---
title: "Memorial Theatre Victoria University Wellington, Wellington Tickets & Event Listings - Ticket Fairy"
description: "Discover events and tickets at Memorial Theatre Wellington, with practical advice on seating, access, transport, parking, venue history and nearby places."
canonical: "https://www.ticketfairy.com/events-in-wellington--wellington--nz/memorial-theatre-victoria-university"
---

1. [Ticket Fairy](https://www.ticketfairy.com/)
2. [Events](https://www.ticketfairy.com/events)
3. [Events in Wellington, Wellington](https://www.ticketfairy.com/events-in-wellington--wellington--nz)
4. Memorial Theatre Victoria University Events

# What’s On at Memorial Theatre Wellington

Find the best [events in Wellington, Wellington](https://www.ticketfairy.com/events-in-wellington--wellington--nz). This page updates daily to showcase parties, concerts, nightlife, festivals, DJ events, clubs, music festivals, things to do, and much more…

[Memorial Theatre Victoria University Website](http://www.victoria.ac.nz/fhss)

Memorial Theatre Victoria University Phone: [+64 4 463 6999](tel:+6444636999)

           Search events...                   [![DIVORCED DAD 83 – Wellington - 7th May flyer](https://www.ticketfairy.com/uploaded/thumbnails/db_file_img_141921_300xauto.jpg)](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/divorced-dad-83-wellington-7th-may-7may2026)

### [DIVORCED DAD 83 – Wellington - 7th May](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/divorced-dad-83-wellington-7th-may-7may2026)

7:00 PM, Thu, 7 May

May

07

Memorial Theatre Victoria University

Wellington

###

### Events and Programming

Memorial Theatre is one of Wellington’s most versatile mid-sized university venues. Its programme combines student productions, community performances, cultural celebrations, film screenings, lectures, comedy, dance showcases and touring events. The venue’s formal hire categories include dance groups, cultural groups, musicals and presentations, while recent public bookings show that it also works well for cinema-style screenings, literary events and idea-led conferences.

At the time of writing, on 15 September 2026, publicly advertised future events include the Wellington Law Revue, the National Shakespeare Schools Production, and a further screening of the student-made *Resolution Afterlife* musical film. The 2026 programme has also included TEDxVUW, the Sri Lankan cultural music event *Yakku Bolaw*, a STEM careers panel, comedy and dance events, and the sold-out student production of *Legally Blonde The Musical*.

The publicly documented 2021–2025 programme demonstrates the venue’s range. In 2021, Victoria Ancient Theatre Society planned its production of *Medea* for the theatre. In 2022, the venue hosted a Pasifika Week film night and a screening of *Raids*, a documentary about the Dawn Raids. In 2023, bookings included Wellington Comic Opera’s *Pirates!*, the Aotearoa Poetry Film Festival, the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival tour and the Wellington Diversity Festival.

Recent 2024 and 2025 activity included Theatre New Zealand’s annual meeting and showcase, cultural and Matariki-related performances, the Wellington Diversity Festival, the Gilbert and Sullivan work *The McCardo*, comedy hypnosis, film screenings, the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival, the National Shakespeare Schools Production, the Victoria Ancient Theatre Society’s *Octavia*, and the premiere of *The Afterlife Musical Duology*. These bookings show a venue that favours live, locally connected programming rather than a permanent commercial theatre season.

Recurring or seasonal programming is particularly important here. Expect student revues, annual society productions, dance-school end-of-year shows, Shakespeare and classical theatre projects, university lectures, film festivals, cultural weeks, Matariki events and occasional comedy or touring performances. Some events are free; student and community productions commonly use concession pricing, while larger public events can cost considerably more.

### Tickets and Booking

There is no single permanent Memorial Theatre box office or year-round ticket price. Each organiser sets its own sale date, ticket structure, refund rules and door policy. Tickets are normally sold through the individual event organiser’s current listing, with door sales sometimes available when a production specifically advertises them. For *Octavia* in 2025, for example, door sales were available and prices were $15 waged, $10 unwaged and $5 for high-school students with valid identification.

Recent examples suggest a practical public-show range of about $5–$35 for student theatre, community opera and youth productions. Larger specialist events can be higher: TEDxVUW 2026 advertised concession tickets from $41.95 and general admission from $71.95, while the 2026 National Shakespeare Schools Production advertised tickets from $12–$30. Prices vary by event, seating policy and booking fees, so treat these as indicative rather than a venue tariff.

Popular student musicals, annual showcases and culturally significant one-night events can sell quickly because the auditorium holds only 314 people. Book as soon as a public sale opens, check whether a concession requires current student or unwaged identification, and arrive early if the event uses general admission. There is no verified venue-wide presale, membership scheme or universal door-sales policy.

### About Memorial Theatre Victoria University

Memorial Theatre is a 314-seat performance and presentation venue inside the Student Union Building at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Kelburn campus. The room has a terraced auditorium layout and a spacious foyer. Its published equipment includes modern audiovisual systems, surround sound and a cinema projector, with the built-in audiovisual equipment and data projector included in the standard hire description. The minimum published hire period is two hours.

The theatre opened in 1961 as part of the university’s Student Union development. Historic records identify it as operating in the 1960s–1990s and note that it was earlier known as the Little Theatre. The Student Union Building itself was officially opened on 10 June 1961, placing Memorial Theatre within one of the university’s important post-war student and cultural developments.

Its role has always been broader than conventional theatre. The university’s own records describe the refurbished room as a dual-purpose space for lectures and theatrical productions. The major refurbishment was completed in June 2009 and included new seating, improved audio equipment and improved lighting equipment. The work allowed the theatre to support both academic presentations and performance use.

The theatre matters locally because it provides a comparatively professional room for emerging performers and community groups without the scale or cost of a major city theatre. Its relationship with university clubs, the theatre programme, cultural societies and visiting organisations creates a pathway between student creativity and Wellington’s wider arts community.

### Seating and Layout

The auditorium is terraced, with fixed tiered seating rather than a flat-floor hall. The university publishes a total capacity of 314, but it does not publish a detailed seat map, row-by-row numbering, stage dimensions or alternative seating configurations. Do not assume that every event uses the full capacity or the same arrangement.

For theatre, dance and presentations, central seats usually offer the most balanced view of the stage and presentation screens. The terraced arrangement is intended to improve sightlines, and visitor reviews commonly praise the seating, acoustics and visibility. For film screenings, talks and lecture-style events, the middle of the auditorium is generally the safest choice if you want an even relationship between the screen and surround sound.

There is no verified permanent VIP section, balcony or standing area. Some events sell general admission, while others may allocate or reserve seats according to their own ticketing plan. Ask the event organiser about wheelchair positions, companion seating, late-entry rules or special sightline needs before booking, because these arrangements are not fully described in the venue’s public hire information.

### Getting There and Parking

Memorial Theatre is in the Student Union Building, Kelburn campus, Kelburn Parade, Kelburn, Wellington 6012. The university room reference is SUMT228. The theatre is on the middle level of the Student Union Building; event signage may direct you through the atrium or from the Kelburn Parade side.

By bus, use the Victoria University Kelburn Campus stops on Kelburn Parade, numbered 4915 and 5915. One commonly described walking route follows the vehicle access way through campus to the upper Student Union entrance beside the Adam Art Gallery, then continues down to the theatre. The campus is served by regular Wellington buses, but routes and timetables can change, so allow extra time for the short uphill campus walk.

The Wellington Cable Car runs from Lambton Quay to Kelburn in roughly three to five minutes, generally every ten minutes. From the Kelburn terminal, the university is a short walk away. This is a scenic option from the central city, although the final campus route includes slopes and may not be suitable for every visitor without checking the accessible route first.

Parking is limited. University visitor guidance states that short-term visitor parking at Kelburn is limited to a maximum of two hours and must be booked. Longer paid parking is available at 16 Kelburn Parade through Gate 13. The university also identifies limited visitor or mobility spaces at Hunter Courtyard, behind Cotton and in the Hunter area. Nearby street parking is generally time-limited and requires the relevant council parking arrangement. Costs are not consistently published with venue event information, so do not rely on finding a free space close to curtain time.

### Inside the Venue

Expect a university-building arrival rather than a traditional theatre forecourt. The foyer is described as spacious, and the auditorium has tiered red seating. Visitor reports mention comfortable seats, fold-out writing tables, large screens and strong sound, reflecting the theatre’s dual use for lectures, film and performance. Performers have also described the backstage route as difficult to navigate on a first visit, so cast and crew should arrive well before call time.

Event-specific door times vary. Recent screenings have opened doors 30 minutes before the advertised start, while some comedy events have enforced sharp starts or no late entry. Food, drink, merchandise, coat check and photography arrangements are not standardised in the public venue information; follow the instructions for the particular event rather than assuming that theatre-style concessions or cloakroom services will be available.

The Student Union complex includes nearby student services, food outlets and the Hunter Lounge. The university reported in 2026 that scheduled Memorial Theatre events were continuing while temporary building access arrangements were in place, with alternative accessible routes via the Hunter carpark and Mount Street entrance. Conditions can change during campus works, so follow signs on arrival.

### Nearby Amenities

Kelburn Village is about a ten-minute walk from the Cable Car terminal and offers cafés, casual food, a village pub and other small local businesses. The Cable Top area near the terminal is another practical option for a pre-event coffee or light meal. Campus cafés and the Hunter Lounge may be convenient before an event, but opening hours can follow the university calendar rather than evening performance times.

For a wider choice of dinner, drinks or accommodation, Wellington’s central city is downhill from Kelburn and connected by bus, cable car and taxi or rideshare. If your event ends late, check the last practical connection before the performance begins, especially on Sundays, public holidays or outside the university teaching term.

### What Makes This Venue Special

Memorial Theatre’s character comes from its combination of history, intimacy and flexibility. It is old enough to carry decades of student performance tradition but has been upgraded with modern seating, sound, lighting and projection. A 314-seat room can make a student production, chamber performance or specialist screening feel immediate without the distance of a large commercial auditorium.

The theatre has hosted university theatre and music activity for generations, including opera, classical performance, lectures, cultural festivals, film programmes and comedy. Its 2025 Shakespeare Schools Production illustrates the venue’s educational and national role: young performers from across Aotearoa used the theatre as the culmination of an intensive programme. The Victoria Ancient Theatre Society’s continuing annual productions show how the room supports ambitious student-led work.

It is also a useful cultural meeting point. Pasifika programming, Sri Lankan music, Matariki performances, diversity celebrations and community film festivals sit alongside university societies and academic events. That mixture is more representative of Memorial Theatre than any single genre label.

### Visitor Tips and Information

Allow at least 20–30 minutes extra if you have not visited the Kelburn campus before. The Student Union Building sits within a dense campus of named buildings, courtyards, stairs and sloping paths. Follow event signs and use the room code SUMT228 if asking campus staff for directions.

Visitors with mobility requirements should check the exact entry route, lift access, wheelchair position and companion seating with the event organiser before purchasing. The campus map identifies accessible routes and mobility parking, and the university has documented lift and alternative accessible access through the Student Union Building. However, public venue information does not specify the number of wheelchair spaces, hearing assistance, captioning, stage access or detailed toilet routes, so these should be confirmed for the event.

Bring your ticket or booking confirmation and any concession identification required by the organiser. There is no published universal dress code. Age limits, photography, recording, bags, food, drink, flashing lights and haze are set by individual events; the 2026 Wellington Law Revue, for example, warned audiences about flashing lights and haze.

For organisers, the university’s booking conditions state that Memorial Theatre bookings can incur extra charges for technical support or specialist equipment. Alcohol requires prior approval, users must leave the facility in an acceptable condition, and damage or excess cleaning may be charged back. The university can cancel or end a booking if conditions are breached.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Where is Memorial Theatre in Wellington?

Memorial Theatre is inside the Student Union Building at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Kelburn campus. The campus address is Kelburn Parade, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, and the theatre room reference is SUMT228. It is near the Adam Art Gallery and the university’s main Kelburn courtyards, with signs usually directing visitors from Kelburn Parade or the campus atrium.

#### How many people does Memorial Theatre seat?

The published venue capacity is 314 people. The theatre uses a terraced auditorium layout with tiered seating, but the university does not publish a detailed row and seat map. Actual capacity can vary according to the production, stage setup, technical equipment, accessible seating requirements and whether an event uses the full auditorium.

#### What kind of events are held at Memorial Theatre?

Programming includes student musicals, drama, Shakespeare, ancient theatre, dance, opera, cultural performances, film screenings, comedy, lectures, literary events and conferences. Recent bookings have included diversity celebrations, Matariki-related work, mountain-film screenings, national youth Shakespeare performances, TEDx-style talks and community music events.

#### Does Memorial Theatre have good acoustics?

Visitor reviews commonly praise the venue’s sound and acoustics, while the university lists modern audiovisual equipment and surround sound. The room was refurbished with improved audio equipment in 2009. The exact acoustic experience depends on the production, amplification and seating position, but central terraced seats are generally the safest choice for balanced speech and music.

#### Does Memorial Theatre have a cinema projector?

Yes. The university’s venue information lists a cinema projector as part of the built-in audiovisual equipment. This is why the theatre is regularly used for film festivals, documentary screenings and cinema-style presentations as well as live performance. Event organisers may still bring additional equipment or require technical support for specialist formats.

#### Are Memorial Theatre seats reserved?

There is no single seating policy. Some performances use general admission, while others may allocate seats or use event-specific arrangements. Student musicals and community shows can differ from lectures, screenings or festivals. Check the current event information before buying if you need a particular location, wheelchair space, companion seat or late-entry arrangement.

#### Is there a VIP section at Memorial Theatre?

No permanent VIP section is identified in the public venue specifications. If a particular event offers premium, reserved or sponsor seating, that arrangement is created by the organiser for that event. The standard venue description lists a terraced auditorium and foyer but does not identify balconies, boxes, VIP lounges or a separate premium seating area.

#### How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30–45 minutes before the advertised start if you are unfamiliar with the Kelburn campus, need accessible entry, are attending a popular event or have general-admission seating. Recent screenings have opened doors about 30 minutes before the programme. Some performances enforce a sharp start or restrict late entry, so do not plan to arrive at the last minute.

#### Can I take the bus to Memorial Theatre?

Yes. The Victoria University Kelburn Campus bus stops on Kelburn Parade are numbered 4915 and 5915. From the stop, follow campus signs towards the Student Union Building and allow time for the short uphill or internal campus walk. Bus routes and timetables change, so check the current journey information on the day of your event.

#### Can I use the Wellington Cable Car?

Yes. The cable car travels from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn terminal in roughly three to five minutes and normally runs every ten minutes. From the Kelburn terminal, Memorial Theatre is a short walk across or beside the university campus. The route is scenic, but visitors needing step-free access should confirm the best campus entrance before travelling.

#### Is parking available at Memorial Theatre?

Limited parking is available around Kelburn campus, but it is not a guaranteed event space. University guidance identifies short-term visitor parking, a longer-stay paid carpark at 16 Kelburn Parade and a small number of mobility or visitor spaces in several campus areas. Nearby street parking is often time-limited. Arriving by bus or cable car is usually simpler.

#### What does parking cost?

The university’s general visitor information does not provide one fixed Memorial Theatre event rate. Charges depend on the carpark, duration and visitor arrangement, while nearby street parking follows council rules. Some event organisers may provide special evening instructions, but these should not be assumed. Check the current parking terms before driving to a popular performance.

#### Is Memorial Theatre wheelchair accessible?

The Kelburn campus map identifies accessible routes and mobility parking, and the university has documented lift access and alternative accessible approaches to the Student Union Building. However, the public theatre specification does not state the number of wheelchair positions, accessible toilet location, hearing assistance or detailed seating dimensions. Contact the event organiser before booking to confirm the complete route.

#### Are there accessible toilets near the theatre?

The university publishes accessible and all-gender facilities in various Kelburn buildings, but the public Memorial Theatre information does not give a dedicated theatre toilet map. Because the Student Union Building has multiple levels and routes, visitors should confirm the nearest suitable toilet and the step-free route with event staff or campus services before arrival.

#### Is there food or drink inside Memorial Theatre?

There is no confirmed permanent theatre concession service in the public venue information. The wider Student Union complex and Kelburn campus have food outlets, and the nearby Hunter Lounge may be useful before an event when open. Opening hours can vary by term and event night, so eat beforehand if you need a reliable late-evening meal.

#### Does Memorial Theatre have a coat check?

A permanent coat-check service is not listed in the venue’s public specifications. Do not assume that coats, bags or umbrellas can be left at the theatre. If an event has a temporary cloakroom or special bag arrangement, it should be stated in the event information. Keep valuable items with you and allow time for campus navigation.

#### When did Memorial Theatre open?

Memorial Theatre opened in 1961 as part of Victoria University’s Student Union development. Historic records also identify it as the Little Theatre during its earlier history. The auditorium was later refurbished, with the 2009 work adding new seating and improving audio and lighting equipment while preserving its dual role as a lecture and performance space.

#### Can external organisations hire Memorial Theatre?

Yes. The university promotes the room for events such as dance, cultural groups, musicals and presentations. The published hire information states a minimum booking period of two hours. External bookings are handled under university hire arrangements, while student groups follow separate booking conditions that can include technical charges and restrictions on alcohol.

#### Are tickets available at the door?

Sometimes, but only when the event organiser says so. *Octavia* advertised door sales, while other popular productions have sold out before performance dates. The venue itself does not publish a universal door-sales policy. For small student or community events, arrive early if you hope to buy on the night, and bring the correct concession identification if required.

---

This page is on Ticket Fairy, a ticketing, marketing and operations platform for live events and the venues that host them: festivals, club nights, concerts, conferences and tours, and night clubs, beach clubs and concert venues. It grows revenue with fan rewards that turn an audience into a sales channel, and runs the money side with payments and payouts, Vault business banking, and working capital advanced against ticket sales. [How Ticket Fairy ticketing works](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event-ticketing) · [Ticket Fairy for AI assistants](https://www.ticketfairy.com/llms.txt)