Christchurch's Theatre

The Anything Goes Necklace Auction Kindly donated by Julian Harding Lifestyle Jewellers, the stunning, unique piece of hand-crafted jewellery valued at $5,000 was auctioned at The Court Theatre during the season of the Cole Porter musical Anything Goes, from 21 November 2009– 13 February 2010. The necklace was accompanied with a voucher to create two further personalised charms of the winners choosing. The Court Theatre and Julian Harding were delighted to present the “Anything Goes Necklace” to the highest bidders, Margaret and Gary Forward on Monday, 15 February 2010, and would like to thank them for their generous support of The Court. Pictured - Margaret and Gary Forward.

Entertaining Christchurch since 1971

The Court Theatre is Christchurch's only, and New Zealand's foremost, theatre company offering entertainment of the highest quality throughout the year.

Founded by Yvette Bromley QSM and Mervyn Thompson in 1971, The Court fast became a central part to the cultural life of Christchurch, the Canterbury region and New Zealand as a whole and has gone on to become the most successful arts organisation in New Zealand.

Housed in the heart of Christchurch City's Arts Centre since 1976, The Court operates two auditoria. Court One seats 291 in an intimate, "semi-thrust" stage and is in operation throughout the year, staging at least eight productions each season totalling approximately 270 performances anually. Each season provides a mix of New Zealand works, modern international theatre and classics.

The Forge seats 123 in a “box” setting with the audience seated on two sides. Until recently used as a “hosting venue” by touring or independent productions, from 2007 The Forge is The Court’s staging ground for challenging international, local and devised works presented to an adventurous audience wanting edgy and contemporary theatre.

The Court Theatre employs professionals from around the country and internationally, and is dedicated to fostering and supporting local artists. It sustains a full-time professional staff and an ensemble acting company and is administered by The Court Theatre Trust (incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1959). At any one time there can be up to 100 people working full-time at The Court Theatre.

In addition to a full-time theatre company, The Court Theatre operates numerous other activities in the community bringing theatre to the rest of the country, The Court annually tours the South Island, with professional shows playing to regional areas. Its education programme is among the most comprehensive in the country, providing training for school-age to adults, regularly liaising with High School and Tertiary institutions as well as other community groups. The Court also provides quality entertainment to children with holiday shows and a touring Primary School Show to foster a new generation of theatre lovers.

In addition to these, The Court Theatre employs a troupe of professional improvisors and corporate entertainers. The Court Jesters perform around the country, run regular workshops for school-age to adults and perform New Zealand ’s longest-running comedy show, Scared Scriptless every Friday night at The Court Theatre.

As The Court Theatre continues from strength to strength, it remains true to its central goals: the performance, preservation and promotion of the arts of theatre to the highest international standards.

A book is planned as a fund-raising venture for The Court’s 40^th anniversary in 2011 – contributions are wanted. Click here for details.

The Court Theatre Trust