About Fortune Theatre
The Fortune Theatre was Dunedin’s long-running professional theatre venue, based in the city centre (at 231 Stuart Street, corner of Moray Place). It occupied a former 19th-century church and was active from 1974 until its sudden closure in 2018 (www.odt.co.nz ) (www.odt.co.nz ). Architecturally, the building is a fine Gothic-Revival landmark (originally Trinity Methodist Church built in 1869–70 by R.A. Lawson) with pointed arches, lancet windows and stone buttresses (www.gpsmycity.com ). The theatre’s main auditorium seated roughly 230 people (plus a separate 104-seat studio space) and had a cathedral-like feel thanks to its exposed stone interior and high timber ceiling (www.ticketfairy.com ). Fortune was unique and notable: it was, in fact, the southernmost professional theatre company in the world (www.theatreview.org.nz ). For decades it staged new New Zealand plays, Shakespeare, comedies and musicals, becoming a key cultural pillar in Dunedin. Actors such as renowned Kiwi actress Hilary Norris got their start there, performing on its stage over sixty times (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue held a special place in Otago’s arts scene before financial troubles led to its abrupt shutdown; today it remains a heritage-listed (Category I) historic building (infocouncil.dunedin.govt.nz ), a silent reminder of Dunedin’s vibrant theatre history.
Events and Programming
During its 40 years of operation, Fortune Theatre ran an annual season of plays, comedies, dramas and musicals. Typical seasons ran from autumn through spring (roughly April–November) with evening shows most nights and usually a Sunday matinee. Productions ranged from Kiwi-written comedies (for example by Roger Hall) to international classics and family shows. The company often staged multiple-week runs of popular shows, and even had a small repertory company at times (www.odt.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many productions were designed to appeal to the whole community – from local new works and children’s holiday shows to more serious drama – so there was usually something on every few weeks of the season. Over its lifetime the theatre produced well over 400 different shows (www.odt.co.nz ). In recent years (just before closing) ticket prices were roughly NZ$34–45 for adults (www.ticketfairy.com ) (with lower rates for early-bird sales or concessions). Because audiences typically grew for the better-loved shows, it was normal for a production to sell out and extend its run.
Note: As of now no performances are scheduled. Fortune Theatre ceased operations in mid-2018 (www.odt.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The building is currently not hosting events and has been vacant since the company closed. Any future shows will depend on new management or a new purpose for the venue.
Tickets and Booking
Since Fortune Theatre has been permanently closed, there are currently no tickets on sale. When it was operating, tickets were sold both online and in person. The on-site box office was at the Stuart Street entrance and kept modern hours during a show’s run (typically weekdays through early evening and shorter hours on weekends) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Patrons could buy tickets 24/7 through the theatre’s website or by calling or visiting the box office. All seating was reserved up front, so you would choose a specific seat when booking. There was no general-admission area or standing section (www.ticketfairy.com ). For popular shows, the best strategy was to book early – often months in advance – because performances did frequently sell out (www.ticketfairy.com ). Generally, late box-office sales were not available once the house was full.
In practice, one would have planned ahead by checking the season announcement (usually in advance of April), then using the official box office or online portal to secure seats. In recent seasons adult tickets typically cost around NZ$40–45, with early-bird, senior, student and community card discounts dropping that into the mid-$30s (www.ticketfairy.com ). (For sanctioned discounts, the Fortune required a valid Gold Card or student ID at the door.) Members of the theatre’s support group also paid a reduced rate. There were no special door-sale or rush tickets: if a show was sold out, the advice was always “book early.”
Tip: If Fortune Theatre had still been operating, the box office recommended arriving about 20 minutes before curtain time to pick up tickets and settle in (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). But again, since the theatre is no longer open to events, no reservations can be made now.
Seating and Layout
Fortune Theatre’s interior was laid out as a traditional proscenium theatre. Its Main Auditorium had just over 200 seats (approximately 230) arranged in straight rows on a slight upward rake facing the stage (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The stage itself was framed with red curtains and the audience saw it from all sides as the hall was relatively narrow. All seats were fixed chairs with upholstery; none were general admission or unreserved (www.ticketfairy.com ). Directly behind the main hall (often on a partial mezzanine) sat the small Studio Theatre, seating about 104 people. This studio space was used for smaller or experimental productions and shared backstage access.
According to theatre guides, the entire venue seated roughly 334 people in total (230 + 104) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Sightlines were generally excellent. Because the auditorium was intimate, even seats toward the back were not far from the action, and acoustics were clear. Reviews noted that “any central seat in the first two-thirds of the hall will hear well” (www.ticketfairy.com ), meaning even mid-price tickets could experience good sound. Some audience members preferred to avoid the very front row, since it placed them directly under the stage lights (and could require looking up close at actors’ faces). Many local fans simply chose center-section middle rows for a balanced view of the entire stage.
There were no balcony or VIP sections; seating was one level, stepped up gently. Because every seat was assigned, there were no standing-room tickets or lawn areas. On rare occasions the box office might release returned seats on the day of a sold-out show, but normally one needed an advance ticket to get in. Overall, the seating setup was very spectator-friendly – comfortable local chairs, decent legroom, and good sight-lines to the evenly lit stage.
Getting There and Parking
Fortune Theatre’s address was 231 Stuart Street in downtown Dunedin (postcode 9016). This spot is just one block southwest of the Octagon, the city’s central plaza. If driving, visitors can use GPS or maps to find the intersection of Stuart Street and Moray Place. Street parking is available but limited. Metered parking on Stuart and surrounding side streets is common (around NZ$2 per hour) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Because the theatre is in the heart of the CBD, those spots often fill up during evenings.
The closest large parking facility is the St Andrew Street (Anzac Avenue) car-park – a multi-story building at 36 Anzac Avenue (around 200m east of Stuart Street) with about 265 spaces (www.ticketfairy.com ). It is open into the night and charges roughly NZ$8 for two hours. Using this lot (or similar downtown parking buildings) is typically easier than hunting street parking. Several smaller private garages are also nearby, and times when Dunedin’s free parking zone applies (usually Sunday evenings) can yield free spots.
For drop-offs or taxi access, Stuart Street can serve as a convenient spot to let off passengers at the entrance. There is also a taxi rank on Moray Place near the Railway Station, which is only a block east of the theatre. Rideshare services (Uber, Ola, etc.) and local cabs will generally drop you at the Moray/Stuart corner upon request.
Public Transit: Dunedin’s Orbus bus network provides very easy access. The Moray Place/Octagon bus stops are only 50–100 metres from the venue (www.ticketfairy.com ). Almost any city bus routed through the Octagon will drop passengers within a short walk. In particular, the city-route numbers (3, 18, 77, and others) all pass through the Octagon. Simply ride the bus that goes downtown and alight at the Octagon or Moray stops, then walk one block to Stuart Street. The Dunedin Railway Station (on lower Stuart) is about a 5–10 minute walk (400m) east of the theatre. The University of Otago campus is roughly a 15–20 minute walk south along lower Stuart Street. If coming from Dunedin Airport, airport shuttles and taxis serve the Octagon area directly. In general, public transport is very straightforward and often preferable to driving for an evening show, especially since buses run frequently in early evenings and waits can occur if parking).
Inside the Venue
Walking into Fortune Theatre felt like entering an old sacred space now filled with theatre ambiance. The lobby (just inside the front doors) retained much of its church origin – it has solid stone walls and dark wood trim, giving it an “old church” feel. A coat-check/cloakroom stood on one side, as audiences traditionally leave coats there in a small cloak area. Curtains and posters about the season decorated the walls. The lighting in the foyer was gentle, enough to see programs and move around. There was also a small lounge/cafe-bar on the main floor, either in or adjacent to the lobby, where drinks were sold before the show and at intermission (www.ticketfairy.com ).
In the auditorium, rows of padded theatre chairs filled the space under a tall wooden ceiling. The stage had red velvet curtains, and the aisles were lit by vintage-style wall lamps. Patrons remarked that the space felt warm and cozy once the lights dimmed. The interior’s mix of fabric seats against stone walls created surprisingly good acoustics – actors’ voices carried clearly to the back of the hall. (In fact, many audience members noted that any seat in the middle of the hall allowed excellent sound (www.ticketfairy.com ), so even if a central seat was not available, the peripheral seats were still fine.)
Fortune featured modern amenities too: the theatre had an up-to-date sound and lighting system (usual for a mid-sized venue), and heating was provided for comfort. Still, due to its thick stone walls, people often suggested bringing a sweater or jacket on chilly nights (www.ticketfairy.com ). There was no public Wi-Fi for guests; moviegoers and audiences generally relied on personal mobile data or the occasional nearby cafe. Restrooms were easy to find – they were on the ground floor near the lobby entrance (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue was also fully licensed: a bar inside sold wine, beer and other drinks during the intermission (and before/after the show) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Outside food and drink were not allowed in the auditorium.
As for atmosphere, Fortune was known to feel like a community theatre. Security was minimal and friendly – staff usually just checked tickets at the doors. Patrons behaved like they were in a casual local venue (appreciative and quiet during the show). The etiquette reminders were typical: phones off, no flash photography or recording (all performances were strictly non-photographic). If you go in the dark to find your seat, mind the step at the first row (the seating area had a very low footrail), but otherwise navigation was straightforward.
Today’s visitors should note: since Fortune Theatre closed, the interior has had no active staff. The lobby and bar may be locked and dark at all times, and the auditoriums are not in use. However, one can still admire the preserved stained-glass windows and the original sanctuary architecture from the foyer side. (Official tours are not offered at present.) But if you are allowed inside, it’s interesting to see that much of the historic charm is intact – just without the performances on stage.
Nearby Amenities
Fortune Theatre’s location is extremely convenient for dining and pre- or post-show activities. It sat only a couple of steps from the Octagon, Dunedin’s central plazas, so almost any city-center amenity was at hand. Within a two-minute walk you’ll find dozens of restaurants and bars. For example, a few doors east on Stuart Street is Speight’s Ale House , a popular pub and brewery tavern. Around the Octagon are numerous cafes and eateries – Italian (Paisano’s Bistro, Good Oil), New Zealand-style casual (Little Craft Eatery), burger/fusion (Cali Mamas), and more. Coffee shops like Best Café and Viva are within sight, as are ethnic places (Thai, Indian, Japanese sushi, etc.).
On Moray Place (just behind Fortune Theatre) you’ll see bars like The Bog and Domino, plus the historic Dunedin Athenaeum & Mechanics building (home of the Octagon Reading Room library). The concert venue Hanover Hall is right on the corner (2 College Street). Dessert or after-show spots include a crepes place and gelato bars in the Octagon. For a quick bite on the go, there’s a 24-hour grocery and some fish-and-chip shops just a block away on George Street. Many theatre-goers would grab a coffee or gelato at the Octagon’s gelato shop between acts.
Hotels: Fortune’s doorstep is lined with accommodations. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel (on Moray Place, formerly Millennium) is immediately next door. A short walk brings you to the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross and the Ibis Dunedin Centre (both on the Octagon). A block down is the Holiday Inn Express. Budget travelers often stay at the Dunedin Chateau backpacker (on Liverpool Street), which is a 4-minute walk. All these are very close, so late-night stays and breakfast the next day are easy options if you come from out of town.
In summary, whether you want pre-show dinner, coffee, or a drink after, Fortune Theatre was surrounded by amenities. Most fast-food, cafe and restaurant options on Princes, Moray or Lower Stuart Streets are just two blocks away. (It’s wise to plan restaurants in advance when shows end late, as many close by 10pm.) If your show runs late, Dunedin’s bus network still has service until around midnight on weekends, and there are taxi stands at the Octagon and Railway Station to catch at night. But again, since Fortune Theatre itself is closed, this is general advice for the area surrounding 231 Stuart Street.
What Makes This Venue Special
The thread that made Fortune Theatre special was a combo of its historic architecture and deep cultural role. Architecturally, few theatres look like it. Designed by famed architect Robert Lawson (who also did Dunedin’s First Church and Larnach Castle), the stone church facade commands attention on Stuart Street (www.gpsmycity.com ). Gothic touches – a high slate steeple, carved church emblems over the door, looming arched windows and a rose window – give it the grandeur of a cathedral on a smaller scale. To this day historians note it as a Category 1 heritage structure (infocouncil.dunedin.govt.nz ). Inside, original elements (stained-glass, beams, timber ceiling) are all still visible, so attending a performance felt unlike sitting in a modern hall. Visitors often said “it just feels like an old church with the house lights dimmed.” The contrast of polished volcanic basalt walls and warm wooden seats created a unique ambience that set it apart from newer venues.
Culturally, Fortune Theatre’s story resonated strongly with locals. For decades it was the foremost stage in Dunedin, drawing in creative community support. It was famous as “the world’s southernmost professional theatre” (www.theatreview.org.nz ) – a bragging point that Dunedinites held dear and even international performers respected. Over the years many prominent New Zealand actors emerged from the Fortune. (For example, the late Dame Hilary Norris had her career on this stage, and performed there more than 60 times (www.ticketfairy.com ).) The theatre put Dunedin on the touring map; a visiting drama or comedy tour would include Dunedin specifically because of the Fortune’s presence. When it closed in 2018, national figures called it a devastating loss for the region’s performing arts.
Local tradition and lore also make it special. Longtime theatregoers recall that opening nights were festive: patrons dressed in suits or dress clothes, and afterward the cast would mingle in the lobby bar. People spoke fondly of overhearing friends and neighbors at intermission in Fortune’s cosy bar. There were even quirky ghost stories: actors joked about scary noises or flickering lights, a nod to the building’s church past (www.odt.co.nz ). These stories – like bringing in an exorcist for laughs – became part of its character. All told, Fortune built a feeling of community connection: actors, crew and audience all felt part of one big family night after night under that roof. Even now, former patrons speak of the theater’s “intimate warmth” and how it was easy to feel engaged wherever you sat (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). For both its charm and history, Fortune Theatre remains ingrained in Dunedin’s local arts scene – a rare venue that combined old-world church beauty with a modern, spirited theatre life.
Visitor Tips and Information
Status: Importantly, Fortune Theatre is not currently open to the public. The theatre company shut down in 2018, and for now the building is unused (www.odt.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). This means if you show up at 231 Stuart Street, you will just see a locked, empty hall rather than a running performance. Check local news or council announcements for any changes (the Dunedin City Council has been exploring ideas for the site), but for now no tickets or events are available there.
Arrival Timing: In its active days, people were advised to arrive 15–20 minutes before the start of a show (www.ticketfairy.com ). This gave time to pick up tickets at the box office and visit the bar or restrooms. Shows typically began after dark on weekdays (Fortune’s schedule used to be Tuesday at 6pm, Wednesday–Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 4pm (fortunetheatre.co.nz )). As a guide, the doors opened around 30–60 minutes before each performance. The lobby bar stayed open up until the curtain for pre-show drinks. Note that downtown Dunedin has no weather delays – indoor theatre runs rain or shine – but severe weather could affect travel or parking.
Accessibility: The building’s 19th-century structure limits wheelchair access. There is step-free entry at the front, and the main floor is generally flat, so a wheelchair or mobility aid can reach most of the front-row seating. However, there is no elevator to the upper studio level (www.ticketfairy.com ). (In fact, heritage reports note that retrofitting a lift would be needed for full access.) Visitors requiring accessible seating were advised to reserve a ground-floor aisle seat in advance. Accessible toilets were on the entrance level as well. An usher could assist with directions, but otherwise the space is not fully level. Elderly or unsteady patrons should plan for one small step up into the auditorium seating area.
What to Bring: The dress code was quite casual. No formal attire is needed; smart-casual is fine. Many people wore jeans or slacks with a nice shirt or sweater. On special nights (e.g. an opening or gala) some dressing up was common, but it was never required. The building tends to run cool, so consider bringing a light jacket or scarf in winter (www.ticketfairy.com ). New Zealand theatres are always non-smoking venues (smoking is banned indoors and near entrances). As usual, turn phones off or to silent. Children are welcome if the show is appropriate – family-friendly performances were regularly offered on school holidays. (Check the programme rating; some dramas may be restricted to older audiences.) If you attend, remember outside food and drink are not allowed in the theatre. Leave large bags or backpacks behind (the venue discouraged bulky items; the cloakroom was small). If you want refreshments, use the bar/cafe once seated.
During the Show: Ushers will help you find your seat; watch your step on entry because small thresholds exist. Most seats provide good views of the stage, but center seats are the easiest for both sightlines and sound (www.ticketfairy.com ). Materials (playbills, programs) were often handed out at the door or lobby. When the lights go down, settle in quietly. No flash photography, recording equipment or live-streaming is permitted – these were strictly enforced to avoid disturbing performances (www.ticketfairy.com ). In many cases, the first few rows might be slightly angled upward, so if seated there you’ll have to look up at the performers (some find this immersive, others not). Breaks were typically signaled by intermission lights (around halfway through a standard play). Restrooms were in the foyer if needed during a show break.
Insider Tips: If a show is close to selling out, sometimes the box office will release a few tickets at the door if patrons fail to show; it can pay to arrive a few minutes early even on “sold-out” days. Try a standby in the lobby if you see that situation. If you really want to see a full show, callers sometimes would check late in the day for returned seats. (In the past, mixing with regulars at the bar before the show was a way to hear about seat returns.) In general, the middle-center tickets are safe bets for both sound and visibility – the theatre’s audio was good enough that even middle rows reported hearing dialog clearly (www.ticketfairy.com ). Finally, if Fortune Theatre does reactivate, subscribing to the theatre’s mailing list or following Dunedin arts announcements would be the way to know when new tickets go on sale (similar to how it was done in earlier years).
Is the Fortune Theatre still open for shows?
No. The Fortune Theatre company closed in May 2018 (www.odt.co.nz ) and has not resumed operations. The building is currently empty and not hosting any performances. If you visit 231 Stuart Street now, you will find the theatre is locked and no shows are being held.
Where is Fortune Theatre located?
Fortune Theatre was at 231 Stuart Street, on the corner of Stuart and Moray Place in Dunedin (postcode 9016). This is in the heart of the CBD, just one block from the Octagon. (Today the building is vacant, but that is its address.)
How many people could the Fortune Theatre accommodate?
The venue had two sections: a Main Auditorium and a Studio Theatre. The main stage seated about 230 people, and the smaller studio held about 104 more (www.ticketfairy.com ). All seats were numbered and reserved in advance; there was no general-admission/standing area (www.ticketfairy.com ). The total capacity was roughly 334 seats.
How can I buy tickets for a Fortune Theatre show?
Since Fortune Theatre has closed, no tickets are being sold. When it operated, tickets could be purchased online or at the on-site box office (open during weekday afternoons/evenings and before shows) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Popular shows sold out quickly, so advance booking was strongly recommended (www.ticketfairy.com ). Nowadays, if the theatre ever reopens, a similar online or box-office system would likely be used.
What were the ticket prices for Fortune Theatre?
Adult ticket prices varied by production but were typically in the low- to mid-$40 NZD range (around NZ$40–45) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Discounts (often around $34–40) were available for early-bird purchasers, seniors (Gold Card), students, and theatre members. If Fortune were open today, you could expect a similar pricing structure and concessions.
Where can I park when attending the theatre?
There was no dedicated parking lot for Fortune Theatre. Street parking was available on Stuart Street and nearby side roads (metered at roughly NZ$2 per hour) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The nearest large car park is the St Andrew Street (Anzac Avenue) multi-storey (about one block east), which has ~265 spaces and charges around NZ$8 for 2 hours (www.ticketfairy.com ). Taxis and Ubers can drop off passengers on Stuart Street, or at the taxi rank on Moray Place.
Which buses or trams go to Fortune Theatre?
Fortune Theatre was easily reached by Dunedin buses. The Moray Place/Octagon bus stops (within 100m) were served by almost all city routes. In practice, just take any bus toward the Octagon (for example, Orbus routes #3, #18, #77, etc.) and get off at the Octagon or Moray Place stop (www.ticketfairy.com ). The theatre lies one block from those stops on Stuart Street. Dunedin has no tram system, only buses.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility was limited due to the historic building. There is step-free entry at the front, so the main auditorium’s front rows were on ground level. However, there was no elevator, so the upstairs Studio Theatre could not be reached by wheelchair (www.ticketfairy.com ). Patrons using a wheelchair were advised to reserve a ground-floor aisle seat in the main hall. The venue did have an accessible toilet on the ground level.
Does Fortune Theatre serve food or drinks?
Yes. Fortune Theatre had a fully licensed bar/cafe inside the foyer/lounge. Audience members could purchase beer, wine or soft drinks at half-time or before the show (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Outside food was not permitted in the theatre seating (but you could eat in the lobby). After shutdown, there is currently no bar service since the theatre is closed.
Are cameras or phones allowed inside?
Personal photography or video recording during performances was not allowed. This is standard theatre etiquette to avoid distracting performers and other audience members. In short: no flash photos or filming of the show. You are welcome to take pictures of the building’s exterior though. Phones should be turned off or silenced during any performance.
Is there a coat check or bag storage?
While the theatre was open, there was a small foyer/cloakroom where patrons could leave coats or umbrellas. Large bags were discouraged; if you had bulky luggage it was better to leave it in your car or at your hotel. (When operating, Fortune’s own policy was that personal items should be kept to a minimum in the seating area.)
Are there restroom facilities inside?
Yes – the theatre had public restrooms for patrons on the ground floor near the lobby (www.ticketfairy.com ). When the theatre was open, ushers would direct you to them during intermission. (Even now, the old restrooms are still in place, though again the building is not in use.)
Is Fortune Theatre smoke-free?
Yes. Like all indoor venues in New Zealand, Fortune Theatre was completely smoke-free. Smoking was prohibited inside and also not allowed within 10 metres of the entrance doors. There were no smoking areas inside; if someone needed a cigarette break they had to step outside (and re-enter quietly).
Will the Fortune Theatre ever reopen?
As of late 2025, there are no definite plans or a program of performances scheduled for 231 Stuart Street (www.ticketfairy.com ). The Dunedin City Council is considering proposals for the old theatre building (including selling or leasing it for community use) (www.odt.co.nz ). Some media have discussed building a new mid-sized theatre in Dunedin since Fortune closed (www.odt.co.nz ). If anything changes (for example, a new theatre project), it will be announced through official city and arts channels. In other words, keep an eye on Dunedin news or arts notices for updates.
