Back by popular demand – following the very successful Kāpiti Variety Concert held at Southward Theatre two years ago, to raise funds for a youth arts bursary recognising the legendary Paekākāriki ballet dancer Sir Jon Trimmer, the concept returns.
This time a colourful and varied line-up of performers have offered their talents to raise funding for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The concerts will be held at Southward Theatre, with performances at 2.30pm and 7pm on Wednesday, April 15 2026.
Audiences can expect entertaining afternoon and evening shows featuring local talent while raising vital funds for families supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities. The charity has to raise considerable funding each year to maintain the process of assisting the parents of suddenly hospitalised children by ensuring them accommodation close by – in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Rotorua.
Concert organiser Roger Booth says last time Mayor Janet Holborow commented that it was the ‘best variety concert ever’. “But this time, ‘we may have topped that last one.”
Booth says the biggest coup is the combination of the legendary and decorated performer Tina Cross ONZM, performing alongside her new partner, internationally experienced Australian singer and guitarist John Bettison. Many will remember Cross as the star in productions such as ‘Cats’ and ‘Rocky Horror’ and as a member of the all-female group ‘The Lady Killers’. A Kāpiti audience favourite.
The surprise star of last year’s show, Steve McDonald, the master of the synthesiser, is back. Many were astonished to learn last year that McDonald, a very prominent Wellington pop performer in the 1970s, actually lives locally, but travels to the US for at least half of most years to play at festivals across that country. For many years, when they were the in thing, he sold thousands of cds, with Scottish songs his specialty.
Old favourites Andrew London, and African drummer Sam Manzanza, return alongside local talents Unity Wara, Steve Poulton and Carylann Martin, Jess Deacon, and the Big Little Uke Band. The programme also features performances from students from Kāpiti colleges, plus from Sweet (Kāpiti) and Step Out (Wellington) Dance Studios.
Before the 2.30pm matinee, the grounds at Southward Car Museum will come alive with children’s activities on the lawn and a ‘world-first’ relay contest between teams from local schools. Kids will also be able to ride in vintage cars, alongside sports stars. More on this shortly.
All proceeds from the event will support Ronald McDonald House Charities. Tickets will go on sale this Thursday, 19 March 2026, through Eventfinda. Be quick, they’re expected to sell fast.