Rotorua Little Theatre, also known as The Shambles Theatre, is a volunteer-run community theatre on Amohau Street in Victoria, Rotorua. It has been part of the local arts scene since 1951, and it marks its 75th anniversary in 2026. It has been based in its current home behind the Pak'n'Save supermarket since 1955.
The theatre puts on four shows a year, from Shakespeare and murder mysteries to pantomime and farce. It also gives out-of-town performers a local stage at a cost the theatre can manage, which keeps the lineup varied. The theatre is run by a committee of ten volunteers, elected each year. Members, volunteers and performers are invited to join, whether they act, direct, build sets or help behind the scenes.
The raked auditorium seats 103, with two wheelchair spaces, and faces a proscenium arch stage with room backstage and in the wings. The foyer has accessible toilets. The Greenroom is for audiences, cast and crew, and has a bar and kitchen. The building also has a workroom for larger sets and rooms for props and storage.
The theatre is on the Amohau Street side of the Pak'n'Save car park, beside the supermarket.
Our pick in Rotorua for a night at the local theatre, where the seats are close and the performers are your neighbours.