St James Theatre
Classical grandeur lends a sense of occasion to any event at the St James Theatre. Frame your presentations and performances with a magnificent proscenium arch, or host a dinner or social occasion on the stage itself
Where
Courtenay precinct
Home of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the St James Theatre is the jewel in the crown of Wellington's flourishing theatre scene.
More than just a venue for performing arts - although it plays host to a variety of dance, drama, opera, comedy and cabaret every year - the theatre’s proscenium arch and historic decorative interior also make for a unique and memorable venue for functions, conferences and onstage dinners.
Host your guests on the spacious stage for an unforgettable onstage dining experiences and theatrical conference environments, adding dramatic flair to the occasion.
Refurbished in the late 1990s, the St James Theatre accents its old-world glamour with modern technology.
The First Floor Gallery, Hospitality Suite and The Foyer all offer additional space for any auditorium event, or more intimate elegant spaces for meetings, cocktails and hosting. Whatever the occasion, the St James Theatre offers a unique and opulent venue that will wow your guests.
Stage / Auditorium
The St James Theatre’s auditorium is a stunning space for performances, presentations, prizegivings and seminars. The historic surroundings offer a unique environment of gilt and glamour.
Give your guests a unique dinner experience and invite them to dine onstage, looking out towards the historic 100-year-old theatre. The spacious stage can comfortably accommodate your guests along with room for presentations, dancing and live entertainment
First Floor Gallery
This airy, grand space is an inviting blank canvas ideal for your next meeting or function. Large windows overlooking Courtenay Place let in plenty of natural light — or luxe velvet drapes can divide the space and instantly transform the atmosphere.
The First Floor Gallery is a popular venue for wine tastings, cocktail receptions and product launches.
Our dinner on Saturday night went really well. Our guests felt very pampered and fortunate to experience fine dining in such a unique setting
Julia Dunn, Events Co-ordinator, ITM
The Hospitality Suite
The Hospitality Suite is a hidden gem for events and meetings. Tucked away at the south end of the building, this cosy space adds a touch of theatre to business engagements.
With a high stud and natural light streaming in, the Hospitality Suite is ideal as a pre- or post-show hosting venue for performances at the St James Theatre.
The Foyer
At street level, The Foyer is a great area for welcome cocktails and hosting, with plenty of space for registration and coat check.
Layout and Capacity
| Stage / Auditorium | First Floor Gallery | Hospitality Suite | Foyer | |
| Floor Area (m²) | - | 600 | 173 | 270 |
| Stage Area (m²) | 480 | - | - | - |
| Theatre | 1,552 | 350 | 150 | 150 |
| Classroom | - | 200 | 90 | 90 |
| Cocktail | 289 | onstage | 650 | 150 | 150 |
| Banquet | 289 | onstage | 250 | 100 | 500 |
| Performance | 1,553 | seated | - | - | - |
| Exhibition stands | - | 30 | - | - |
Talk to us about the St James Theatre
Located in the heart of Wellington's entertainment district this venue has the capacity to stage music & theatre performances and host conferences of great magnitude.
If you'd like to know more on venue options or organise a visit, please contact the Venues Wellington Sales Team
