Visiting the Civic Theatre

Our friendly theatre ushers are fully-trained in all areas of theatre activity, including safety procedures. They're 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.

The main entrance to the Civic Theatre is on Tay Street. On-street parking is available on the surrounding streets, with payment via the on-street kiosk. If you prefer an undercover option, the Invercargill Central car park on Tay Street is just a short walk away.

There’s also a bus stop just a couple of doors from the venue.

When booking, let our box office team team know if you have mobility needs or require a wheelchair space - they’ll find the best seat for you and let our theatre staff know so we’re ready to assist you when you arrive.

The East Entrance (off Tay Street) is our most accessible entry point. If you’re being dropped off, your driver can pull up directly to the drop off point, help you inside through the East Entrance doors, then head back to park.

A lift is available in the East Entrance lobby for Dress Circle seating on the first floor. Please note there is no lift to the Gallery level so we generally recommend Gallery seating is avoided for those with mobility needs.

We have 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.