Opera House

Beautiful Theatre. Small enough to be intimate but big enough for the large production. Friendly and informative staff and no big queues at the intermission for drinks.

Good acoustics and size but it could really be improved by removing the columns that block the view.

Don't really like going to the Opera House for shows and events (definitely preferred the St James before it closed down). The seats are very uncomfortable although have a good arrangement for viewing the stage without being obscured. There is no bag or coat check (so arriving straight from the airport with my bags meant having to have them with me in the aisle which was definitely a heath and safety risk). There is also not enough toilets and the queue often ends up half way down the stairs before, during the break and at the end of the show. A good positive is that they bar staff give out free bottles of water than than a plastic cup which is great and are very friendly.

Recently attended the RNZB's "The Nutcracker" here. Although it is a grand and pretty building, I found the gallery is very steep and extremely hot with quite uncomfortable seating. And as the chairs don't fold up it was quite difficult for people to get past us to get to seats in the middle of the rows.

Was here for a show a few months again now. I found the seats super uncomfortable which effected my enjoyment of the show which is sad cause the show was great.