When does the theatre bar open?

The bar opens two hours prior to the first scheduled performance of the night.

Can I take food and drinks into the auditorium?

Yes, any food and drinks purchased from the Little Andromeda bar may be taken inside during performances.

How does seating work?

All seating is general admission on a first-in, first-served basis with no bad views in the 100-seat space.

How does the AYCET monthly subscription work?

The All-You-Can-Eat Theatre pass is a monthly subscription that provides an individual discount code to book tickets to shows, subject to seat availability.

Where do ticket sales go?

Seventy-five percent of ticket revenue goes directly to the artists performing on stage.

Can corporate groups book private performances?

Yes, the theatre provides bespoke private performance packages and venue hire for corporate functions and gatherings.

Little Andromeda Theatre

theatre — Addington · Christchurch

About Little Andromeda Theatre

Little Andromeda is a vibrant 100-seat independent theatre nestled along The Terrace in central Christchurch. Known affectionately as Little A, the venue serves as a dedicated platform for emerging professional artists bringing bold new ideas to life, as well as established performers developing fresh work. The programme spans intimate theatrical productions, improv comedy, live storytelling, music, dance, and poetry, creating an accessible creative hub in the city's nightlife precinct.

Operating as a registered charity, Little Andromeda operates with an artist-first ethos, ensuring performers take home 75% of ticket sales. The venue features an on-site bar that opens two hours before the first curtain call, offering hot food delivered from neighboring Craft Embassy alongside drinks that guests are welcome to bring inside the auditorium during performances. With unallocated seating and a welcoming, casual atmosphere, it offers an unpretentious and lively performing arts experience.

Inside Little Andromeda: Christchurch’s Home for Indie Theatre, Improv, and Unfiltered Comedy

Tucked above the riverfront energy of The Terrace in central Christchurch, Little Andromeda—widely known to locals simply as Little A—has built a distinct home for independent performance. With an intimate 100-seat auditorium, the venue strips away the traditional solemnity of theatre-going in favor of a relaxed, spirited space where emerging creators test ambitious ideas and veteran performers stage work unburdened by institutional formality.

From its inception, Little Andromeda was conceived around an artist-centric model. Operating as a registered charity, the theatre returns 75% of box office proceeds directly to the performers on stage, while funding overheads through the remaining gate, corporate functions, sponsorship, and its lively front-of-house bar. The result is a venue where programming remains nimble, experimental, and closely connected to the local arts community.

A Dynamic Stage for Contemporary Storytelling

The programming calendar moves at a rapid pace, regularly presenting between one and three different shows an evening. Theatregoers encounter a rotating lineup ranging from new dramatic scripts and solo autobiographical hours to experimental music, dance, and poetry. Comedy forms a significant cornerstone of the venue's identity, drawing both touring stand-up veterans and local comedic fixtures.

Among its staple offerings are long-running collaborative formats that have earned dedicated followings. The residency comedy vehicle *PERFUCT Storm* sees three veteran improvisers transform a single audience prompt into continuous unscripted scenes. Similarly, monthly productions like *Dungeons & Comedians* and *Improvisers & Dragons* bring tabletop roleplaying game mechanics directly onto the stage, pairing live dice rolls with quick-witted crowd comedy.

The Experience: Drinks, Food, and Unpretentious Comfort

Visiting Little Andromeda feels closer to enjoying a relaxed neighborhood gathering than navigating a rigid theatre foyer. The on-site bar opens two hours before the earliest performance of the evening, encouraging guests to arrive well ahead of curtain call. Visitors can order drinks to enjoy on the mezzanine or settle in with hot meals prepared and delivered directly to the bar courtesy of adjacent hospitality partner Craft Embassy.

Inside the auditorium, seating is entirely general admission. Due to the compact 100-seat layout, every vantage point remains close to the action. Patrons are actively permitted to carry drinks and meals purchased at the venue into the auditorium, emphasizing the venue's philosophy that live performance should remain engaging, casual, and thoroughly social.

Signature items

PERFUCT Storm
Dungeons & Comedians
AYCET Subscription
Craft Embassy Bar Delivery
Charity Artist-Share Model

Single AYCET Monthly Subscription — Monthly all-you-can-eat pass offering access to book tickets across shows.
Plus One AYCET Monthly Subscription — Monthly subscription granting entry for the pass holder plus any guest to any show.
Gold Pass AYCET Monthly Subscription — Supporter subscription allowing the pass holder to bring up to five guests to performances.

Regular Productions & Shows

PERFUCT Storm — Flagship regular comedy performance where three seasoned improvisers build theatrical scenes from an audience prompt.
Dungeons & Comedians — Monthly live stage show featuring local comedians playing a campaign of Dungeons & Dragons.
Improvisers & Dragons — Monthly improvised theatre production inspired by tabletop roleplaying games.
Stand-Up & Solo Touring Comedy — Showcases featuring visiting national and international touring comedians, solo theatre pieces, and festival award-winners.
Corporate & Private Event Shows — Custom live improvised comedy and theatrical performances designed for corporate groups and hires.

Frequently asked questions

When does the theatre bar open?: The bar opens two hours prior to the first scheduled performance of the night.
Can I take food and drinks into the auditorium?: Yes, any food and drinks purchased from the Little Andromeda bar may be taken inside during performances.
How does seating work?: All seating is general admission on a first-in, first-served basis with no bad views in the 100-seat space.
How does the AYCET monthly subscription work?: The All-You-Can-Eat Theatre pass is a monthly subscription that provides an individual discount code to book tickets to shows, subject to seat availability.
Where do ticket sales go?: Seventy-five percent of ticket revenue goes directly to the artists performing on stage.
Can corporate groups book private performances?: Yes, the theatre provides bespoke private performance packages and venue hire for corporate functions and gatherings.

Tips

{"body":"Take advantage of the bar opening two hours prior to showtime to order hot food brought in from Craft Embassy without rushing.","title":"Arrive Early for Dinner"}
{"body":"Because of the intimate 100-seat room, screen glow from phones easily disrupts both performers and fellow audience members.","title":"Keep Devices Tucked Away"}
{"body":"If you are a frequent theatregoer or attend with friends regularly, monthly AYCET passes offer substantial savings across the calendar.","title":"Consider a Subscription"}

Good to know

{"family":"Shows carry varying themes from all-ages improv to adult comedy and solo storytelling.","dietary":"Hot food is supplied by neighboring restaurant Craft Embassy and ordered via the theatre bar.","accessibility":"Accessible seating arrangements can be coordinated in advance via the venue's accessibility page."}