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Royal Victoria Theatre

  • Acknowledging the first purpose-built theatre in NZ
  • Royal Victoria Theatre
  • 4 Manners Street
  • Wellington

The Royal Victoria Theatre

New Zealand's first purpose-built theatre was the brainchild of erstwhile actor, director, stage manager, producer, playwright and sometime engraver James Henry Marriott.

Built on some vacant land at the rear of what was then the Ship Inn, the indefatigable Marriott was involved in almost every facet of its construction and it opened with much fanfare on 12th September 1843 as the Royal Victoria Theatre.

In 2003 Wellington City Council commemorated the site at 4 Manners Street where the Royal Victoria once stood with a plaque.

As a part of NZ Theatre Month people will gather at the plaque to once more acknowledge an early NZ theatrical pioneer.

Anyone is welcome to attend.

DATETIMEVENUELOCATION
Wed 12 Sep 12.15pm 4 Manners Street Wellington