Bats Theatre

BATS is a not-for-profit Wellingtonian theatre that offers a experimental mix of independent live performance, including a theatre, dance, improv, stand-up, and experimental work. Since its beginning in 1989, BATS has maintained its kaupapa, “to provide a supportive, professional and accessible theatre venue that fosters the development of practitioners, audiences and New Zealand performance work."

The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes originally owned the theatre. In November 2011, Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh bought and renovated the building to give back to Wellington. After renovation and earthquake strengthening under architect Darren Matthews, the theatre re-opened in November 2014. The classically styled building built 1922-4 is on the Wellington Heritage list.

BATS presents more than 130 shows a year and has given rise to Wellington’s vibrant cultural events including the NZ Fringe Festival and the Young and Hungry Festival. The careers of some of New Zealand's favourite artists have launched at BATS including Flight of the Conchords (Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement), Taika Waititi, Robyn Malcolm, Jacob Rajan, Michael Galvin, Tim Balme, Dan Musgrove and Natalie Medlock.

BATS supports artists to present their work in one of their three professionally equipped theatres (The Random Stage, The Heydey Dome, and The Studio) with a risk share model where they take only 15% of overall ticket sales and charge only nominal venue fees as opposed to a venue hire fee.

With a cosy boutique bar on site and an average ticket price of just $15, a night out at BATS is an affordable, unique and immersive Wellington experience.