Last updated June 2026
The Globe Theatre at 312 Main Street is Palmerston North’s main community theatre venue. It opened in November 1982 with a circular design inspired by Shakespeare’s original Globe theatre in London. Local architect Brian Elliot designed the building, which was constructed through a partnership between Palmerston North City Council and the Manawatu Theatre Society.
A major redevelopment completed in 2014 added a second auditorium along with extended foyer and cafe/bar facilities. The Globe Theatre Trust, established in 2002, operates the venue as a council-controlled organisation and home for the Manawatu Theatre Society Inc.
Practical Information
| Location | 312 Main Street, Palmerston North 4410 |
| Opened | November 1982; major redevelopment completed 2014 |
| Globe One auditorium | 194-202 seats, including up to 14 wheelchair spaces |
| Globe Two auditorium | 105 seats, retractable seating |
| Operator | Globe Theatre Trust (established 2002); Council-controlled organisation |
| Office hours | Monday-Friday 10am-2pm and one hour prior to shows |
About the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre opened on Main Street in November 1982 as a purpose-built community theatre. Its circular plan draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s original open-air Globe theatre in London. Local architect Brian Elliot designed the original building, which was funded through a partnership between Palmerston North City Council and the Manawatu Theatre Society.
The Globe Theatre Trust was established in 2002 to keep the venue available as a community theatre and home for Manawatu Theatre Society Inc. Palmerston North City Council appoints five trustees and provides an operational grant while maintaining the building fabric. The Trust handles fixtures, fittings and equipment, supported largely by philanthropic grants, and produces three-year business plans and annual reports as a council-controlled organisation.
A major redevelopment completed in 2014 added Globe Two, a smaller second auditorium with retractable seating that converts to a flat-floor space, plus an extended foyer and cafe/bar area. Brian Elliot returned to design the project, which received a New Zealand Architecture Award. The two-auditorium layout supports concurrent productions or smaller events such as chamber-music recitals alongside larger shows in the main house.
For over four decades the Globe has hosted local groups including the Manawatu Theatre Society Inc, dance and drama studios, tertiary institutions, the Manawatu Jazz Festival and the Globe Sunday Matinee concert series. It accommodates drama, comedy, musical theatre, dance, music recitals and private hires such as conferences and award ceremonies. Excellent parking surrounds the theatre, which sits a minute’s walk from The Square.
Comparing With Other Palmerston North Theatres
The Globe sits within a wider Palmerston North live-performance ecosystem. Centrepoint Theatre on Church Street is the city’s professional theatre, the only professional theatre in New Zealand outside the four main centres, producing six shows per year between March and December. The Regent on Broadway is the larger heritage venue, with seating capacity for 1,393 across the ground floor and circle, used for major touring concerts, musicals and symphony performances.
The Globe fills the community-theatre niche between these: smaller scale and accessible ticket prices for community drama and music, with the flexibility of two auditoriums for varied programming.
What Visitors Often Say
Theatre-goers consistently describe the Globe as one of the best community theatres in New Zealand, with the circular Shakespeare-inspired design putting audiences close to the action. The comfortable tiered seating, good sound, friendly staff, and the variety of performances across drama, music and comedy all get repeat positive mentions.
Practical tips: box office runs Monday-Friday 10am-2pm and one hour before show; online tickets close one hour before show start; the foyer cafe and lounge bar work well pre-show; excellent parking surrounds the theatre and it is a minute walk from The Square; popular musicals sell out, so book ahead.
Where to Learn More
Globe Theatre official site: current programme, tickets, audition info and detailed venue information.
Globe Theatre venue spec: full technical details on Globe One and Globe Two auditoriums, foyer, and lounge.
Palmerston North City Council: Globe Theatre: official council venue page with hire information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Globe Theatre?
At 312 Main Street in central Palmerston North, a minute walk from The Square.
When did the Globe Theatre open?
November 1982. A major redevelopment completed in 2014 added a second auditorium and extended the foyer and cafe/bar area, designed by original architect Brian Elliot and recognised with a New Zealand Architecture Award.
Why is it called the Globe?
The circular design of the building was inspired by Shakespeare’s original open-air circular theatre in London.
How many seats?
Two auditoriums: Globe One holds 194-202 (including up to 14 wheelchair spaces); Globe Two holds 105 with retractable seating.
Who runs the Globe?
The Globe Theatre Trust, established 2002. Five Trustees appointed by Palmerston North City Council manage the complex as a Council-controlled organisation.
How do I book tickets?
Via the Globe Theatre site, or door sales. The office is open Monday-Friday 10am-2pm and one hour prior to show. Online sales close one hour before show start.
What kinds of shows?
Community drama, musicals, comedy, dance and music recitals, the Manawatu Jazz Festival, the Globe Sunday Matinee concert series, and selected national and international touring shows.
Is the venue available for hire?
Yes. Both auditoriums, foyer and lounge can be hired for performances, conferences, meetings and private functions. Contact the theatre directly for details and availability.
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