Bought by Wellington City Council in 1993, it is the city’s leading venue for large-scale theatre, opera, and ballet – and the perfect platform for the capital’s creative talent to showcase their skills says Councillor Jill Day, Chair Pūroro Rangaranga | Social, Cultural and Economic Committee.
“This restoration signals the revitalisation of the city’s theatre district and the ability to, once again, bring world-class theatre experiences, cultural diversity, and performances to Wellingtonians and visitors alike.
“The investment in the restoration of this building is also an investment in the arts as it opens the doors again to the creative community, and becomes home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet once again.”
During its first couple of months following reopening, the St James will host La Traviata by the Wellington Opera, Cinderella by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and Les Misérables by the Capital Theatre Trust.
Weekend Programme 1-2 July
Fri 1 July, 5.30pm–10pm– Projections on the St James, theatres lit up along Courtenay Place.
Sat 2 July, 10am-4pm – St James Theatres Open Day tours.
Sat 2 July, 12pm-4pm – BATS, Circa, Hannah Playhouse, Te Auaha tours.
Sat 2 July, 5.30pm-8pm – Performers Parade along Courtenay Place, Street Party outside the St James.
Street Party Programme
5.30pm: Taiko drummers at the St James
5.32pm: Performers Parade, from other theatres along Courtenay Place to the St James
6pm: Celebrations outside St James 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 ("Stars" from Les Misérables)
7.33pm: Colossal (Excerpt from Biggest Little Circus)
7.49pm: Batacuda