Blood, spectacle and bold storytelling collide as The Court Theatre unveils its most ambitious project ever, Let the Right One In.
Opening this month and helmed by accomplished director Dan Bain, the ambitious stage adaptation brings the cult Scandinavian story to life through striking design, visceral effects and a haunting exploration of the way we treat outsiders, and where they can be driven to find human connection.
At its core, Let the Right One In is not just a vampire story — it is a chilling and deeply resonant exploration of bullying, isolation and generational trauma. Beneath the supernatural surface lies the story of Oskar, a lonely and ostracised young boy, whose life shifts when he meets the mysterious Eli, a girl harbouring a dark secret. As their connection deepens, the line between tenderness and terror begins to blur.
Bain describes the work as “incredibly grim” in tone, but says the creative challenge has been to uncover moments of light and humanity within the darkness. “Our job has been to find where the hope is — so audiences leave not just shaken, but moved,” he says.
This production marks one of the most ambitious undertakings in The Court Theatre’s history. Featuring a large-scale set, striking expressionist design, and visceral blood and gore effects, the show promises a theatrical spectacle rarely seen on New Zealand stages.
Bain, alongside collaborators including the set and effects design team behind previous productions such as Titus Andronicus, is pushing the boundaries of what live theatre can achieve.
“This is easily the biggest production I’ve ever done,” Bain says. “It’s bold, it’s confronting, and it’s potentially polarising — but that’s exactly why it matters.”
The cast brings together a compelling blend of seasoned Court Theatre performers and exciting new talent. At its centre are two rising actors: Bruno Hart (Oskar), making his Court Theatre debut, and Sarah Clare Judd (Eli), stepping into her first leading role with the company. They are supported by a strong ensemble of familiar faces, with fan favourites Ross Gumbley, Kathleen Burns, Adam Brookfield, Owen Black, Josiah Morgan and Nic Kyle returning to the stage, alongside Bradley Mutch, who also makes his debut. Together, the company delivers a dynamic mix of experience and fresh energy.
Visually, the production leans into a dreamlike, expressionist style, creating an immersive world that heightens both the horror and the emotional stakes. It is theatre that is felt as much as it is seen.
Audiences drawn to horror, Scandinavian noir, or highly stylised theatrical storytelling will find much to love. But beyond genre, Let the Right One In is a bold statement of intent.
“If you’ve ever thought The Court Theatre only does safe or traditional work,” Bain says, “this is the counterargument.”
Provocative, daring and visually arresting, Let the Right One In is an unmissable theatrical event — one that challenges, unsettles, and ultimately captivates.
23 May – 20 June 2026 – Cort Theatre, Christchurch
