The Globe Theatre at 312 Main Street is the main community theatre of Palmerston North. It opened in November 1982, taking its name from the circular design of the building, which was inspired by Shakespeare’s original open-air circular theatre in London. The building was designed by local architect Brian Elliot and built as a partnership between Palmerston North City Council and the Manawatu Theatre Society.
A major redevelopment in 2014 added a second auditorium and extended the foyer and cafe/bar area, also designed by Brian Elliot and recognised with a New Zealand Architecture Award. The Globe Theatre Trust was established in 2002 to operate the venue as a community theatre and as the home of Manawatu Theatre Society Inc, alongside hosting national and international theatrical and musical groups.
Practical Information
| Location | 312 Main Street, Palmerston North 4410 |
| Opened | November 1982; major redevelopment 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 |
| Box office | Mon-Fri 10am-2pm and one hour prior to show |
About the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre opened on Main Street in November 1982 as a purpose-built community theatre, taking its name from the circular plan inspired by Shakespeare’s original Globe in London. The building was designed by Palmerston North architect Brian Elliot, and was built as a partnership between Palmerston North City Council and the Manawatu Theatre Society, with both parties contributing substantial capital funds.
The Globe Theatre Trust was established in 2002 to ensure the theatre remains available as a community theatre and as the home of Manawatu Theatre Society Inc. The City Council appoints five Trustees to manage the complex and provides an operational grant; the Trust Board maintains the fixtures, fittings and theatre equipment, supported largely by philanthropic grants. As a Council-controlled organisation, the Trust produces a three-year business plan and annual reports.
A major redevelopment completed in 2014 added Globe Two, a smaller second auditorium with retractable seating that converts to a flat-floor space, and extended the foyer and cafe/bar area. Brian Elliot returned to design the redevelopment, which won a New Zealand Architecture Award. The two-auditorium layout lets the Globe run concurrent productions or use the smaller space for chamber-music recitals and smaller works while a larger production runs in the main house.
For over three decades the Globe has been home to local performance groups including the Manawatu Theatre Society Inc, alongside local dance and drama studios, tertiary institutions, the Manawatu Jazz Festival, and the Globe Sunday Matinee concert series. It is set up for drama, comedy, musical theatre, dance, music recitals, and private hires including conferences and award ceremonies.
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 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 box 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.
For more cultural venues, see the historical and cultural sites hub. Combine with Centrepoint Theatre or Regent on Broadway for the wider Palmerston North theatre scene.