Supporting our shows this spring

Whether it’s a rock concert, brass band, string quartet, stand-up comedy, or a children’s entertainer – Nelson is lucky to have some amazing talent – local, national, and international – perform on our stages. However, as Kate Russell writes, we need to support these shows and fill the venues to keep them coming back to the region.

It was late November in the year 2000. I was 16 years old and at one of my first “big” rock concerts - and it was one that sparked a love of music in me, in both the listening and playing sense.

Shihad, Fur Patrol, and Weta were about to take the stage - and what a gig it was.

For me, a good concert is like therapy. It’s good for the soul. But after Covid hit, those concerts dried up. Not only in Nelson - but everywhere.

Fast forward 24 years from that millennium gig, and Nelson is now lucky enough to be treated to Jon Toogood from Shihad at The Playhouse, and Fur Patrol at the Theatre Royal this spring.

Not only that, but we are also getting The Beths, Te Radar, international act Hot Potato Band, plus more - and who knows what the summer will bring.

Here’s why we need to support these concerts: The more tickets sold, the higher the chances these performers will come back to our city - and maybe bring a few more with them.

“There is only one more important thing to do now that we have been successful in attracting these events - we need these shows to sell enough for the artists to come back in the future,” Theatre Royal manager Eliane Polack explains.

Eliane says there has been a worrying trend of national tours only visiting the main cities, which means Nelsonians are missing out on good shows unless they spend money on flights, accommodation, and food to see events elsewhere.

She also says Nelson’s hospitality scene “thrives” when there is an event in town.

“Through audience surveys, we have learned that half of our audience goes into town before or after a show for food or drinks, and this includes weekdays when the town is very quiet otherwise. We also found that almost half of the surveyed people were not from Nelson, so an event can really attract people to the region.”

A last-minute cancellation of a September show carved out a large gap for the theatre, and fortunately Eliane managed to convince Fur Patrol, The Beths, as well as Te Radar, to add Nelson to their tours.

“It is also wonderful to welcome back Indian Ink, with Guru of Chair, and Nanogirl Live this September. There is also a performance of Martine Baanvinger’s Red Heaven - a solo show about an Italian immigrant to D’Urville Island.”

This month will see Bandquest, Penny Ashton, an Elton John vs Billy Joel tribute show, an Irish weekend with comedian Ed Byrne, and Irish dancing with the popular Taste of Ireland take the stage.

“We are also looking forward to having Chase the Dream from Wakatū Dance, Gillian Francis’ Academy of Dance with the Enchanted Doll Shop, and The Ultimate Drag Show,” Eliane adds.

So, go along and support these shows – you never know, you may spark a lifelong love for music, comedy, or dance – or just have a good time.

For more information on what shows are coming up in Nelson this spring, check out the schedules for: Theatre Royal, The Playhouse, The Boathouse and NCMA.