Celebrating 50 Years On Stage!

The History of New Players Theatre Company (1976–2026)The New Players Theatre Company in Newlands, Wellington, celebrates its 50th Golden Anniversary. It stands as one of the most resilient and beloved community amateur theater groups in Wellington’s Northern Suburbs.For five decades, this non-professional company has championed a commitment to bringing high-quality, professional-standard live performance, camaraderie, and “theatre shenanigans” to local audiences.

Not Now Darling 1976

1. The Genesis and Foundation (1976)

The mid-1970s marked a creative surge in Wellington’s cultural scene. While professional entities like Downstage and Circa Theatre were laying roots in the central city, a distinct gap remained for amateur, grassroots theater in the expanding northern suburbs.In 1976, a small group of visionary locals led by Ross Conland came together to form the New Players Theatre Company.The Debut: The company officially kicked off its theatrical legacy with a double production of the classic farce ‘Not Now, Darling’ by Ray Cooney and John Chapman.The Visionary: The show was directed by Conland, who would go on to become a foundational Life Member, cementing an ethos of community-led storytelling from day one.

2. The Nomadic Years: Creative Venues (1970s–1980s)

Without a dedicated, permanent playhouse of their own, the early decades required immense adaptability. The company quickly earned a reputation for spatial creativity, turning everyday community spaces into functional theatrical sets.The Stagedoor Theatre: The primary home for New Players throughout the late 1970s and 1980s was Newlands College. Utilizing the school’s classrooms and main stage, they produced memorable local runs, including Jack Popplewell’s ‘Darling, I’m Home’ in 1978 under the direction of Olga Harding.Alternative Stages: When school spaces were unavailable, the troupe adapted to whatever was at hand. Notable venues included:The back room of the Newlands Arms pub.The classrooms of Bellevue School.The historic and atmospheric Wilton House.Through these shifting settings, the company consistently staged 1 to 2 productions per year, maintaining a steady presence through local newsletters, club nights, and regional drama festivals (such as the Wales Bank Drama Festival).

New Players Float Newlands Paparangi District Festival 1981

3. Evolving Repertoire: Comedies, Dramas, and Farces

The New Players have always known their audience, curating a balance of side-splitting British farces, sharp contemporary New Zealand comedies, and intimate one-act plays. Over the years, their program has featured works by prominent writers both local and international, including Joe Musaphia, Devon Williamson, and Roger Hall.Era / Recent YearsKey Highlight ProductionsPrimary VenueLate 1970s / 1980sNot Now, Darling, Darling, I’m Home, Bonaventure, Shotgun WeddingNewlands College / Historic Wilton House2017–2019Supermarket Sisterhood, The Vicar of Dibley, Four Flat Whites in ItalyNewlands Community Theatre / Centre2020Murder On The Menu (Directed by Braden Lister)Gryphon Theatre (Central Wellington)2023–2024Death and Taxes, When Harriet Met Sally, Art TheftNewlands Community Centre / Gryphon Theatre2025Crazy Ladies (Directed by Maria Schrader)Gryphon Theatre4. Modern Era and The Newlands Community CentreAs Wellington’s northern suburbs grew, New Players established a firm residency at the Newlands Community Centre on Batchelor Street.

The centre serves as the company’s administrative base, rehearsal room, and primary prop storage facility.To broaden their reach, modern seasons alternate between intimacy and scale. They continue to stage local community shows in Newlands and Tawa, while occasionally migrating into central city venues like the Gryphon Theatre on Ghuznee Street to capture wider Wellington audiences.

Cinderella 1981