The Hannah is a performance space and place for development. It’s home to wild independence from bold, professional makers, and an interconnected hub of creativity and exploration.

Dating back to 1973, Hannah Playhouse is a historic theatre in the heart of Wellington City. A stunning brutalist building designed by architect James Beard and theatre designer Raymond Boyce MBE, the theatre has platformed many of Aotearoa's most innovative and successful creatives and was the home for Downstage Theatre 1973-2013.

Our unique 243-seat theatre is an ideal space for independent theatremakers to present original work and develop new, exciting ideas. It is an affordable and flexible theatre space dedicated to the sustainability of professional performing arts in the city.

The Hannah programme is curated to nurture the Aotearoa professional performing arts sector and provide experiences of scale and impact for Wellington audiences. Approximately half of theatre use is for the creation of new work with the provision of space and technical inventory. At all other times the Hannah lights up the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Courtenay Place with theatre, dance, music, comedy and multi-disciplinary experiences.

She’s an iconic building filled with a rich history. Read her full story here.