red, the St James offers the ‘Star Experience’ – a stylish themed night out featuring red carpet treatment, pre-show drinks and canapés, interval drinks, even post-show supper or any combination to your liking! Ideal for birthdays, business functions or a special occasion.

Regarded as an icon of early 20th century architecture, The Opera House was opened to the public Easter Saturday in 1914. Its opulent interior features a marble staircase, domed ceiling, a grand circle and two tiers of boxes – and, not to mention, a larger stage than its more famous Sydney counterpart. This Wellington highlight is classified as an Historic Building by the Historic Places Trust of New Zealand and awarded an “A” classification (the St James has the status of Category I building of outstanding cultural and historical significance as one of the best lyric theatres in Australasia).

Fans of good music and live performances will be pleased to know that the Opera House’s 2009 line-up includes such winning shows as Hotel California – The Eagles Tribute Show Opera House (August), and Night Fever – The Bee Gees Tribute Show (October). At the St James, fans of more traditional stage performances can view the acclaimed Royal New Zealand Ballet’s adaptation of  Peter Pan from late October and November.