Napier Municipal Theatre
Napier Municipal Theatre
4.5
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4.5
66 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
29
Average
3
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2

ITRT
Virginia38,566 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
One great example of an art deco building in Napier is the Napier Municipal Theater. We were fortunate to have a guided tour. Australian architect William Pitt designed in the building in 1912 in the Italian renaissance style. Unfortunately, the theater was destroyed during the 1931 earthquake. Other construction took priority so rebuilding the theater was put on hold. Finally after several years the theater was rebuilt, and its first performance was in June 1938. Some improvements were made over the years but in 1992 it had a major restoration. More modern facilities for both performers and attendees were incorporated while maintaining the Art Deco style. Our guide showed us the scrap of the pre-earthquake carpet that was found in the manager’s office after the earthquake. It was used to recreate the cubist-style carpet that is in the entrance area today. Take note of the large ceiling light and its changing colors. The 989 seats on two levels are covered in red velvet fabric and are quite striking. A wooden ticket booth reminiscent of a bygone era is in the foyer. The theater auditorium is available for hire from productions to private events as is the circular foyer for functions such as exhibits, conferences, or entertainment. To get an appreciation for this building I would suggest a guided tour if available.
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ProudasJAFA
83 contributions
Jan 2021
I've been here a few times for ballet, theatre, comedy and it was always a great experience. Start and intermission times are obeyed.

The architecture is always nice to look at.

I would buy seats downstairs in the middle and have cash on hand for merchandise, just in case.

(pre-pandemic performances)
Written 25 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

max n
Napier, New Zealand81 contributions
Jan 2020
Art Deco style in action. Ask to have a look around inside, or go for a show. Bring your student ID for "rush" discounts. Ask.
Lots of shows. Need a seating map to see what is where when booking online. Google it. Need to double check by writing down the URL that you are in the offical and correct website for tickets. Too many fake scam ticketers online now. If in doubt, stop, ring the theatre. if there are pre-show talks, go to them.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Catherine G
The Vines, Australia35 contributions
Sep 2019
We were fortunate to received a guided tour of the magnificent theatre, following our walking tour of the fabulous centre of Napier. The extensions to the theatre have been done to blend sympathetically with the original beauty of this Art Deco masterpiece, and done well. The original build has fabulous detail, considering it was built during the depression, and post earthquake when times were tough. A wonderful testament to the good people of Napier, of the time. I'm only sorry we couldn't attend a show here. Definitely worth a visit, and highly recommended.
Written 9 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kpiddy
Brisbane, Australia12,256 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Napier Municipal Theatre is one of many beautiful preserved art-deco buildings in Tennyson Street, we were fortunate to be taken inside by our walking tour guide on a quiet afternoon as the theatre was preparing for a production that night. The main auditorium was stunning, the large ceiling light and its changing colours was most impressive as were the old-fashioned red velvet seats, the theatre can hold around a thousand patrons. The old ticket office foyer was also well preserved with its elegant wooden ticket office booth and geometrical art-deco lampshade. We wished we had seen a production during our short stay in Napier, tickets available (reasonably priced) for that night but we had a confirmed booking.
Written 22 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Grant N
Hastings, New Zealand1,418 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Went to the theatre to see Les Miserables local Operatic Society production. The Theatre is looking great with the Art Deco decoration really good. We arrived a bit early so were able to get a table and chairs in the foyer. Decided to have a wine while waiting and the staff behind the bar were most accommodating and happy to have a laugh with us while serving. The seating inside the theatre was good - it wad a long show but the seats didn't cause too much in the way of numbness which was a plus as some theatres tend to make you want to get up and walk around to ease the stiffness. The interval break meant a rush for the facilities - the mens was able to accommodate quite a crowd which was also a very real plus! The show itself was very professional and we loved it - Les Mis is still the best musical drama ever!
Written 26 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

leoniehastings
Hastings, New Zealand499 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
Awesome place for entertainment and events. Art Deco decor which adds to the attraction. Excellent facilities and shows concerts etc. in the city so park and walk . Although it has parking all around it. Highly recommended
Written 22 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

vikj0n
Clive, New Zealand105 contributions
Sep 2018
Visited the theatre while seeing Celtic dancing, the theatre was having plumbing issues due to heavy rains so the bathrooms were quite smelly. A bit tired decor, nice staff. Not overly huge for a theatre, but was a very nice evening.
Written 26 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

725elmo
Napier, New Zealand6 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Foster and Allen concert May 5 2018.
What a brilliant night, great audio, great seats and a welcoming crowd who enjoyed the concert immensely.
The staff were very good and did an excellent job in ensuring people were at the correct entry points and also assisted those with needs. Great night
Written 29 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris P
28 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
Absolutely BRILLIANT 90 minutes plus of continously hilarity !!!!!

Jimmy is extremely quick & Witty. Glad made the effort for the 10.15pm show. Looking forward to Kev next also.

Shame about the venue.

Place needs investment to make the Air Handling System up to scratch for Fit for Purpose !!!!!

Was sticky as, many were using their ticket as a make shift fan !!!!

Couldn't use the excuse "hadn't kicked in with size of building" as we were the 2nd show. So had been struggling for the last 2 hours prior to us

Come on NCC spend some money
Written 20 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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NAPIER MUNICIPAL THEATRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Napier Municipal Theatre