Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season

John Daly-Peoples

Auckland Theatre Company 2026 season

John Daly-Peoples

The Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season will be the most varied and stimulating programme the company has offered for many years. It features seven productions which includes two world premieres, the return to presenting a musical, a revival of a beloved Māori work, a powerful Pasifika piece, and one of Shakespeare’s major tragedies.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express

Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig

7-22 Feb

Adapted from the classic book that birthed an entire genre this was ATC’s fastest selling show ever and a highlight of the 2025 season. The play features Cameron Rhodes as the inscrutable Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie’s iconic whodunnit, supported by Jennifer Ludlham and Mayen Mehta. The play received great reviews with NZ Arts Review’s Malcolm Calder calling it “pure, unadulterated entertainment” from a “consummate, professional ensemble”.

Waiora Te Ūkaipo – The Homeland.  Presented during the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of Arts

By Hone Kouka

6 – 22 Mar

Originally presented over 30 years ago at the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of Arts, Wairoa is a significant play in our cultural history as the impact of colonisation and urbanisation during the mid-60’s is challenged within one family unit. As disharmony surfaces the whānau are confronted with decisions between life past and future.

Helen Clark in Six Outfits

By Fiona Samuel

7-26 Apr

The world premiere of Helen Clark in Six Outfits is a satirical, humorous play fashioned on the life of former Prime Minister, Helen Clark (played by Jennifer Ward-Lealand) while the nation became equally fixated with her appearance and personal life during her rise as New Zealand’s first elected female Prime Minister during her term as one of the most powerful women on the political stage. The play follows on from the success of the Australian play Julia by Joanna Murray-Smith which traces out the life and times of Julia Gillard

RBG: Of Many, One

By Suzie Miller

20 May – 7 Jun

Presented by Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Live.

Based on the life of US lawyer and former Associate Justice to the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg, RBG: Of Many, One by Sydney Theatre Company comes direct to Auckland following a return season in Australia.

Ginsburg was a groundbreaker in the American judiciary and a fierce advocate for gender equality and reproductive rights. Her life is brought to the stage by Olivier Award-winning Australian playwright, Suzie Miller (Prima Facie) and played by the astonishing Heather Mitchell.

Sons of Vao By Vela Manusaute (World Premiere)

18 Jun – 5 Jul

Sons of Vao by Vela Manusaute is a powerful and moving Pasifika play that centres on the lives of three brothers who revere their father but equally seek to escape his formidable influence. Sons of Vao is directed by the extraordinary actor/director, Anapela Polata’ivao and stars lauded actor Beulah Koale.

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

28 Jul – 16 Aug

One of William Shakespeare’s most famous and critically acclaimed tragedies, Macbeth is known for its exploration of ambition, evil and fate.

Following recent hit revivals on the West End and Broadway, this new production by director Benjamin Kilby-Henson who directed this year’s quirky production of Romeo & Juliet.

The cast includes Mark Mitchinson as the tormented Macbeth and Sara Wiseman as the ambitious and manipulative Lady Macbeth.

Cabaret

Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by John Kander and Lyrics by Fred Ebb

22 Sep – 18 Oct

An Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Live Production.

The world-renowned musical Cabaret has never been more apt to the times since its premiere 60 years ago than now. Produced in collaboration with Auckland Live and directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson, the Emcee will be played by Matu Ngaropo who excelled as George Washington in Hamilton, together with Nomi Cohen who stars as Sally Bowles following her shining turn as Roxy Hart in the recent production of Chicago.