2025 has been a stellar year for Auckland Theatre Company — one bursting with creativity, artistry, and unforgettable storytelling that’s electrified the ASB Waterfront Theatre. From the noir-tinged intrigue of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express to the punk-rock heartache of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, the sharp comedic wit of Sir Roger Hall’s End of Summer Time to the gothic thunder of Jess Sayer’s world-first Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein, it’s been a season that’s thrilled audiences and reaffirmed ATC’s place at the beating heart of New Zealand theatre. And with Witi Ihimaera’s Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking still to come, 2025 isn’t done dazzling us yet.
But the excitement has already shifted to the future: and what a future it is. Earlier this week, CEO and Artistic Director Jonathan Bielski offered an exclusive first look at Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season, and it’s shaping up to be one of the company’s boldest and most ambitious lineups yet.
The new year kicks off with a roaring encore as beloved New Zealand performer Cameron Rhodes returns to the stage for Murder on the Orient Express — ATC’s fastest-selling show of all time. This reprisal promises all the intrigue, wit, and cinematic energy that made it 2025’s standout hit.
Then, the tempo quickens as the 2026 season rolls out an extraordinary slate of productions; a line-up brimming with emotion, heritage, and imagination. The return of Hone Kouka’s Waiora Te Ūkaipō – The Homeland marks a moving 30th anniversary celebration for this landmark New Zealand play, staged for audiences in both Auckland and Wellington.
Fashion and politics collide in Fiona Samuel’s Helen Clark in Six Outfits, a sharp, witty exploration of one of New Zealand’s most iconic leaders, followed by the deeply affecting Sons of Vao from groundbreaking Niuean writer Vela Manusaute, promising an unflinching journey through family, identity, and legacy.
Fans of Shakespeare have plenty to celebrate too. After his hypnotic reimagining of Romeo & Juliet, director Benjamin Kilby-Henson reunites with acclaimed performers Mark Mitchinson and Sara Wiseman for a searing new take on Macbeth. Expect madness, melancholy, and blood-soaked poetry as the Bard’s darkest tragedy storms onto the ASB Waterfront Theatre stage.
Kilby-Henson is also turning up the volume later in the year with an electrifying new vision of Cabaret — a flamboyant, provocative, and lavish reimagining of the musical theatre classic that promises to be one of 2026’s unmissable events.
And in a true coup for New Zealand audiences, the smash-hit Australian production RBG: Of Many, One arrives direct from Sydney Theatre Company. Award-winning actress Heather Mitchell delivers a tour de force performance as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and 33 other characters, in this intimate, commanding solo show that’s been wowing audiences across the Tasman.
Auckland Theatre Company is partnering with Auckland Live for both Cabaret and RBG: Of Many, One, with Bielski describing the collaboration as one that will “turbocharge the Company’s capabilities in 2026, expanding our season to seven productions.”
Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, echoed that excitement, saying, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensuring Tāmaki Makaurau continues to thrive as a hub for world-class performing arts. From an internationally acclaimed production to a bold new staging of Cabaret, audiences can expect something truly extraordinary.”
Adding to the anticipation, 2026 marks a decade since the opening of the ASB Waterfront Theatre, a milestone Bielski describes as “an extraordinary platform where theatremakers can play and dream.” And with a line-up that celebrates both seasoned visionaries and daring new voices, ATC is ready to deliver a year that celebrates the full power of live performance.
2026 is set to be an extraordinary year to be a theatre fan. As Bielski notes, “Theatre is a place where artists can dream and play, and where audiences can see through the eyes of others.” With a season this rich in imagination, passion, and vision, Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 is not just a celebration of the stage — it’s a love letter to the art of storytelling itself.
See the full lineup of Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season below:
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express – Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig
February 7 – 22
One murder, eight suspects, and a wild ride that’s about to go off the rails. The classic that birthed an entire genre comes to the stage in the first show of the year. Cameron Rhodes (King Lear, North by Northwest) reprises his role as the inscrutable Hercule Poirot, an Agatha Christie’s iconic whodunnit, supported by a killer cast including Jennifer Ludlham and Mayen Mehta. The fastest selling show in Auckland Theatre Company’s history, audiences literally demanded to see it again.
Waiora Te Ūkaipo – The Homeland By Hone Kouka
March 6 – 22
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.
Auckland Theatre Company will partner with the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of Arts, Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival and Tawata Productions for the 30th anniversary of Waiora Te Ūkaipo – The Homeland this Autumn.
Helen Clark in Six Outfits By Fiona Samuel
April 7 – 26
The world premiere of Helen Clark in Six Outfits is a satirical, humorous play fashioned on the life of former Prime Minister, Helen Clark 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.
Commissioned by Auckland Theatre Company, to be directed by former-Silo Artistic Director Sophie Roberts, written by Fiona Samuel and starring the highly accomplished and brilliant, Jennifer Ward-Lealand Helen Clark in Six Outfits is a must see.
RBG: Of Many, One By Suzie Miller
May 20 -June 7
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.
June 18 – July 5
Sons of Vao by Vela Manusaute is a truly 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.
A world premiere, Vela Manusaute’s autobiographical Adam NZ Play Awards winning script will make you laugh, cry and cogitate all at once.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
July 28 – August 16
Arguably 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 bold new production by director Benjamin Kilby-Henson (Romeo & Juliet, The Effect) brings Shakespeare’s potent words to blood-curdling life.
Starring a stellar cast including screen legend Mark Mitchinson as the tormented Macbeth alongside the splendid Sara Wiseman as the ambitious and manipulative Lady Macbeth, Macbeth is impossible to miss.
Cabaret – Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by John Kander and Lyrics by Fred Ebb
September 22 Sep – October 18
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.
Packed with some of the greatest songs of the musical stage Cabaret closes the 2026 season in fabulously, decadent style.
Learn more about Auckland Theatre Company here and secure your 2026 Season Subscription here.
Image: Auckland Theatre Company
