Choose a performance to attend from the year-round program of ballets, concerts, musicals, operas and other events at Dunedin’s Regent Theatre. The theatre is actually a collection of three individual buildings set on The Octagon plaza. The oldest of these buildings, the magnificent auditorium, dates back to 1876. Admire its revived Baroque style and book a seat for a performance in this space with capacity for just over 1,600 patrons. Join a guided tour and go behind-the-scenes at the auditorium, stage and dressing rooms.
The theatre regularly brings hit Broadway shows to the city. Previous examples are Cats, Les Misérables and The Wizard of Oz. Watch movies starring acclaimed musicians such as Prince in Purple Rain, the American rock band Talking Heads in Stop Making Sense and Janis Joplin in Janis: Little Girl Blue. Attend inspirational recitals by chamber music artists, orchestral ensembles, opera singers and tenors. Bring the children to see adaptations of famous books, including Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo.
Twice a year the theatre hosts public fairs, which are attended by literature and nostalgia lovers from all over the country. Come in April for the Anything But Books Sale, when stands offer everything from collectable magazines and jigsaw puzzles, to vintage toys and vinyl records. In June the Regent 24-hour Book Sale is one of the country’s biggest sales of second-hand books.
The theatre is located on the southern side of The Octagon, in Dunedin’s city centre, where you’ll also find bars and restaurants. Public buses arriving from all over Dunedin stop at The Octagon. Free and paid street parking is available on the nearby streets. Major city attractions just a short walk from the theatre include Dunedin Town Hall and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Regent Theatre is open year-round. Visit the theatre’s official website to see a full list of events. Purchase tickets via the website and at the box office.
