Rainbow Theatre Festival Lights Up Christchurch This March

5 – 8 March 2026 | The Court Theatre

The Court Theatre is set to burst into colour, comedy, music and unapologetic joy this March as the Rainbow Theatre Festival returns for four dazzling days celebrating queer voices, stories and communities.

Running from 5–8 March, the Rainbow Theatre Festival has earned its reputation as New Zealand’s boldest queer festival—a joyful, welcoming space where LGBTQIA+ artists and audiences come together to laugh loudly, feel deeply and celebrate being exactly who they are.

This year’s festival is anchored by two glittering marquee events.

Joel Creasey Live sees Australia’s Crown Prince of Comedy return to New Zealand for the first time in almost a decade—and his very first appearance in Christchurch. Razor-sharp, fearless and deliciously self-aware, Creasey brings his signature brand of comedy after cutting his teeth alongside the legendary Joan Rivers, hosting major TV shows, surviving I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, and gearing up for Taskmaster Australia. Strap in: the claws are out, the quiff is sky-high, and nothing—and no one—is off limits.

Equally unmissable is Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the glitter-soaked, high-energy pop musical making its Australasian debut in a special one-night concert presentation. This joyful, defiant coming-of-age story follows 16-year-old Jamie New as he dares to dream big, challenges prejudice and steps into the spotlight. Performed by members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the production embodies the festival’s spirit of authenticity, pride and connection, building on The Court Theatre’s powerful community-led work following The Laramie Project in 2025.

Beyond the headline acts, the festival pulses with playful chaos and creative heart. Beloved Court Theatre artists reunite for an evening of queer literature packed with wit, seduction and delicious wordplay. Fan-favourite Queered Scriptless returns—fast, filthy, fearless improv through a rainbow lens—while Pacific Rainbow+ icons Alex and MahMah (Two Fat ’Fine) join the Court Jesters for a night of glorious, unapologetic mayhem.

Families are warmly welcomed too, with Hugo Grrrl’s Rainbow Show offering a magical, musical adventure through clouds, rainbows and glittery science—perfect for young audiences, neurodivergent whānau and anyone who believes friendship and fabulousness can change the world.

And when the sun goes down? All bets are off. The Gigantic Gay Late Night Game Show promises chaos, carnage, relentless audience participation and an R18 rating born of pure unpredictability. No rules. No guarantees. Just queerness dialled all the way up.

Whether you come for the comedy, the music, the improv, the glitter—or the sense of belonging—the Rainbow Theatre Festival invites Christchurch to celebrate loudly, proudly and together.

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