Auckland has long claimed its place on the map of vibrant global cities, finding a place alongside the likes of Melbourne, New York, and London for its thriving culture and world-class dining. A true metropolis isn’t just about its skyline or restaurants; it’s about the culture that enriches the lives of those who live there — from the art that challenges and inspires, to the nights where conversation lingers over a glass of wine, inspired by a live performance or shared experience.
Auckland Theatre Company’s 2025 season captures this essence, offering six extraordinary productions that blend timeless classics with groundbreaking new works. From breathtaking poignancy to uproarious laughter, these plays invite you to be part of something greater — where ideas collide, histories are reimagined, and the human experience is laid bare.
Sign up to our free EDM subscription today.
Having long contributed to the vibrancy of the city and the local culture scene, Auckland Theatre Company bolsters our thriving arts community (which, as we all well know, feeds the dynamism of a city). And, whether you’re a steadfast patron of the arts, or simply looking for a lively night out with friends or to broaden your horizons, supporting ATC by engaging with their work is always a worthwhile endeavour. “The theatre is a place for ideas, enlightenment, education, disagreement, reflection and entertainment,” says ATC artistic director and CEO Jonathan Bielski, “In 2025, we go to all those places at the behest of an array of great playwrights.”
Beyond attending a show (which is undoubtedly a great way to dip your toe in the water), ATC’s subscriptions not only afford you the best seats in the house, but place you at the centre of what makes our city so great.
A Mixtape for Maladies by Ahi Karunaharan
4th — 23rd March
Ahi Karunaharan’s A Mixtape for Maladies is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of music. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Sri Lanka, Sangeetha’s world revolves around family, romance, and a love of songs — until civil war shatters their lives. Now, decades later living in Aotearoa, her son Deepan discovers a mixtape, uncovering the layered memories of his mother’s past. Featuring 17 evocative tracks, from Tamil rom-com hits to Dusty Springfield, the music bridges generations, unraveling the tale of a family caught in history’s crossfire. The final chapter of Karunaharan’s acclaimed trilogy, this intimate and powerful work offers both a new understanding of identity, and a testament to resilience through time and melody.
Book your tickets here.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express — adapted by Ken Ludwig
22nd April — 10th May
Step aboard the luxurious Orient Express for a thrilling winter mystery in this stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit. The year is 1934, and the train’s journey from Istanbul to London comes to an abrupt halt in a snowdrift. Among the stranded passengers is famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, played by Cameron Rhodes (King Lear, North by Northwest). When a man is discovered murdered in his cabin — stabbed eight times with no footprints in the snow — the case takes a sinister turn. Poirot must unravel a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth. Cleverly adapted by Tony-nominated Ken Ludwig, this gripping tale promises suspense, intrigue, and Christie’s signature twists at every turn.
Book your tickets here.
Roger Hall’s End of Summer Time
17th June — 5 July
Sir Roger Hall’s latest comedy brings back one of his most beloved characters, Dickie Hart, in a hilarious and heartfelt tale of change and family. Now in his 70s, retired farmer Dickie reluctantly moves to Auckland with his wife, Glenda, to be closer to their grandkids. Struggling with city life, vegan in-laws, and screen-obsessed children, Dickie hilariously grapples with a world that feels alien yet surprisingly endearing. Originally introduced in C’mon Black nearly 30 years ago, Dickie remains as cantankerous — and loveable — as ever. Featuring audience favourite Andrew Grainger (Peter Pan, North by Northwest), this entertaining solo show is a warm, witty exploration of modern life, proving that even old dogs can learn new tricks.
Book your tickets here.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet
15th July — 9th August
Step into 1960s Verona with Auckland Theatre Company’s electrifying new thriller-inspired take on Romeo and Juliet — Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers. Set against a backdrop of Missoni and Pucci-inspired fashion, this fast-paced production brims with passion, danger, with the original cinematic score by Robin Kelly. Theo Dāvid (Shortland Street) and Phoebe McKellar (One Lane Bridge) make their ATC debuts as ill-fated lovers Romeo and Juliet, navigating a world where love and death collide at breathtaking speed. Directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson (The Effect, King Lear), the play explores love in all its forms — romantic, familial, and spiritual — while highlighting the tragedy of entrenched hatred. A thrilling, visually stunning reimagining of Shakespeare’s greatest love story, as potent today as it was when it was written more than four centuries ago.
Book your tickets here.
MARY The Birth of Frankenstein by Jess Sayer
19th August — 7th September
Step into the stormy night in MARY — a captivating and visceral reimagining of the night Mary Shelley conceived Frankenstein. Set in 1816 at the Villa Diodati, this phantasmagoric thriller plunges audiences into darkness, where thunder roars, lightning strikes, and an 18-year-old Mary faces the chilling consequences of her imagination. As blood pools and her words take on life, she knows there is death to come. Award-winning playwright Jess Sayer and director Oliver Driver (Amadeus) weave historical intrigue with gothic terror, creating a theatrical experience like no other. With haunting visuals, poetic storytelling, and an unforgettable cast, MARY delves into the psyche of the mother of horror in a masterpiece of fear and fascination.
Book your tickets here.
Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking by Witi Ihimaera
4th — 23th November
Experience the extraordinary journey of Tiri Mahana, a 185-year-old matriarch born at the
signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Directed by Katie Wolfe (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama) (The Haka Party Incident), this groundbreaking adaptation of Witi Ihimaera’s (Te Whānau a Kai and Ngāti Porou) epic tale explores themes of memory, family, and the enduring spirit of Te Ao Māori. Award-winning actor Miriama McDowell (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) and Nī Dekkers-Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou) lead this unprecedented and astonishing new production, performed for the first time in both English and te reo Māori. Woven into a deeply emotional tapestry, Witi Ihimaera’s extraordinary play will shine once again: a national treasure that continues to resonate across time and place.
Book your tickets here.
