BATS Theatre

Welcome to BATS Theatre, located at 1 Kent Terrace in Wellington, New Zealand. As an establishment and point of interest, we are proud to be a hub for the performing arts in our vibrant city.

One of our most exciting annual events is the TAHI Festival, a celebration of solo theatre. From September 6th to September 16th, 2023, soloists from all over the nation, including established and emerging practitioners, will gather in Pōneke to present their work, collaborate, and make connections within the industry. This year marks the fifth year of the TAHI Festival, so come and join us for a truly exceptional showcase of the best solo theatre Aotearoa has to offer.

TAHI - New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance is dedicated to showcasing the most innovative solo performances in Aotearoa. It is a platform for artists to explore their craft and engage with audiences in unique and thought-provoking ways.

One of the upcoming shows at BATS Theatre is "Golden Hour," a play-read that tells the story of iconic Asian women from the musical theatre canon who come together for group therapy. This production explores the challenges they faced both within and after their stories.

If you're in the mood for some improvisation, don't miss our improv show, where three teams battle it out for glory, honor, and the audience's favor. The winning team will return next month for a headline spot, while the losers lament their defeat.

We also have performances that delve into deeper themes. "Working as an Actor" explores the clash between pursuing a career in acting and the pursuit of the ultimate good time. Through spoken words, movement, and multimedia, "Negotiating Power" examines how a woman's body is used as a site for power dynamics.

For those who enjoy dark comedy and captivating storytelling, we present a rollercoaster ride of emotions with our selection of shows.

BATS Theatre is housed in a beautiful three-level historic building, repurposed to nurture creative talent and showcase exciting new performance from New Zealand. Our year-round program is a fusion of theatre, dance, improv, stand-up, and experimental work, offering something for everyone.

We are proud to partner in the development of bold and exciting performances. By incorporating digital and live art, we further establish BATS as a hub of creativity and provide a platform for diverse festival activities. Our aim is to support the sustainability and well-being of artists throughout their careers.

At BATS, we believe in supporting emerging artists and showcasing new performance from New Zealand. We prioritize our shows over profits, investing more in supporting our productions than we make in venue fees. We are dedicated to fostering talent and offering a platform for artists to shine.

To stay informed about the shows coming to BATS Theatre, sign up for BATSmail and receive updates on all things BATS.

Please note that BATS Theatre is currently undergoing an extended period of maintenance until early September 2023. We look forward to welcoming you back when we are up and running again.