The salvaged facade whispers tales. This is Circa Theatre. Right here on Taranaki Street. A waterfront gem.
Circa Theatre didn’t begin here. It started life in 1976. A group of actors rebelled. They wanted a less bureaucratic theatre scene. They found a former advertising agency. It was on Harris Street. The building was slated for demolition. Wellington City Council intervened. Circa Theatre took over. They renovated. They created a 100-seat auditorium. Dressing rooms were added. A rehearsal space appeared on the top floor.
But Circa’s ambitions grew. A new building became a necessity. In 1994 Circa moved to its current location. The new building was architecturally unique. The facade was from a heritage building. It was the former Westport Coal Company building. This building had been moved across the road. The new Circa Theatre building wasn’t universally praised. In fact it made a list of Wellington’s worst buildings.
The move wasn’t just about bricks and mortar. It was a symbol of Circa’s evolution. From its humble beginnings to a prominent waterfront location. A testament to the theatre’s enduring spirit. The theatre boasts two auditoriums. Circa One has around 250 seats. Circa Two has approximately 100.
One significant moment was the premiere of Roger Hall’s Glide Time. In 1976 this became a huge success. It transferred to the Opera House. It was a turning point for New Zealand theatre. It showed the acceptance of homegrown talent. The play even became a television series.
The Theatre Artists Charitable Trust TACT is another important part of Circa’s story. It was established in 1987. It supports theatre productions financially. It provides funding and attracts donations from sponsors. Chapman Tripp is one of the original sponsors.
Circa Theatre continues to thrive. It presents numerous plays each year. It hosts festivals. It supports educational initiatives. It has become a cornerstone of Wellington’s cultural landscape. A testament to the vision of its founders. A place where stories unfold. A place where the past meets the present. This is Circa Theatre.