Earthquake Update
The Theatre is closed until the 2nd quarter of 2014 (at this stage) for earthquake repairs.
See all updates about the condition of the theatre.
See the 2013 Theatre Reconstruction Report (Executive Summary)
See the latest photos of the Theatre.
You can contribute to Fundraising efforts for the Theatre (download the form)
See our Facebook page for regular updates for news about the theatre.
Read more about how you can contribute to the restoration of the theatre or contact:
Neil Cox - General Manager - neil@isaactheatreroyal.co.nz - 021 933440
or
Lianne Hawthorne - Operations Manager (+ Admin queries) -
lianne@isaactheatreroyal.co.nz - 021 0469913
Earthquake Updates
Mercifully the Grand Old Lady of Christchurch Theatre just about survived the massive earthquakes and considerable aftershocks that rocked the city in 2010 & 2011
She is now well on the way to full restoration and repair, with the current target of April 2014 for reopening. Some extensive earthquake strengthening work undertaken in 1998/99 without doubt saved this 100 year old Heritage building from complete collapse but some significant deconstruction was required to secure the remaining structure and protect the key interior and exterior heritage elements.
The rebuilt and restored Isaac Theatre Royal will once again rise like the shining star she is on Gloucester Street in 2014. see latest update -/- see latest photos
Video outlining plans to rebuild the theatre - May 2012
Blueprint plan for central Christchurch
The Christchurch Central Development Unit Blueprint announcement has been very well received. The plan has been described as visionary, brave and re-energising and we think those descriptors are accurate. Download the Central City Recovery Plan, the Central City Recovery Plan Summary or view the introductory video.
Isaac Theatre Royal Transitional Opening 2013
After much deliberation based on the excessive additional costs to achieve and the significant risk potential for both the ITR and more importantly its clients, it has unfortunately become necessary to abandon the plans for the theatre's proposed ‘transitional’ opening between July and September, 2013. Every possible consideration was given to make this work and provide a temporary ‘Bare Box’ functional theatre of between 800-950 seats during that period to stage some very important local, national and international performances and celebrate the return of a major programme of Arts events back into our recovering CBD.
With costs escalating as well as the considerable added pressure it would have placed on the long term recovery programme of the ITR however, the Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation simply cannot justify the additional risk and cost, on top of a growing rebuild budget of close to $30M.
We look forward to being able to confirm re-opening dates for the ITR for the 2nd quarter of 2014 very soon.
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We've kept our Royal Friends and interested parties aprised of the Theatre's situation with regular updates. You can see them here:
Rebuild and Reconstruction Photos
The ITR, inside the cordoned off Red Zone.