Recent Court Theatre News

TelstraClear 2012-2013 Season

"A kaleidoscope of theatrical treats" is how Artistic Director of The Court Theatre Ross Gumbley describes the 2012-2013 TelstraClear Season.

The season features a smash Kiwi comedy, three world premières, an iconic musical, the most critically-acclaimed drama in recent Broadway history and two "modern classics" of comedy and drama.

"The last year for The Court Theatre has been one of designing, fundraising and building," says Gumbley, referring to the $4.6 million fundraising campaign and 120-day construction of The Court Theatre's new Addington venue. The four plays of the TelstraClear Opening season welcomed audiences to the new theatre, with over 13,000 people attending the debut production, A SHORTCUT TO HAPPINESS. Reviews of the new theatre have been glowing. "Now that we are back up and running," says Gumbley, "we have the opportunity to bring a year-long season of eight first-class plays.".

"We are all incredibly excited about the upcoming season," says Gumbley. "That excitement is heightened by the potential of our new space. As a company we have room to really spread our wings and present work with an exciting new dimension. Previously, having a full-sized car on stage (for Grease) or a three-storey set (in August: Osage County) would have been impossible.".

Recent Photos

Sir Ian McKellen Courting Audiences

Due to overwhelming public demand, Sir Ian McKellen will stage a second and final Christchurch performance at The Court Theatre in Addington on Sunday 3 June at 2pm.

Sir Ian is touring 11 New Zealand centres to raise funds for the restoration of Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal with his one-man show IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE. With the first Christchurch show at the Aurora Centre sold out within a week, Sir Ian generously agreed to stage a second performance at The Court Theatre. All tickets are $60 and, uniquely for this special Court performance, the proceeds will be donated directly to the ongoing recovery programs of both The Court and the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch.

IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE is a uniquely interactive show where the audience can ask any question about Sir Ian’s work and life as he retraces his journey from the north of England to the West End of London, Hollywood and Middle Earth.

There will be chat, reminiscence, gossip and performances from his Shakespeare and Tolkien repertoire – with maybe a song and a chance to act with him onstage!

"Basically it will be a party. Do come!" Sir Ian says.

“We are delighted to host Sir Ian at The Court,” says Chief Executive of The Court Theatre Philip Aldridge. “While we continue to fundraise for the theatre in Addington, we are thrilled to be able to contribute towards the rebuild of the Isaac Theatre Royal.”

“The last time I was on stage in New Zealand was at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Waiting for Godot,” Sir Ian says. “I love this beautiful old theatre and want to help restore it as soon as possible.”

Be a bit dramatic.

The Court's billboard on Whiteleigh Ave is making a real statement!

Theatre Fundraising Humming Along

Hummingbird Coffee have donated $10,000 to The Court Theatre through sales of a special coffee blend created especially as part of the Re:Start project. The boutique roaster, who constructed a café in the central city in late October, is selling the “Re:Start” blend through cafés and supermarkets throughout the country, with 30c from each pack sold donated towards The Court’s fundraising efforts. To date, over 30,000 units have been sold nationwide.

General Manager of Hummingbird Coffee Nick Cowper says “We came up with this concept three weeks before opening in Cashel Mall and saw the opportunity to use our national distribution to help a Christchurch cause. I grew up going to the Court and I know that a lot of the Hummingbird staff have also: we believe that it’s vital to Christchurch to keep The Court going and to help this happen.”

Artistic Director of The Court Theatre Ross Gumbley says “This support from Hummingbird is very much appreciated and, on behalf of us all and our grateful audience, we’d like to say ‘thanks a latté’".

Artistic Director Ross Gumbley and Hummingbird Coffee Marketing Manager Nick Cowper

Scared Scriptless returns to The Court Theatre

SCARED SCRIPTLESS is back – back to late nights and back at The Court Theatre. From February 10^th Christchurch’s iconic improvised comedy show will be performed at the new Court Theatre in Addington, with shows at 10:15pm every Friday and Saturday night.

First staged at The Court Theatre in 1990, SCARED SCRIPTLESS is New Zealand’s longest-running improvised comedy show. Following the Ferbary 22 earthquake (and subsequent closure of the Arts Centre), The Court Jesters have performed SCARED SCRIPTLESS at several locations: from a marquee at the University of Canterbury car park to the Heaton Intermediate theatre. The Jesters are excited about resuming performances at The Court’s new theatre. “While it was great to hire seven other sites between March and December, there’s truly no place like home,” says Court Jesters Manager Kirsty Gillespie.

Artistic Director of The Court Theatre, Ross Gumbley, is proud that the Jesters “led the charge” to resume regular entertainment for the people of Christchurch, and “after a year in the wilderness, Scriptless is finally back where it belongs.”

An evening of celebration!

400 invited guests celebrated the official opening of The Court Theatre at a black tie event last night.

After February's earthquake, The Court could no longer operate from The Arts Centre and a new venue was located in Addington in the middle of the year.

Court Chief Executive, Philip Aldridge, acknowledged the wide support, from both around New Zealand and overseas, as playing a key role in the incredible sixteen-week build.

VIP speakers at the event were the Minister for Earthquake Recovery, Hon. Gerry Brownlee; Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, Creative NZ Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright; Dr Rod Carr representing the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, and Court Theatre Board of Trustees chair Felicity Price.

Read the full press.co.nz article here.

Watch the live TVNZ news story here.

Auckland Event Raises Over $100k For The Court

$125,000 will be added to The Court's rebuild campaign following a black tie fundraiser at the Pah Homestead in Auckland last night.

A host of New Zealand theatre stars including Paul Barrett, Yvonne Martin, David McPhail, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, George Henare, Lara Macgregor (Fortune Artistic Director), Ross Gumbley (Court Artistic Director) and Philip Aldridge (Court Chief Executive) entertained more than 150 guests in four of the gallery rooms during the evening. The rooms were hosted by Ross Gumbley, Alison Quigan, Cameron Douglas and Philip Aldridge.

Over 50 works of art were donated by NZ artists for a silent auction, which raised $24,000 (a Peter Panyoczki work sold for $6000); a live auction raised $22,000 – which included $17,000 for a luncheon with the Right Hon. John Key at The Wine Chambers restaurant, $4000 for a picnic with Sam Neill at his vineyard in Queenstown and $1000 for a framed poster signed by the cast of Downton Abbey, including Dame Maggie Smith, Patron of The Court’s Fundraising Appeal.

The remaining money raised came from donations, and corporate sponsorship.

Philip Aldridge and Ross Gumbley acknowledged the generosity of Sir James Wallace in making the venue available, as well the event organising team, Aucklanders Penny Devereux, Georgina Ralston and Fiona Stevens. The theatre’s Chief Executive spoke of the “extraordinary local and international support - from Canterbury to Queenstown and Sydney and London”.

Dame Ngaio Marsh Helps the City She Loves

An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed “Ngaio Marsh – Crime Queen” at the Aurora Centre last night; a special fundraising screening for The Court Theatre rebuild in Addington.

More than $10,000 was raised and the film’s Director, Aileen O’Sullivan says so many people came together to make the evening so successful, which was heartwarming and encouraging.

“The Court is continuing to raise money for the new theatre in Addington and we all wanted to do what we could to ensure they open in December as planned,” she says.

Aileen arrived in Christchurch from Auckland with considerable excess baggage including equipment, DVD’s and a complete compendium of Ngaio’s 32 detective novels from Harper Collins which were raffled on Monday night.

“Peter Elliott as host of the evening donated his time and he is a busy man,” says Aileen. “With such a long time relationship with The Court (he first performed there in the mid 1980’s), Peter was keen to help in any way he could.”

Other supporters of the fundraiser included Pegasus Rentals, who immediately more than halved their fee when they heard that the vehicle was being used for the fundraiser.  Firms in Auckland also assisted - Images Post supplied the Digi-Beta player to provide the best picture and The Darkroom in Mt Eden, printed DVD slicks and created posters at drastically below cost.

Creative New Zealand paid for the theatre and screen, with both the Aurora Centre and Shipley’s offering more than friendly rates to make the once only Monday night screening possible.

Court Theatre Artistic Director, Ross Gumbley, says the entire company is grateful for the support and effort shown by everyone continuing to support The Court, and expresses heartfelt thanks to all those involved in last night’s Ngaio Marsh fundraiser.                        

Christopher Doig

The loss of Christopher Doig is deeply felt by everyone at The Court Theatre. Chris was a phenomenal contributor to the cultural life of Christchurch and New Zealand, both in the world of sport and arts. His support of The Court stretches back many years - including a period as Chairman of The Court Theatre Trust Board - and many at the theatre knew Chris personally.

The Court is honoured to have been one of the beneficiaries of Placido Domingo's recent concert in Christchurch, behind which Chris was a driving force. That in his final days Chris was still contributing so much to the arts is a testament to the man.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time. We mourn his loss but draw comfort from the knowledge that Chris' memory, and legacy, will endure.

Read Christopher Moore's touching tribute "Christopher Doig a many of many roles" here.

Star of stage and screen supports The Court

Oscar-winning actress Dame Maggie Smith has offered her support to Christchurch's earthquake-hit Court Theatre.

The Court said yesterday that Smith had accepted the role of patron for its fundraising appeal to develop a new theatre in Addington.

About $4.6 million was needed for the new facility, to be called The Shed, after the Court was evicted from the damaged Arts Centre after the February quake.

Court chief executive Philip Aldridge, who trained as an actor in Britain, approached Smith to take on the role.

"I know her and she was asking what she could do to help us. To have a figurehead of her stature is a great boost for us. She's a very popular actress."

Smith's support would help the Court raise necessary funds overseas and "validates all the work that we're doing", he said. The Court had been developing plans with Smith for an international arts leadership programme to be based in Christchurch before the February quake. However, Aldridge said reopening the Court was now the priority.

The Court had a three-year lease on The Shed, which could be renewed, but Aldridge said it would move back to the central city eventually.

"The Court attracts huge numbers of people ... Where we go a lot of businesses go and flourish in our wake." Donations for The Shed were "flooding in" and the facility should be ready to open on December 10, he said.

www.thepress.co.nz

Donation gives boost to Addington venture

Actors from around the world have united to help build a new Court Theatre in Christchurch, donating $37,000 to the cause.

The Court Theatre was evicted from the Arts Centre after the February earthquake but has plans to build a $4.6 million theatre in a former grain store in Addington.

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance donated $20,000 and organised more than $10,000 in donations from other actors' unions, including the Screen Actors Guild, Dansk Skuespillerforbund, the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, the Television and Radio Artists and United States Actors' Equity.

New Zealand Actors' Equity president Jennifer Ward-Lealand said the new Court Theatre was an important cause for actors.

She said acting unions from around the world were motivated by a report on the damage presented to the International Federation of Actors in April.

"We are thrilled to be able to do this. The Court Theatre and its performers are a cause very close to our hearts," she said.

"The fact that unions from around the world have chipped in as a sign of their great support."

The donation from actors' unions comes after Creative New Zealand contributed $500,000 to the rebuild fund.

Kaikoura Artist Supports Christchurch's Court Theatre

Twenty original artworks inspired by and celebrating Christchurch before the earthquakes are to be exhibited in Kaikoura at Hislops Cafe, Beach Rd in mid-September.

Entitled "For Christchurch", artist Karen James is supporting Christchurch's Court Theatre by making every piece in the exhibition available for sale, with all proceeds being donated to The Court Theatre's fundraising appeal for the new theatre in Addington.

Court Theatre Chief Executive Philip Aldridge, who will attend the opening of the exhibition at 2pm 18 September with Artistic Director Ross Gumbley, says he is hugely appreciative of the donation by James.

"For Karen to donate a great deal of her time and energy to the theatre is very generous," Aldridge says. James says she started the Christchurch-themed works within days of the quake and it has become her main focus these over the last few months, to create a body of work which captures how she remembers Christchurch.

"It didn't feel right to paint any other subject amidst all the tragedy going on after February 22nd," she says. "I'm excited with the process I'm using: each work is mixed media which I think symbolises much about Christchurch, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, the land and its people.

James says all artists have the need to create, even in times of uncertainty, and she finds it even more rewarding to work towards an exhibition where the proceeds are going to help the Christchurch arts community get back on its feet.

Each artwork can be purchased from the minimum price of $550 and will be displayed at Hislops Cafe until 25 September. Any unsold pieces will be displayed for sale in the foyer of the new Court Theatre in Addington when it opens at the end of 2011.

"Our intention has always been to use The Court's foyer as a gallery and performance space to support other artists, "says Aldridge, "so displaying James' work is a wonderful way to begin this partnership with visual artists."

James and husband Bob Bell have also received support from several local businesses and organisations. Hislops Cafe has donated the exhibition space, Peter Yealand Wines is providing wine for the opening and Aartvark Framers has framed all twenty pieces at no charge. The Kaikoura District Council has also offered promotional assistance for the exhibition.

The Court Theatre is running an exclusive auction on Trademe the week before James' exhibition opens. All twenty artworks will be shown online; the successful bidder chooses which piece they wish to purchase before the exhibition. Visit www.courttheatre.org.nz for more information.

FOR CHRISTCHURCH - a fundraising exhibition by Karen James for The Court Theatre. 2pm 18 September 2011 until 5pm 25 September 2011. Hislops Cafe Conference Room, Beach Road, Kaikoura

$500,000 for The Court - Great News for ChCh Audiences

Fundraising to relocate Christchurch's Court Theatre to a former grain store in Addington has been boosted with a $500,000 earthquake emergency assistance grant from Creative New Zealand.

The $4.6 million project will see the development of "The Shed", housing an auditorium similar in layout to the intimate, original "Court One" with offices, dressing rooms, a set workshop and public facilities.

“Creative New Zealand has been strongly supportive throughout this very difficult time and this grant is another step along the path to ensuring the theatre is open to the public in December this year," says The Court Theatre's Artistic Director, Ross Gumbley.

The closure of the theatre has been felt very keenly by the city and Gumbley says the grant from Creative New Zealand is significant and greatly appreciated.

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright believes the speed at which The Court Theatre has moved to find new premises and then develop their plans, demonstrates the can-do, resilience of the local community.

“"The Shed" will provide a focal point for the regeneration of the city and a welcome source of entertainment and inspiration for the people of Christchurch. We are delighted that we can support such a great initiative," he says.

The new development will also have space available in the foyer which will be large enough accommodate a stage for performers, speeches or to display art.

The Court is New Zealand's longest continuously running theatre and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Placido Domingo Concert for The Court and the CSO

World famous international opera tenor Placido Domingo will visit Christchurch in early October to give one concert to support Christchurch's earthquake recovery. Click here to purchase tickets. (Full article follows)

One of the world's musical superstars, opera tenor Placido Domingo, will perform a single show in New Zealand - and it will be in Christchurch.

The Spanish-born tenor, who lost four family members in the 1985 Mexican earthquake, has opted to make his Christchurch concert a fundraiser for two quake-hit institutions, the Court Theatre and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

The October 6 show will also be a tribute to Southern Opera Trust chair Christopher Doig, who persuaded Domingo to be Southern Opera's patron when the company began several years ago.

Doig said the tenor - "one of the greatest singers in the history of opera" - had postponed another commitment to come to Christchurch. "He has brought the world of opera to the masses and his wanting to come here to give back in this charitable way is testimony to the calibre of the man. "

Doig said it was "incredibly rare" for New Zealand to get agreement for such a visit, "let alone have him prepared to give back to the city in this way".

Doig said the timing of this event, just before the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, was significant. " Since Christchurch is not now playing a part in the RWC, it's great to have a different event of international significance at that time."

The man, known as the King of Opera, has won many international awards for his work to expand the audience for opera and help the world's less fortunate.

The major sponsor for Domingo's visit is the civil contracting company Fulton Hogan.

www.thepress.co.nz

Carry on Court

Three Auckland based actors are returning to Christchurch this week for the upcoming Court Theatre fundraiser, “Carry on Court”.

Rehearsals get underway tomorrow for the one-night-only musical extravaganza which is a part of the intensive campaign to raise $4.6 million urgently needed to construct the new Court Theatre in Addington, known as ‘The Shed’, and have it open before the end of the year.

George Henare, Paul Barrett and Jonathan Martin are well known to Christchurch audiences and will join a cast of performers for “Carry on Court”; an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment.

The Court’s artistic director, Ross Gumbley (who will MC the evening) says the performers did not hesitate when asked if they would come to Christchurch and join the cast to help raise the much needed funds for the Court’s new home, “The Shed” in Addington.

“We are humbled by the generosity of these talented actors and singers, volunteering their time and energy. All of them are part of The Court’s history and future, and their pledge to support the rebuild is fantastic for Christchurch audiences,” he says.

BNZ - Christchurch Stories (Part 2)

With the closure of the Arts Centre in Christchurch The Court has had to find a new home. Ross Gumbley, Artistic Director explains the challenges faced and introduces The Shed. Click here to view the video on Youtube.

Julian Harding Lifestyle Jewellerey Auction

Auctioned to raise money for The Court Theatre redevelopment in Addington, the bespoke pendant as donated by Christchurch jewellery designer and long time Court supporter, Julian Harding.

The unique piece of jewellery attracted spectacular interest on Trade Me with over 5,500 views in the 10 day auction period and sold for $1060 to Christchurch based Kim deGarnham, a proud Court Supporter.

CTV - Onwards and Upwards

Artistic Director Ross Gumbley and Communications Manager Jeff Clark show Natalie Slade the plans for The Shed on CTV's fifth episode of Onwards and Upwards. Click here to view the video on Youtube.

A New Stage for The Court Theatre

The Court Theatre is moving to a temporary new site in Addington and constructing a purpose-built theatre from which the company will re-establish activities before the end of the year.

The interior (as sketched by Julian Southgate)

Following a search led by Chief Executive Philip Aldridge, an old grain store near the site of the old Mill Theatre in Addington was found with the internal space necessary to house New Zealand's largest theatre company. Negotiations were completed on Friday afternoon and a lease has been signed, securing The Court's home until the company can move back to the inner city.

Artistic Director Ross Gumbley is excited by the designs that have been drafted to convert this industrial space into The Court's temporary home. "We are literally building a theatre inside a giant shed. The site has a large space for car parking. The box office, bar and other facilities have been designed to be built quickly and efficiently using storage containers. The auditorium itself will be insulated for heat and sound and the layout of the stage and seating will recreate the intimacy and experience of The Court. One of the best things about this space is that it will house the entire Court Company."

Concept of the new foyer (as sketched by Julian Southgate)

Aldridge feels that "Establishing The Court in this new facility and opening to the public will be a major step towards our cultural recovery. It will mark the return of a major Christchurch institution and a signal of new beginnings in the city, as well as providing a boost to hospitality businesses as people return to enjoying a night out."

It will also be a large financial undertaking. "This is not a project that we can do alone. The Court Theatre absolutely needs the support of the people and businesses of Christchurch in order to achieve this project - and to survive," says Aldridge. Fundraising activities will be launched "in a matter of days" in order to facilitate construction as soon as possible.

With the Arts Centre terminating all tenants' leases and a time-frame of many years before buildings will be fully restored, when - or if - The Court Theatre can return is still uncertain. "The most important thing is securing The Court's home now. Beyond that, we are already discussing with local and national government about how The Court Theatre and the arts will play a role in Christchurch's recovery," says Aldridge.

"This year The Court Theatre celebrates its fortieth anniversary," adds Gumbley, "and we are echoing the beginnings of the company - moving into a future of challenges and opportunities with optimism, enthusiasm and a passion to provide entertainment to the people of Christchurch."

There will be an extensive public campaign to publicise the new site which will include tours of the new facilities - dates and times TBC.

THE COURT THEATRE - Bernard St, Addington (off Lincoln Road)

BNZ - Christchurch Stories (Part 1)

CEO Philip Aldridge and Artistic Director Ross Gumbley were recently interviewed by Principal Sponsor BNZ about how BNZ is helping The Court get back on its feet after the February Earthquake. Click here to view the video.