Auckland Secures Cirque Empire In World Premiere Season

Auckland Live announces the exclusive New Zealand premiere of Cirque Empire, an epic new production from the creators of the global smash hits Cirque Alice, Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple, Now You See Me Live and Circus 1903. Presented as part of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival, the season will transform The Civic into a roaring 1920s party of glamour, spectacle and excess. Secured as part of the show's world premiere season, Auckland audiences will be among the first in the world to experience this brand-new production.

Set in 1920s New York and produced by Simon Painter and Tim Lawson, Cirque Empire follows a visionary young impresario who has inherited his late father's fortune and invested every penny in creating the ultimate destination for roaring twenties revelry. Featuring an eclectic line-up of breathtaking and outrageous talent from across the globe, including high-flying aerialists, avant-garde acrobats, comedians and dazzling dancers, this opulent theatrical extravaganza transports audiences to a world of glamour, excess and world-class live entertainment that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Executive Producer Tim Lawson says he is thrilled to be bringing another extraordinary production to New Zealand audiences. “We had such fun with Cirque Alice and are excited to bring Cirque Empire to The Civic. The show will boast world-class entertainment that will dazzle audiences whether you're planning a date night, a night out with friends, or bringing the whole family along”.

With the cast to be announced in the coming months, Creative Producer Simon Painter says audiences can expect a line-up of some of the world's most extraordinary performers, from international circus artists and comedians to an elite troupe of dancers.

“The cast selected for Cirque Empire is among the very best acrobatic, dance and comedic talent assembled for a circus production, and we can't wait to share these incredible acts with Auckland audiences.”

Daniel Clarke, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Auckland Live, says, "To secure Cirque Empire as part of its world premiere season is incredibly exciting. It means Auckland audiences will be among the first in the world to experience this spectacular new show, ahead of audiences in the United States, Asia and Europe.

"We saw how enthusiastically Auckland audiences embraced Cirque Alice earlier this year and are delighted to once again be working with Simon Painter and Tim Lawson to bring their latest production to The Civic. Combined with the glamour and grandeur of the roaring twenties, Cirque Empire promises to be a truly unforgettable experience for Auckland audiences."

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says productions such as Cirque Empire reinforce Auckland’s reputation as a must-visit destination for major events.

“World-class live entertainment plays an important role in creating a vibrant, dynamic city. Cirque Empire will give Aucklanders and visitors the opportunity to experience an extraordinary international production, while bringing people into the city centre, supporting local businesses and contributing to Auckland’s energy and vitality. Productions of this calibre help cement Auckland’s position as a destination for exceptional events and experiences.”

With City Rail Link services operating through the city centre, getting to Cirque Empire could never be easier, with Te Waihorotiu Station a short walk from The Civic.

Prepare for a night of roaring glamour and outrageous spectacle.

Presented by Auckland Live in association with Tim Lawson and Simon Painter.

Presale begins at 9am on Thursday, 12 November. General tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, 13 November. For more information and to book, visit aucklandlive.co.nz.

CIRQUE EMPIRE

The Civic, Auckland

Thursday, 11 – Sunday, 21 March

THE PRODUCERS - TIM LAWSON AND SIMON PAINTER

Simon and Tim have created, produced and presented some of the world’s best-selling shows in more than 450 cities in 45 countries, smashing box office records across Australia, on Broadway, London and beyond.

Their first production together was Le Grand Cirque which sold more than 40,000 in 10 days at the Sydney Opera House, followed by Ariel Dreams and Cirque Adrenaline.

They then created what would become the world’s most successful group magic show, The Illusionists and its spin offs The Illusionists 2.0, The Illusionists 1903 – The Golden Age of Magic and The Magic of Christmas. These shows broke box office records around the world including The Palace, Marquis and Neil Simon theatres on Broadway and The Shaftesbury Theatre in London. Other shows included Le Noir, The Unbelievables, Cirque Paris, Cirque Stratosphere and Circus 1903 – a show that boasted life sized elephants created by the puppeteers from War Horse that enjoyed two sell out seasons at the Southbank Centre as well as a Las Vegas residency.

In 2019 their company was acquired by Cirque du Soleil, where Simon continued to serve as the company’s President and Chief Executive Producer and produced America’s Got Talent Live and created Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple, which has been lauded as the new gold standard for Las Vegas shows. During that time Tim produced Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Disney’s The Castle, a 20,000 sqm music experience celebrating the Disney songbook, set around a life size Disney Castle.

Besides Cirque Alice, their acclaimed new show Lionsgate’s Now You See Me Live has recently completed a sellout season at London’s Coliseum Theatre and is in residency at MGM Grand Las Vegas and is playing a holiday season on Broadway prior to returning to London. Their critically acclaimed world premiere stage production of George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King, co-produced with the Royal Shakespeare Company will transfer to London in 2027.