16th Avenue Theatre

16th Avenue Theatre "Shakespeare in Love"
7-22 August 2026

Tickets: On Sale https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/aug/16th-ave-shakespeare-in-love

Performing since 1936, it is one of the oldest continuously operating drama groups within Aotearoa New Zealand and one of a few societies to have its own purpose-built theatre; constructed in 1954, the theatre has since become a familiar part of the local Tauranga community.

16th Ave actively encourages anyone who may be looking for a creative outlet or hobby to join in with the ranks of local pe

ople enjoying all the challenges that theatre has to offer. Aspiring actors and directors will always be welcomed and mentored or if your focus is more aligned to creativity with your hands then the theatre offers many challenges in the set construction, properties, wardrobe, technical, and front of house roles - willing helpers are always welcome. The theatre is available to hire for stage productions, events, meetings and conferences.

Our cast and crew of Shakespeare in Love! are taking a well-deserved break after an incredible opening weekend!We’d like...
10/08/2026

Our cast and crew of Shakespeare in Love! are taking a well-deserved break after an incredible opening weekend!

We’d like to take this brief reprieve to say a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful sponsors and supporters, not only for your support of Shakespeare in Love, but for everything you do for 16th Avenue Theatre as a whole.

Theatre is a community, and this community simply wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible people and organizations who continue to support us.

From all of us at 16th Avenue Theatre: thank you.

Reviewer, Liam Hagan: "Shakespeare in Love opened last night at 16th Ave Theatre to a very pleased audience. Based on th...
08/08/2026

Reviewer, Liam Hagan:
"Shakespeare in Love opened last night at 16th Ave Theatre to a very pleased audience. Based on the film written by Marc Norman and the late Tom Stoppard, this adaptation by Lee Hall (writer of Billy Elliot) is every bit as witty and charming as its cinematic counterpart. It marks the directorial debut of Andre Liddicoat, heretofore an actor, and he does a fine job with the material, while making small but effective additions of his own. And it’s no mean feat. The production is big, made bigger by the inclusion of dance sequences, a trio of live musicians – who perform Paddy Cunneen’s original music elegantly – and a real live animal! But more on that later…
The 22-strong cast are clearly revelling in their roles and giving it everything they’ve got. Michael Hebenton as Will Shakespeare is full of wit and charm, portraying the lovesick playwright with great depth and humanity. Annabelle Moffatt as Viola (the Gwyneth Paltrow role), is likewise wistful and romantic, taken with Shakespeare’s poetry and dreaming of a life in the theatre. Their chemistry is tremendous, and they play off each other extremely well, making their relationship believable.

From the moment Oliver Davie strides onto the stage as Ned Allen, the space is his, and he commands it with awesome presence. Lenny Davey turns in a fine comedic performance, after a 30-year hiatus from the stage; it’s a very welcome return. The ensemble features a bevy of seasoned performers, including Chris Parnell, Penny Guy, Frazer Smith, Dan Goldie, Tom Kay, and Joanne Cornwall, all of whom relish in the comic aspects of their characters, as does relative newcomer Chithu Monilal as Christopher Marlowe.

I mentioned a live animal! The part of Spot is played by good boy and real-life dog, Alfie, who was a very good boy indeed. He certainly invoked some of the bigger crowd reactions of the night. Alfie’s owner Kim Artus also makes his stage debut alongside his canine companion, and does a great job.

And last, but not least, I believe 16th Ave has found a new star in Jackson Hartnett. At just 10 years old, his presence and comic timing are already impressive; his opening scene alone garnered a round of applause. I trust he has caught the bug, and hopefully we will see him on stage again, sooner rather than later.

Shakespeare in Love runs until the 22nd of August."

06/08/2026

From tomorrow!

It’s all yours now!
Come and watch us 16th Avenue Theatre 💙

05/08/2026

2 more days left! Opening night On Friday (07/08/26)

Book your tickets soon! Don’t miss this amazing show!

Tickets link in bio!

04/08/2026

Performances run from 7 August to 22 August, and seats are filling fast.

If you’ve been thinking about coming, this is your sign to book now before your preferred dates sell out.

See you at the theatre. Link in bio

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164 Sixteenth Avenue
Tauranga
3112

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+6475785068

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