Napier Municipal Theatre
Napier Municipal Theatre
Napier Municipal Theatre
4.5
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4.5
67 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
29
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
2
ITRT
Virginia45,880 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
74 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)
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.
DavidG897
London, UK2,997 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Went in for a visit during our vintage car tour. What a delightful place. And, so many nods to that great art deco era, including the carpet in the foyer and the intricacies inside the theatre proper
Written 16 January 2024
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 Zealand80 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.
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.
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
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.
KentandMichelle
Hastings, New Zealand210 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
With the closure (possibly for good) of the Hastings Municipal Theatre due to earthquake risk, the Napier muni is Hawkes Bay's one remaining heritage theatre venue. The grand Art Deco architecture is a joy to behold - the much photographed exterior gives way to a beautifully restored interior crammed with subtle deco touches. Seating is comfortable, and the acoustics excellent. Well worth a visit.
Written 6 September 2014
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.
sunnydazer
Napier, New Zealand26 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
Wonderful little theatre, they did a great job on the phantom production, the best ive seen, has good views of the stage wherever you sit, will be going back again in April 2014
Written 2 March 2014
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.
Koreen N
Havelock North, New Zealand20 contributions
Nov 2013 • Solo
I would have to rate the Napier Municipal Theatre irresponsible after enjoying a wonderful show at the theatre and then finding that our car, which had been securely parked and locked, in the Napier City Council's nearby carpark, had been broken in to and very valuable equipment stolen and other fixed items destroyed.
There were five vehicles with smashed windows and valuables stolen in that carpark that evening. The thieves had done this under full floodlight and in view of passers-by.
The Police told us that this happens on a regular basis in this carpark, which is the main parking area for the patrons at the theatre. Shame on the Napier Municipal Theatre for not providing security patrols for the 2 hours that the cars are parked there while the owners are attending your shows.
We certainly will never bother to go to a show at your theatre ever again!!!
There were five vehicles with smashed windows and valuables stolen in that carpark that evening. The thieves had done this under full floodlight and in view of passers-by.
The Police told us that this happens on a regular basis in this carpark, which is the main parking area for the patrons at the theatre. Shame on the Napier Municipal Theatre for not providing security patrols for the 2 hours that the cars are parked there while the owners are attending your shows.
We certainly will never bother to go to a show at your theatre ever again!!!
Written 25 November 2013
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.
We’re sorry to hear your night at the Theatre was let down by this experience.
We have contacted Napier Police and Community Patrol expressing our concerns about this incident and have asked them to increase their patrol of the area on show nights.
Napier City Council is planning to install more cameras at sites around the city, including at the car park bordering the Theatre. We will also be installing signage warning customers of this problem. We do hope to see you at the Theatre again.
Written 4 December 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FredShuuz
184 contributions
Nov 2012 • Family
went here to look at the Art Deconess
saw the redone carpet
learned about the renovations to expand
saw the antique neon lights
would be cool to see a show here. they have lots of tourists that fill the theatre
interesting to note the zig zag Art Deco decorations on the doors
saw the redone carpet
learned about the renovations to expand
saw the antique neon lights
would be cool to see a show here. they have lots of tourists that fill the theatre
interesting to note the zig zag Art Deco decorations on the doors
Written 14 November 2012
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, Australia30 contributions
Sept 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.
Which seats are the most popular for best viewing please
Written 15 February 2021
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