Royal Whanganui Opera House

04/10/2026

Looking forward to the Fab Four heading to the Opera House this month!

Beatlemania set to take over New Zealand!

Beatlemania On Tour Announces National New Zealand Tour for Oct-Nov 2026

Get ready to ‘Twist & Shout!’ as the Beatlemania On Tour tribute concert heads to New Zealand for a full national tour this October and November. The show will be at the Royal Whanganui Opera House on 24 October, 8pm.

Since launching in 2009, the Australian-based production has built a global following, selling out performances across North America, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia. Now the show returns to New Zealand for the first time in 10 years, with a celebration of the music that defined a generation.

Audiences can expect a two-hour audio-visual spectacular featuring over 40 of The Beatles’ greatest hits performed live and in their original key. With meticulous attention to detail, replica costumes, period instruments and theatrical lighting, the production captures the energy and spirit of the world’s most influential band.

The show’s setlist reads like a soundtrack to the 1960s, including classics such as Hey Jude, All You Need Is Love, Yellow Submarine, Let It Be, Twist & Shout, Yesterday, Come Together, Get Back, Love Me Do, Blackbird, Help!, Eleanor Rigby, Here Comes the Sun and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, among many others.

This is more than a concert, it’s a celebration of music history that’s not to be missed! Visit beatlemaniaontour.com for tickets and more information.

Proudly presented by Showtime NZ Limited.
24 October, 8pm, Whanganui
Tickets from Ticketek.co.nz or the Royal Whanganui Opera House

GIVEAWAY
RCP have two double passes to give away. Simply email [email protected] with Beatlemania in the subject line and contact phone number and name in the body of the text to enter, or drop your entry in to our office at 52 Ingestre St. The competition closes on 12 October, 5pm.

19/09/2026

🚨 Incredible news! 🚨

On Saturday 19 September, Smokefree Tangata Beats celebrated the cultural identity and creative expression of young musical talent in Aotearoa, with Whanganui High School band act Ngā hau e whā from taking out the illustrious first place title.

On Saturday 19 September, Smokefree Tangata Beats celebrated the cultural identity and creative expression of young musical talent in Aotearoa, with Whanganui...

17/09/2026

Huge congratulations to all the Whanganui bands who played in the Smokefreerockquest and Tangata Beats Finals - and a special shout-out to Sophie Toyne from Whanganui High School for taking out the special award for best vocals! Ka rawe! ✨

A huge congratulations to everyone that performed at tonights Smokefreerockquest Solo/Duo National Final 🎆🎶

Here are the recipients for the 2026 special awards:

🎤 Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award: Stella Riley from Papamoa College wins a professionally recorded song!
🎤 Musicianship Award: Alex Gibson, Mind The Gap from Burnside High School wins $500 cash
🎤 Smokefree Best Vocals Award: Sophie Toyne from Whanganui High School wins $500 cash

See you tomorrow for the 2026 Smokefreerockquest Band National Final 🤘🎸

15/09/2026

Incredible reviews coming in for Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking. Tickets from the link in the comments ⬇️

A beautiful review from Brisbane for Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking.

The production has just finished its season at and is heading home to continue its Aotearoa tour, with performances at Festival of Design Aotearoa in Whanganui, and this October.

We’re proud to have played a part in supporting the tour of this extraordinary work helping Aotearoa artists and stories travel to audiences here and across the Tasman.

Written by Witi Ihimaera, Katie Wolfe, Maioha Allen and Tā Haare Williams, and performed by Miriama McDowell and Nī Dekkers-Reihana.

Read the full Stage Whispers -https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/reviews/tiri-te-araroa-woman-far-walking

📸 Andi Crown

13/09/2026

Don’t miss this powerful performance fresh of its in Brisbane: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/tiri-te-araroa-woman-far-walking/whanganui

Whakanuia te tangata ringa raupā // Respect a person with calloused hands.

A lot of hard mahi has gone into bringing Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking by Witi Ihimaera to the Brisbane Festival – congratulations to every hand that’s held this kaupapa, led by director Katie Wolfe.

It’s all worth it for the audience response: the applause has been instant and thundering.

Next stop, Whanganui!

Creative New Zealand
Playmarket New Zealand
Performing Arts Network NZ - PANNZ

📸 by Andi Crown

11/09/2026

Last call for applications this weekend!

WE ARE HIRING! We are looking for a top notch technician and two event professionals for exciting new roles as part of the Whanganui Venues and Event team, to help bring events in Aotearoa’s smallest city to life. Think you got what it takes to be one of our dynamic team? Find out more via the council careers portal: https://whanganuidc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies/

10/09/2026

Congratulations to the terrific young talent from Mosston School for their gorgeous season of Finding Nemo Jnr. Such a colourful and fun family show - ka mau te wehi!

From left: Krystal, Leo and Pearl, surrounded by some of the colourful props and costumes from the production.

10/09/2026

Last chance to be a part of the Cinematographer World Tour as part of the Festival of Design Aotearoa - nab those tickets now! https://www.festivalofdesign.co.nz/events/cinematographer-anthonie-tonnon

05/09/2026

What a phenomenal effort from Cullinane College students in their brilliant production of Hadestown Teen Edition! A fantastic ensemble, stunning leads, and committed backstage crew all made for a wonderful season - ka rawe rangatahi!