Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch Overview

The Isaac Theatre Royal is in the heart of Canterbury’s art history. It is one of New Zealand’s most famous theatrical venues and is an iconic part of Canterbury’s heritage. It is a vast hall with a seating capacity of approximately 1300 people and is divided into three levels. The theatre is a masterpiece of two great architects- Sidney and Alfred Luttrell, who designed this glorious platform.

The theatre is a home for all the big national performing arts companies of New Zealand.
In addition, the theatre is also a loved venue for all sorts of concerts, musicals, recitals, and even community and school events. Today, the Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation is the heir to a theatrical heritage over 100 years old. Sir JC Williamson- the owner of the Theatre Royal, brought in world-renown theatricals and gave the audience of New Zealand the most refined form of performing arts.

History

This place is a very significant building in Christchurch, New Zealand, designed by brothers Sidney and Alfred Luttrell. It was built in 1908 and is the only operational Edwardian style Theatre which still exists in New Zealand. Isaac Theatre Royal was initially titled as the Canterbury Music Hall.

The theatre was replaced in 1876 by a new one and after 5 years of its completion, the theatre was renamed the Theatre Royal. The first theatre was built in 1861 and was on a site across the road from the current Theatre Royal.

After the Canterbury earthquake, the theatre was entirely demolished. In the period of one year between 2004- 2005, the theatre was rebuilt which involved a huge cost of NZD 6.2 million. The auditorium and the foyer sustained considerable damage during the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake and the June aftershock and hence not much changes were made to them.

The Theatre was closed for about four years while the restoration took place. At a cost of NZD 40 million, the Theatre was completely restored and brought up to current building code requirements.

It was during the 2004-2005 renovation that the theatre became the Isaac Theatre Royal, to honour the supporter Lady Diana Isaac.

Timings

The Theatre, specifically, doesn't have any restricted time slots, but the box office does have one. It opens at 10:00 A.M. every day and shuts at 5 in the evening. Moreover, the tickets need to be collected an hour prior to the show's time.

How To Reach Isaac Theatre Royal

Isaac Theatre Royal is located at 145 Gloucester Street, in Christchurch.
Public transportation like the bus is also available for the destination. Bus lines like bus-17, Bus-B, Bus-P, Bus-Y stops near Isaac Theatre Royal.
One can also take a direct taxi or drive a rented car to reach the theatre.
If one is planning to take public transport i.e. the bus, then it would require short walks of about 5-7 minutes from the stop till the theatre, depending on the location where you are.