Cabaret, Performing arts
Lyttelton Circus Theatre Company
Berlin Burlesque: The Story of Hanussen
April 226, 2025
7:30 - 9:30 pm
This show is big and warm and generous and absolutely joyous
Nelson Mail
Unique and diverse.... go and see it
Vanessa Byrnes, Theatreview
“...part historical portrait and part cabaret fever dream.....with plenty of chutzpah and surprises. Berlin Burlesque is in equal measures bold, daring and deeply human.”
Rohan Shearn, Australian Arts Review
Step into the mesmerizing world of Hanussen, where the boundaries of reality blur through stunning circus arts, intelligent theatre, and a pulsating live band.

A dynamic aerial set, mesmerising circus acts, seductive performances, and a live band lead you through the true story of Erik Jan Hanussen, an illusionist, clairvoyant, charlatan, variety theatre owner and lover in 1930’s Berlin who, despite his Jewish heritage, instructed Hitler in performance and the art of dramatic effect. Blinded by his own success, he could not foresee his own grisly demise.

Fresh from a sell-out season, this captivating show with its hauntingly beautiful score will transport you to a different era. Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical journey from NZ’s Lyttelton Circus Theatre Company.

Crossing between historic scenes, contemporary cabaret, burlesque acts, intelligent theatre, mesmerising circo arts and virtuosic musicianship, the show conveys the extraordinary story of a psychic who predicted the Reichstag Fire… but not his own death.

Please note – Compaion Card tickets are available on request. Please contact the reception at (03) 8606 4200

 

 
Event details
Dates
Wednesday, April 2 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Thursday, April 3 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Friday, April 4 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Saturday, April 5 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuesday, April 8 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Wednesday, April 9 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Thursday, April 10 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Friday, April 11 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Saturday, April 12 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuesday, April 15 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Wednesday, April 16 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Thursday, April 17 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Saturday, April 19 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuesday, April 22 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Wednesday, April 23 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Thursday, April 24 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Saturday, April 26 7:30 - 9:30 pm
tickets
Floor GA $80
Seating Bank GA $95
Concession Card Seating Bank $75
Group 6+ Seating Bank $75
Location
Gasworks Theatre
Running time
120 minutes, 1 x 20 min interval
accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Age suitability
18+
warnings
Contains fire, nudity and World War II imagery
related links
Berlin Burlesque
Event partners