Isaac Theatre Royal

Isaac Theatre Royal is a historic performing-arts venue on Gloucester Street in Christchurch, New Zealand. The building is the third theatre in Christchurch to carry the Theatre Royal name and is recognized for its Edwardian architectural character. Designed by brothers Sidney and Alfred Luttrell, the present theatre was completed in 1908 and remains the only operational Edwardian-style theatre in New Zealand. The venue developed from a succession of earlier theatres. Christchurch’s first theatre on the site opposite the present building opened in 1861 as the Canterbury Music Hall. A replacement was completed there in 1876 and was renamed the Theatre Royal five years later. When the current building opened in 1908, the earlier theatre was sold to The Press, which retained it until the Canterbury earthquakes. The Isaac Theatre Royal has served changing entertainment formats over its long history. In 1928 it was refitted for cinema use, during which the original wooden staircase was replaced by the marble staircase that remains a notable interior feature. The venue later underwent structural earthquake strengthening in 1999 and 2000. A more extensive renovation took place from 2004 to 2005, involving the demolition and reconstruction of the backstage area, installation of a modern concrete fly tower and dressing-room facilities, widening of the proscenium arch, expansion of the stage and fly tower, and improvements to front-of-house areas. During this project, the Theatre Royal was renamed the Isaac Theatre Royal in recognition of the support of Lady Diana Isaac. The building was seriously affected by the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake and the June aftershock. Damage to the 1908 auditorium and foyer forced the theatre to close for almost four years. A restoration and strengthening programme costing approximately NZ$40 million repaired the building and brought it into compliance with contemporary building requirements. Conservation work retained and restored significant architectural elements, including the auditorium dome. The dome was reconstructed using carbon fibre and the original 1908 painted mural by Studio Carolina Izzo. The restored theatre reopened on 17 November 2014. Today, Isaac Theatre Royal functions primarily as a Christchurch cultural and performance venue. Its historic auditorium, restored interiors, stage infrastructure and backstage facilities support theatrical productions, touring performances and other live entertainment. Its identity combines heritage conservation with the practical requirements of a modern theatre, making it both a working venue and an important surviving example of New Zealand’s Edwardian theatre architecture.

The history of Isaac Theatre Royal is rooted in Christchurch’s nineteenth-century theatrical development. The first theatre associated with the Theatre Royal name was built on Gloucester Street in 1861 as the Canterbury Music Hall. That building was replaced by a newer theatre in 1876. Five years after completion, the replacement was renamed the Theatre Royal. The present theatre, built across the road from the earlier structure, opened in 1908. The 1908 building was designed by Christchurch-based brothers Sidney and Alfred Luttrell. Its Edwardian design, auditorium and decorative interior established the theatre as a major civic entertainment venue. After the new building opened, the previous theatre was sold to The Press. The former theatre remained associated with the newspaper until it was affected by the Canterbury earthquakes. In 1928, the Theatre Royal was adapted for cinema presentation. This refit changed parts of the interior, including the replacement of the original wooden staircase with a marble staircase. Although cinema became an important part of the venue’s use, the building continued to represent Christchurch’s theatrical heritage and retained its significance as a historic performance space. The theatre received substantial earthquake-strengthening work in 1999 and 2000. Further redevelopment between 2004 and 2005 lasted nine months and modernized the venue while preserving its historic front-of-house character. The backstage area was demolished to make room for a concrete fly tower and improved dressing-room facilities. The proscenium arch was widened by 1.5 metres, while the stage and fly tower were expanded in width and depth. Front-of-house facilities were also upgraded. During this redevelopment, the building was renamed Isaac Theatre Royal to acknowledge the support of Lady Diana Isaac. The 2011 Canterbury earthquakes created the most serious interruption in the theatre’s modern history. The February earthquake and June aftershock damaged the 1908 auditorium and foyer, requiring the venue to close while extensive repair and conservation work was planned and undertaken. The restoration programme cost approximately NZ$40 million and included work to meet current building-code requirements. Restoration specialists salvaged and repaired significant architectural elements. The auditorium dome was rebuilt in carbon fibre, incorporating the original 1908 painted mural by Studio Carolina Izzo. The completed restoration allowed the venue to reopen on 17 November 2014, almost four years after the earthquake-related closure. Isaac Theatre Royal now operates as a restored heritage theatre with modern performance infrastructure, continuing Christchurch’s long tradition of presenting live entertainment in the Theatre Royal building.

• 2014

  Restored theatre reopens

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  After restoration, conservation and code-compliance work costing approximately NZ$40 million, the venue reopened on 17 November.

• 2011

  Canterbury earthquakes damage the theatre

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  The February earthquake and June aftershock caused substantial damage to the auditorium and foyer, forcing a prolonged closure.

• 2005

  Venue takes the Isaac Theatre Royal name

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  The theatre was renamed Isaac Theatre Royal during the 2004–2005 redevelopment in recognition of Lady Diana Isaac’s support.

• 2004

  Major modernization and heritage redevelopment begins

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  A nine-month redevelopment programme began, upgrading stage, backstage and front-of-house facilities while retaining important historic elements.

• 1999

  Earthquake-strengthening programme begins

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  Significant structural strengthening work began and continued into 2000.

• 1928

  Theatre is refitted for cinema

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  The venue underwent a cinema refit, including replacement of its original wooden staircase with a marble staircase.

• 1908

  Present Theatre Royal opens

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  The current Edwardian theatre, designed by Sidney and Alfred Luttrell, opened on Gloucester Street in Christchurch.

• 1881

  Earlier theatre receives the Theatre Royal name

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  The 1876 theatre was renamed the Theatre Royal five years after it was completed.

• 1876

  Replacement theatre is completed

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  A newer theatre replaced the Canterbury Music Hall on the original site.

• 1861

  First theatre on the associated Gloucester Street site opens

  [1]Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org

  Christchurch’s first theatre in this sequence opened as the Canterbury Music Hall on the site opposite the present theatre.

A heritage-focused, fully operational performing-arts venue that combines a nationally significant Edwardian theatre interior with modern stage, backstage and audience facilities.

• Performing arts

  Live theatre and performing arts

  The venue’s principal offering is the presentation of live performance in its restored historic auditorium. Its stage and expanded backstage facilities were designed to support theatrical productions and touring entertainment, while the Edwardian interior provides a distinctive heritage setting for audiences and performers.

• Cinema · 1928

  Cinema presentation

  The Theatre Royal was refitted for cinema use in 1928. Cinema is an important historical part of the building’s operating story, although the available reference material does not establish the scope of current cinema programming.

• Event venue

  Venue hire and events

  The restored auditorium, foyer and supporting facilities provide a heritage setting for performances and other hosted events. The available sources confirm the venue’s role as a cultural and entertainment space but do not specify a complete current hire catalogue.

• 2011

  Earthquake closure and restorationOther

  Background

  The February Christchurch earthquake and June aftershock caused considerable damage to the historic auditorium and foyer.

  Action taken

  The theatre closed for nearly four years while a comprehensive restoration, conservation and earthquake-strengthening programme was undertaken.

  Aftermath

  The restored venue reopened on 17 November 2014 and was brought into compliance with contemporary building requirements.

  Restoration cost. NZ$40 million (2011–2014)

  Source

• 2004

  Modernization of stage and audience facilitiesStrategy

  Background

  The historic venue required improved production infrastructure and upgraded public facilities.

  Action taken

  The backstage area was rebuilt with a modern concrete fly tower and dressing rooms; the proscenium arch, stage and fly tower were enlarged; and front-of-house areas were upgraded.

  Aftermath

  The redevelopment strengthened the theatre’s ability to host contemporary productions while maintaining its heritage identity. The venue adopted the Isaac Theatre Royal name during this work.

  Renovation cost. NZ$6.2 million (2004–2005)

  Source

• 1928

  Conversion for cinema useGeneration change

  Background

  Changing entertainment formats led the Theatre Royal to be refitted for cinema presentation.

  Action taken

  The building was adapted for cinema, including replacement of the original wooden staircase with a marble staircase.

  Aftermath

  The refit added a major cinema phase to the venue’s history while preserving its role as a significant Christchurch entertainment building.

  Source

1. 1Isaac Theatre Royalen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Isaac Theatre Royal official websiteisaactheatreroyal.co.nz