St James Theatre Opening Events

Join the party! The Wellington City Council is delighted to announce the St James Theatre, at the heart of Wellington’s theatre district, is re-opening. After three years of significant earthquake strengthening and refurbishment, the St James Theatre is now fit for the next 100 years of arts and culture in Wellington.

To celebrate we are running a number of free, whānau-friendly events:

Theatre district celebration:
Āhea | When Friday 1 July, 5.30pm-10pm
Ki hea | Where St James Theatre
Te utu | Cost Free
There will be a projection on the St James Theatre façade, and Wellington’s vibrant theatre district will be lit up!

St James Open Day and evening celebrations:
Āhea | When Saturday 2 July, 10am-8pm (lights on until 10pm)
Ki hea | Where St James Theatre
Te utu | Cost Free
Tours of the St James, a performers parade, and a Street Party. Plus, BATS Theatre, Circa Theatre, Hannah Playhouse and Te Auaha will also be opening their doors for behind-the-scenes tours.

2 July Programme:
10am-4pm: Public St James Open Day – tours hosted by performers from Slightly Isolated Dog.
12pm-4pm: Take a look behind-the-scenes at BATS Theatre, Circa Theatre, Hannah Playhouse, and Te Auaha.
5.30pm: Taiko drummers on the St James Theatre balcony herald the party opening
5.32pm: Performers Parade from around the theatre district to outside the St James
6pm: Party outside the St James commences. Hosted by stand-up comic Sameena Zehra
6pm: Hiwa/Kapa Haka
6.12pm: Wellington Opera
6.21pm: Hoot’n’Annies
6.38pm: Footnote Dance
6.48pm: Shivam Dance Academy Bollywood Performers
7.02pm: Crash Bandihoot
7.19pm: Orchestra Wellington
7.28pm: Chris Crowe (excerpt “STARS” from Les Miserables)
7.33pm: Colossal (excerpt from Biggest Little Circus)
7.49pm: Batucada
8pm: Ends