Acting with Leo Gene Peters

26 April 2026

9am-4pm

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

In 2026, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 14 to 18. Limited spots, express your interest: https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/basement-co-labs

Participants will learn to use physical action and games to grow their performance technique. Working with physical action enables performers to fully embody their performance in a structured yet intuitive way. The technique assists the actor to sculpt and shape their work, and to physically understand how to keep the work alive through multiple performances. Performing with game builds playfulness and grows the imagination of the performer. It opens up new and exciting possibilities for developing performance outside of the text. Both these techniques are physically engaging, fun and vibrant ways for creating a performance.

Chicago

17 April 2026 - 2 May 2026

7.30pm

Regent on Broadway

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About the event

CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.

In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart—become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy.

Broadway’s longest-running musical has been razzle dazzling audiences for over 29 years, and after more than 10,000 performances, 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, and a Grammy®, we’re just getting started.

Come on, babe! Head to CHICAGO!

We’re back, and we’re hotter then ever!

May the 4th Be With You Market 2026

3 May 2026

12-3pm

Downtown

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About the event

"May the Fourth be with you”- the widely known catchphrase of Star Wars Day falling on May 4th + the unofficial holiday celebrating the Star Wars movie franchise!

Join Palmy BID, the Palmerston North Knights Light Saber Group and Outpost42 (NZ Garrison of the 501st Legion) in celebrating all things Star Wars at Downtown for our annual ‘May The 4th Be With You Market’ – this year we are celebrating a day early on May the 3rd!

Featuring live performances from the Manawatu Youth Orchestra, local stallholders, Star Wars themed treats, family-friendly entertainment, facepainting & much more!

Register to be a stallholder here:
https://form.jotform.com/PalmyBID/may4th
*No food stalls! Star Wars themed product encouraged!

Don't miss out:
Star Wars Parade & 'Best Dressed' Presentation | 2.30pm – 3.00pm
Watch Star Wars cosplay characters put on a bit of a show throughout the Centre & see who snaps up the “BEST DRESSED” award for 2026.
The parade for 2026 is going to go from Event Cinema in Downtown, out round the block via Berrymans Lane and back through to Downtown up to Event Cinema.
So pull out your best Storm Trooper outfit, your Yoda onesie or your Darth Vader kit and you may be awarded the 'BEST DRESSED' award
*Note: Winner of the best dressed award must still be on site at the event between 2.30 - 3.00pm to collect their prize

See you there, Palmy - May the fourth be with you all!

The Pink Floyd Experience – The Wall

8 May 2026

8pm

Regent on Broadway

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About the event

After nearly three decades of captivating audiences, The Pink Floyd Experience proudly brings back the legendary production of The Wall — an epic live reimagining of Pink Floyd’s most powerful concept album.

This breath taking tour recreates the spectacle of the original — complete with the monumental construction and dramatic destruction of The Wall itself. It’s not just a concert; it’s an immersive journey through sound, light, and emotion — from isolation to transcendence.

Set Design with Darren Mosher and Sanit Klamchanuan

10 May 2026

9am-4pm

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

In 2026, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 14 to 18. Limited spots, express your interest: https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/basement-co-labs

Go backstage and create! Starting with a story concept and the “Director’s vision”, you will work in teams to design and create a basic scene and set piece for a black box theatre using a variety of techniques and materials.

You will learn how to work to scale, perspective and take your completed miniature set home when you are finished.

There will be time for plenty of questions and even a chance to learn about making your own sets for stories you have created.

Cringeworthy – Trippin’ in the ‘90s

25 April 2026 - 17 May 2026

7.30-9.30pm

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

ollowing the success of Cringeworthy ‘50s, ’60s, ‘70s and ’80s, this show pays homage to NZ music and culture in the last decade of the 20th century. Expect a 'rad' mix of local and international hits delivered with snappy dance moves, scintillating vocals and a generous dollop of cheesy comedy.

The ‘90s were a decade bursting with diverse musical genres, from boy bands and girl groups to MMMBop and hip hop, grunge and country (Achy Breaky Heart), The Macarena and re-releases of iconic hits such as Silly Love Songs, and Killing Me Softly.

What's the time, Mr Wolf? Time to grab your ticket to ride this retro rollercoaster! Nostalgia invites you to relive a decade that still resonates today.

“A fantabulous blast from the past, high energy, fun and a belly full of laughs!”

“A unique blend of uplifting vocals, brilliant choreography and personality personified!”

Starring Andrea Sanders, Kali Kopae, Devon Neiman, and Mackenzie Htay - get ready to party like it's 1999, cos Backstreet’s back!

Rock Tenors – Anthems Reloaded NZ Tour

22 May 2026

7.30pm

Regent on Broadway

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About the event

Get ready, New Zealand—ROCK TENORS are back with a brand new, anthem loaded rock experience - a nationwide eruption of power, nostalgia and 'ROCK'manship .

The Anthems Reloaded Tour is a full-throttle celebration of the greatest rock hits of all time, delivered with theatrical firepower and vocal brilliance by five of Aotearoa’s finest. Backed by a live, hard-hitting rock band, this is not just a concert—
it’s a full-scale theatrical rock experience.

Soaring harmonies, epic guitar solos, and anthems that defined generations, all reimagined with dramatic vocal flair and explosive energy.

Touring 23 iconic venues nationwide, the Anthems Reloaded Tour is set to ignite your city and pay homage to the world’s greatest rock anthems from artists such as Queen, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, White Snake, KISS, TOTO, Guns'N'Roses, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Animals, U2, Radiohead and many more.

Whether you're a die-hard rocker or a first-time Tenors fan, this is your chance to witness the ultimate fusion of vocal mastery and rock spectacle.

Voice Acting with Tessa Livingston

31 May 2026

9am-4pm

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

In 2026, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 14 to 18. Limited spots, express your interest: https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/basement-co-labs

Ever heard an accent on TV and wanted to know how to do it? How a voice can sound American one moment and British or Scottish the next – or even something totally new?

Well no more guessing! Come learn how accents really work. Tessa will break down everything you need to know to perform accents with confidence.

You’ll experiment with new sounds, record real scripts on a studio mic, and hear your progress as you go. It’s playful, practical, and seriously fun.

Join Tessa for a week of accent and vocal discovery – you might surprise yourself with what your voice can do.

Palmerston North Brick Show 2026

30 May 2026 - 31 May 2026

9am-4.30pm

Central Energy Trust Arena - Arena 3

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About the event

Get ready for the ultimate LEGO® extravaganza at the 2026 Palmy Brick Show – it's going to be HUGE!!!

Once again, we are holding the show over King's Birthday weekend so be sure to BLOCK OUT YOUR WEEKEND and mark the 30th and 31st May in your calendar and come along to see the amazing LEGO® creations from some of NZ’s best builders.

This year the show is being held at Arena 3, and we will have amazing LEGO® displays, interactive activities, brick pits to get creative, raffles and much more!

We also have some amazing colab builds, including the return of our amazing "Glo-lab".

The show will be open to the public on:
- Saturday 30th May - 9am to 4:30pm
- Sunday 31st May - 9am to 4:30pm

Tickets will be available soon and will be valid for either day of the show, with pass-outs available for the same day.

Nicola Cheeseman is Back

30 May 2026 - 14 June 2026

7.30-9.30pm

Centrepoint Theatre, Palmerston North

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About the event

Nicola Cheeseman is sick of trying to do it all.

Nicola’s husband has moved out, her ageing dad has moved in, and somewhere between raising kids and holding down a job, she’s lost her mojo—and her dreams of being a nouveau punk goddess.

Now, armed with a chaotic vision board, a killer vinyl jumpsuit, and a craving to be more than “just Mum”, she’s falling apart to put herself back together.

Following two sold-out seasons in Auckland, Nicola Cheeseman is Back comes to Centrepoint Theatre.

Starring the brilliant Jodie Rimmer in her first-ever solo show, and written by award-winning playwright Kathryn Burnett (Under the Vines, My Life is Murder), this is a hilarious, heartfelt ride through midlife mayhem.

Raw, honest and painfully relatable—bring your Mum, your daughter, your nana, and your besties. Every woman will get it. Every man should see it.

Improv for Performance

21 April 2026 - 16 June 2026

6-7.30pm

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

This term-length programme is perfect for those who wish to grow confidence and creativity in a positive and safe learning space, develop their performance skills, grow their comedy muscles, and increase their listening prowess.

Through group games and exercises, learn the basic rules of improv to working with others, trusting yourself, and not being afraid to fail. The workshops are weekly, 90-minute sessions, and the term finishes with a showcase performance for your friends, whānau, and public.

You will learn to create characters and stories on the fly, build offers from nothing, collaborate with a partner and team and embrace failure with a smile…maybe even a laugh!

These classes are suitable for those wanting to begin their improv performance journey and those wanting to diversify their stage skillset. No prerequisites are required; however recommended for those with some stage or improv experience, or confidence to give it a go. Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to dive into the world of improvisation.

Stage Combat with Allan Henry

21 June 2026

9am-4pm

Centrepoint Theatre

More info

About the event

In 2026, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 14 to 18. Limited spots, express your interest: https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/basement-co-labs

A punch kick slam crash course in Stage Combat techniques to help you design safe effective staged violence.

Actor, nerd, Goofball dad. Allan is a performance capture artist and actor based in Wellington. Most recently appearing as Malgosha in a Minecraft Movie, King Kong in the Monsterverse and Cokey in Cocaine Bear, Allan is often found rolling dice, or rolling around in Lycra. A founding member of Aotearoa Fight directors, Allan always looks forward to sharing his knowledge of Stage Combat with students of all ages.

ABBA Thank you for the Music

27 June 2026

7.30pm

Regent on Broadway

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About the event

Get ready to say, “Thank you for the Music”.
A 2-hour spectacular live concert that will take you through the songs, the life and magic that made ABBA one of the most successful bands of all time. All the hits “Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Money Money, SOS, Ring Ring” and the list goes on.
ABBA Thankyou the Music is the must see show this year.
Performed by Narelle Ryan, Michelle Birmingham and full backing band.
Duration 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Pigs on the Run

11 July 2026 - 18 July 2026

Various

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

An exciting new production “piggy-backing” off last year’s Pasifika youth workshops, Pigs on the Run is a vibrant, modern retelling of The Three Little Pigs filled with contemporary music, bold storytelling, and plenty of heart. Created to celebrate and showcase the incredible Pasifika talent we have here in the Manawatū, this playful and powerful production puts young voices centre stage and reimagines a classic tale for today’s audience.

Musical Theatre with Jason Te Mete

26 July 2026

9am-4pm

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

In 2026, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 14 to 18. Limited spots, express your interest: https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/basement-co-labs

Join award-winning performer, director and vocal coach Jason Te Mete for an inspiring musical theatre workshop! Dive into the magic of storytelling through song - exploring character, emotion, and connection in both solo and ensemble work. With Jason’s industry experience and creative guidance, you’ll learn how to bring authenticity, confidence, and heart to every performance. Whether you’re preparing for auditions or simply love to sing, act, and move, this is your chance to develop your craft and shine on stage.

Supping with the Devil

1 August 2026 - 9 August 2026

Various

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

Leni Riefenstahl was called ‘Hitler’s Pin-Up Girl’. A dancer, an actor and one of the most brilliant and innovative film makers of the twentieth century, she sold her soul to Hitler’s Third Reich and destroyed her career. After the Second World War, Riefenstahl was ostracised in Germany and never made another film until she was in her nineties.

*A discussion session will be offered by the creative team after each show.

Content warning: References to the Holocaust and sexual violence.

Alan Davies – Think Ahead Tour

10 August 2026

7.30pm

Regent on Broadway

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About the event

Get ready to laugh out loud!
Comedy legend Alan Davies is hitting the stage with his razor-sharp wit, brilliant storytelling, and trademark charm in his brand-new Think Ahead Tour. From hilarious mishaps to clever observations on everyday life, Alan delivers an evening packed with warmth, humour, and those brilliantly unpredictable moments he’s famous for.

If you love clever comedy with heart, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
Grab your tickets now and get ready to Think Ahead… and laugh all night!

Sound with Abi Symes

29 August 2026

9am-4pm

Centrepoint Theatre

More info

About the event

In 2026, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 14 to 18. Limited spots, express your interest: https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/basement-co-labs

Get hands-on with the essentials of live sound! This workshop covers the basics of setting up a PA system — from plugging in and signal flow to EQ and gain structure. Learn how to choose and position microphones for vocals, instruments, and drums to get the best sound possible. Perfect for beginners, bands wanting to level up their live shows, or anyone curious about how it all works behind the desk.

The Stomach is a community music hub in Palmerston North, offering affordable rehearsal spaces, an accessible recording studio, and an all-ages venue. We support artists of all genres and stages, from first-time jammers to seasoned performers. Our focus is on creativity, connection, and keeping live music thriving in the Manawatū. The Stomach is operated by Creative Sounds Society Inc — a not-for-profit proudly run by musicians, for musicians.

Lights with Talya Pilcher

30 August 2026

9am-4pm

Centrepoint Theatre, Palmerston North

More info

About the event

In 2026, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 14 to 18. Limited spots, express your interest: https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/basement-co-labs

Focusing on the basics of light rigging, learn about lighting systems and their uses.

Talya is a graduate from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School’s technical production course. She has since worked in the entertainment industry doing lighting, staging, pyrotechnics, and event management for over 20 years. She has designed the lighting for many of Centrepoint Theatre’s productions including That Bloody Woman, Shortland Street – The Musical and Misery. Recent credits include: Act Three's production of Come From Away, the touring production of Two Guitars, and Monument at Circa Theatre. When she's not working on theatre lighting design projects, she can be found working behind the scenes on Trackside broadcasts around the lower North Island and tutoring lighting at Feilding High School.

Shakespeare with Peter Hambleton

20 September 2026

9am-4pm

Centrepoint Theatre

More info

About the event

In 2026, thanks to our generous funder Mercury, the course is FREE to Manawatu students aged 14 to 18. Limited spots, express your interest: https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/basement-co-labs

Who are you talking to? An intensive, fun-filled session exploring what we can learn from Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, and the Pop-up Globe. We’ll delve into practical skills that will improve your focus, connection and confidence on stage. Great fun for newcomers who want to decode Shakespeare’s mystery, for those wanting to enhance their skills before 2027 SGCNZ Festivals, and for theatre-lovers!

Well-known Wellington Actor/Director Peter Hambleton (of THE HOBBIT movies, and local TV comedy HAPPINESS) has directed many of Shakespeare’s plays, including ALL's WELL THAT ENDS WELL, and THE COMEDY OF ERRORS for Manawatu Summer Shakespeare. He also appeared at Centrepoint Theatre in HUDSON AND HALLS LIVE.

Last Song, Actually!!!

14 November 2026 - 12 December 2026

6.30pm

Centrepoint Theatre

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About the event

Step into the whirlwind two years after the beloved China Inn changed hands.

The community is buzzing: tragedy, mystery, and mayhem collide as wedding bells threaten to ring. But who’s the real bride? Where’s the elusive groom? Why is everyone glued to their phones?

Continuing with the lovable characters we met in Last Song, Last Song, Actually is a comedic rollercoaster that is a love letter to the magic of karaoke, the warmth of the Palmy community and the haziness of late-night shenanigans.

NOTE: You do not have to see Last Song to understand Last Song Actually – no one really understood that one anyway, but it was fun though!

Royal New Zealand Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

16 December 2026

7.30pm

Regent on Broadway

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About the event

In summer, we return to a much-loved Royal NZ Ballet production from 2011: Greg Horsman’s fairytale version of The Sleeping Beauty.
The age-old story of the princess who pricks her finger and falls into an enchanted sleep, only to be wakened by true love, is brought to life in picture-perfect designs by Gary Harris, classical choreography and Tchaikovsky’s music. A touch of wizardry from Wellington’s W?t? Workshop adds to the joy and wonder, making this a pre-Christmas treat for audiences of all ages.
2011 saw the premiere of this production, enjoyed by more than 42,000 people around New Zealand. Choreographer Greg Horsman left the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2012 to take up a new role at Queensland Ballet, and this production has now been staged there several times to great acclaim. 15 years after its creation, we are proud to bring it home to where it all began.

Munch Thursday Quiz Nights

26 February 2026 - 17 December 2026

6-8pm

Munch - Broadway Ave

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Come join us for the fortnightly ritual on a Thursday night at Munch on Broadway, where you and your crew will negotiate five rounds of amazing trivia with Gee Quiz.

Your team's street cred, life smarts and common sense will go a long way to ensuring success on the night.

Add to the mix delicious food and an incredible vibe, it's the place to be on a Tuesday night with plenty of time for laughter, banter and merrymaking!

The quiz kicks off at 6pm and runs for roughly 2 hours. So, grab your buddies and come on down and join us for one of Palmy's best quiz nights – Munch style!

Neighbourhood Wednesday Quiz Nights

25 February 2026 - 23 December 2026

7pm

Neighbourhood Palmy

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About the event

Every Wednesday is quiz night with Quiz Master Brad at one of Palmy's best venues - Neighbourhood Bar & Restaurant!
Make sure to check out their Facebook page, as quiz nights book out EARLY!

Kicking off at 7pm, the quiz offers five rounds of big-screen trivia that's not too hard, not too easy, but includes content that relates to you and your crew! So if you've got some street smarts, a good attitude, and a dash of luck, you'll be a good chance on the night.

Add to the mix some bonus games, great food & drink, a stack of prizes, great banter and laughs aplenty, it's the place to be on a Wednesday for a rollicking good time!