Visiting the Civic Theatre

Our friendly theatre ushers are fully-trained in all areas of theatre activity including safety procedures. They are available prior, during and after a show and are your first point of contact if you have any special requirements. They are also on-hand to direct you to your allocated seat.

Please advise our box office staff when you’re purchasing a ticket if you have difficulty with mobility or if you require a wheelchair space. Our box office staff will be happy to help supply you with tickets for a suitable area and seat. Your mobility information is then passed onto our theatre staff so we can plan for your arrival. Our ushers will look out for you and assist you to your seat.

The most convenient access to the Civic Theatre for people with mobility difficulties is via the East Entrance. If someone is driving to the venue with you, they can drive into the carpark off Tay Street, pull up to the drop off point, assist you through the East Entrance doors, and return after parking the car. A lift is available in the East Entrance lobby if you are seated in the Dress Circle on the first floor. There is no lift to the Gallery level. The Gallery is not recommended for people with mobility difficulties. In the Civic Theatre there are five wheelchair spaces in the back stalls area, each with an accompanying carer’s seat.

Before you take your seat, stop by the Nellie Melba Bar. Named after the legendary Australian opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba, the bar is open one hour before show time and during the interval. You’ll find a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, chips, lollies and our most popular treat of 2025 - the Magnum ice cream.

We recommend you arrive at the theatre at least 30 minutes before the start of the show. This will give you time to visit the bar for a drink, perhaps buy some chocolates and to find your seats before the performance starts. Some performances have a strict lockout policy; that means latecomers might not be admitted to the theatre until a suitable break in the performance. This is at the discretion of the company performing and in some instances can mean latecomers will not be admitted until the interval. Arrive early to avoid disappointment. Announcements will be made advising you when to take your seat.

Taking photos and videos during performances is generally not permitted, though this is at the discretion of the performing company – if you're unsure, just ask an usher. Please remember to switch your phone to silent before the show.

There are several public car parks (and taxi ranks) within easy walking distance of the Civic Theatre.

Box office: Tickets can be purchased from our box office, located in the Civic Theatre Foyer, 88 Tay Street, Invercargill. Opening hours are 11am - 3pm, Monday to Friday. We accept Eftpos, Bankcard, MasterCard, Visa and American Express card payments.

Online: Tickets are also available through our official ticketing partner, Ticketek, with payment by Visa and MasterCard.

Please note - tickets can only be purchased through our box office or Ticketek. Tickets bought from a third party or unofficial seller may be invalid and refused entry.

Tickets can be posted or held at the Theatre’s box office for collection – please bring identification when collecting.

Door sales: Subject to availability, tickets can be purchased at the theatre one hour before the show.

Prices and sales terms

Choose your tickets carefully as they cannot be refunded, transferred or exchanged. A booking fee may apply.

NOTE: Promoters decide the price, and the range and categories of the tickets for sale. Sometimes a promoter requests that A and B reserve seating be offered. This simply reflects the location and desirability of the seating, in relation to the stage, and the sight lines. Seating reserve information is provided to the booking office by the promoter at the time that tickets go on sale. Box office staff will advise customers about any A and B reserve ticket sales when you are purchasing tickets.

You will be asked for some personal information when you purchase tickets, such as your name, email address and contact phone number. This information is used to contact you in the event of a cancellation or change to the show.