Luke Bird is a charismatic and award-winning vocalist with a passion for musical theatre, opera, and comedy. His infectious energy and sharp wit make him a standout entertainer, celebrated for his versatility across multiple performance disciplines.
A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts, Luke’s career has been shaped by his flair for storytelling and his dynamic stage presence. From his exuberant portrayal of Widow Twankey in Aladdin to sharing the stage with New Zealand’s finest operatic talents, he has built a career defined by creativity and excellence. Trained under the esteemed NZ Opera Diva, Joan Kennaway QSM, Luke has performed at prestigious events such as the Lockwood NZ Aria competitions, the 2012 NZ Opera Rigoletto, and as a guest artist for Opera in the Park and Opera in the Garden. His operatic journey has seen him perform alongside luminaries like Ben Makisi, Lilia Carpinelli, Dame Malvina Major, and Dame Helen Medlyn, as well as being a regular feature in Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park.
Luke’s theatrical career spans some of the most iconic musicals, including Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, Jekyll and Hyde, The Full Monty, and Cabaret. His role as Monsieur André in The Phantom of the Opera showcased his talent for bringing comedic yet nuanced characters to life. In Cats, he played Bustopher Jones, sharing the stage with renowned performers Tina Cross and Shane Cortese. His versatility extends to modern theatre productions, including his work with Auckland Theatre Company in Shrew’d and a celebrated turn as Gabriel Von Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus.
Luke’s presence on screen has been equally impactful, with appearances in popular television series such as Shortland Street, Power Rangers, and Beyond the Darklands. His ability to adapt across different performance mediums has made him a sought-after figure in the entertainment industry.
Beyond the stage and screen, Luke has made a name for himself as a vibrant and engaging entertainer for corporate events. Through his own company, Luke Bird Entertainment, he has been a highly sought-after performer and MC, entertaining audiences for clients such as Fisher & Paykel, the Westpac Business Excellence Awards, and BCA NZ. As an original member of the hit comedy troupe The DG NOFNOFS, he has created and produced acclaimed stand-up shows, including A Night with a Durty Gurl and Tellulah and Marmite.
In 2021, Luke expanded his repertoire further by becoming a celebrant, adding yet another dimension to his career. His talent, humour, and fearless approach to performance continue to captivate audiences, making him a true force in the world of entertainment.
Talking Points
Dare to Be Different
Vibrant. Fearless. Unforgettable.Dare to Be Different
Luke Bird isn’t just a performer - he’s a movement.
With a voice that captivates and a presence that commands any stage, Luke Bird dares to be different in everything he does but encourages you to do the same. From show-stopping musical theatre to sharp-witted MCing, Luke blends charisma, culture, and comedy to deliver a message that is anything but ordinary.
Where others follow the script, Luke rewrites it - bringing his Māori heritage, unapologetic authenticity, and dazzling personality to every performance, panel, and production. Whether he’s starring in panto as the beloved Widow Twankey, hosting sold-out charity galas, or co-creating The Luke Bird Experience stage phenomenon, Luke proves that standing out isn’t just an option - it’s a superpower.
What does 'Dare to Be Different' mean with Luke Bird? It means:
• Owning your story with pride and passion
• Breaking molds and challenging expectations
• Infusing humour, heart, and harmony into every moment
Luke's message is clear - he uplifts, he inspires, and he reminds us all of the power in embracing who we truly are and daring others to see it for themselves.
So if you're ready to turn your event, stage, or story into something bold and unforgettable—Luke Bird is your difference-maker.
We had the pleasure of working with Luke Bird as the MC for the Ka Pai Awards on Thursday 29th May. Luke did an outstanding job – he brought fantastic energy, professionalism, and charisma t ... keep reading I Want Orange
Luke was a total hit. Everyone loved his energy, we have a tough crowd and he understood the brief and won everyone over. We already have so many of our guests requesting him for our next event. He was so warm and engaging, we cannot recommend him enough.
Luke was amazing! From the minute he walked into the room he owned it, he commanded attention and was the highlight of our night. He read the audience to the tee and really integrated himself into the whole night, had photos on our photo wall, had a boogie and was just such a star all round, he exceeded our expectations.
Luke kept the level of energy up for the whole night. Interacted and involved the audience well.
Luke was simply fantastic and we were very pleased. He was great fun and had a good read on his audience. The little bit of Opera along with Queen was perfect for after dinner.
Luke Bird brought so much excitement to our Annual Awards evening. His professionalism and talent shone through on stage as our event MC. He was able to smoothly transition each section of the awards, and keep the crowd entertained throughout -With 30 awards to go through, this was no easy task. His song performance of "Somebody to love" was an absolute hit, which got people up and dancing (Some even joined him on stage to dance). While off stage and throughout the evening he mingled and interacted so well with guests. Overall, I would highly recommend Luke to anyone looking for a professional, personable and hilariously entertaining MC for any upcoming events.
Luke was an absolute dream to work with for our event! From the moment he stepped in, he knew exactly how to elevate the energy and create a positive, engaging atmosphere. It was clear he had done his homework on our speakers and tailored his approach accordingly, making everyone feel seen and heard. Luke has a natural ability to foster a sense of community and safety, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the event. We've received nothing but rave reviews from attendees, and we couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Highly recommend!
