Auckland Theatre Company Announces 2026 Season Of Stage Hits Including A World-Renowned Musical
Published: Tuesday 14 October 2025
Auckland Theatre Company is thrilled to reveal the 2026 show line-up, featuring seven enthralling productions in a season that showcases two exceptional world premieres, the return to presenting a musical, plus a wellspring of stage-hits that includes a revival of a beloved Māori work, a powerful Pasifika piece, and the continuation of a Shakespeare work at scale.
Following a sold-out season in 2025, Auckland Theatre Company will launch the year with the reprisal of Agatha Christie’s play of intrigue and mystery, Murder on The Orient Express. Starring Cameron Rhodes as Detective Poirot, the play is the fastest selling production ever for the Company with audiences demanding a return season.
In collaboration with the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival and Tawata Productions we celebrate the return of one of New Zealand’s most-loved plays, Hone Kouka's Waiora Te Ūkaipō – The Homeland, creating a 30th anniversary production for audiences in Auckland and Wellington.
The 2026 year proudly includes two world premieres; Helen Clark in Six Outfits by artistic virtuoso Fiona Samuel and Sons of Vao by groundbreaking, Niuean writer Vela Manusaute. Two powerhouse celebrities of stage and screen, Sara Wiseman and Mark Mitchinson tackle the classic Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth with deft aplomb.
After an eight-year hiatus, 2026 sees the return of an iconic musical to Auckland Theatre Company with one of the world’s most celebrated musicals, Cabaret in a bold new production by uber talented director, Benjamin Kilby-Henson.
The iconic sold-out Australian production of the smash-hit RBG: Of Many, One produced by Sydney Theatre Company comes direct to Auckland. Award winning Australian actress Heather Mitchell stars as the puissant Ruth Bader Ginsburg (and 33 other characters) in this brilliant solo performance.
Auckland Theatre Company is particularly excited to be partnering with Auckland Live for Cabaret and RBG: Of Many, One which Artistic Director & CEO, Jonathan Bielski says; “Will turbocharge the Company’s capabilities in 2026 expanding our season to seven productions.” Commenting on the alliance, Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, leading Auckland Live says “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensuring Tāmaki Makaurau continues to thrive as a hub for worldclass performing arts. From an internationally acclaimed production to a bold new staging of Cabaret, audiences can expect something truly extraordinary.”
In a significant milestone it is the 10th year anniversary of the opening of the ASB Waterfront Theatre, Bielski said; “Our beautiful home has given us an extraordinary platform where theatremakers can play and dream and we look forward to celebrating next year with a bevy of stage hits and powerful storytelling as we invite audiences to join us for an unmissable season of entertainment.”
Subscription packages for the new season are on sale now. To subscribe or book visit www.atc.co.nz or phone (09) 309 3395.
