Musical Theatre Gisborne was established in 2008 as a result of two Musical Societies combining, Gisborne Musical Theatre (Formerly Gisborne Operatic Society) and Gisborne Theatre Arts.

Gisborne Operatic Society

Gisborne Operatic Society began in 1892. The first production was ‘Iolanthe’ in the Theatre Royal. There were no shows during the Boer War and then once again during WW1. Shows continued in the 1920s, at this time in the Opera House. The depression years of the 1930s put a halt again to productions. At the end of the 1930s two shows were performed before WW2 started, again halting productions. Another 10 years went by before GOS returned with ‘Belle of New York’ in 1949. The Operatic Society staged productions at the Opera House through 1966.

Productions then moved to the Memorial Hall, which then became the War Memorial Theatre in 1975. Celebrations in 1992 marked the 100 years anniversary. On through the 1980s and 1990s. Gisborne Operatic Society changed their name to Gisborne Musical Theatre in 2005. Producing the last show then in 2006, ‘The Sound of Music’, before amalgamation.

Gisborne Theatre Arts

Gisborne Theatre Arts was established in 1977 as Musical Theatre Restaurant, having its first production ‘The Boyfriend’ at the Museum Concourse. Classic and Modern Musicals were staged at Lawson Field Theatre. GTA built Clubrooms, in Innes Street in the mid-1980s. Celebrating 30 years in 2007. Producing the last show that same year, ‘HMS Pinafore’ before amalgamation.

Musical Theatre Gisborne

The two Societies came to an agreement to combine resources and become a new entity, holding onto the history of both societies, with both moving into the Innes Street property where MTG currently resides.

Musical Theatre Gisborne’s first production of ‘Chicago’ has been followed by fantastic shows since 2008 and with the War Memorial Theatre, Lawson Field Theatre and the MTG clubrooms all having undergone extensive renovations we look forward to continuing to bring you Musical Theatre Shows using the amazing talent Tairawhiti has to offer.