Isaac Theatre Royal

The Isaac Theatre Royal, (formally known as the Theatre Royal) is a heritage building in Christchurch, New Zealand, designed by brothers Sidney and Alfred Luttrell.[2] Built in 1908 it is the only operational Edwardian style Theatre remaining in New Zealand.[3]

Isaac Theatre Royal
Isaac Theatre Royal in April 2020
General information
TypeTheatre
Architectural styleEdwardian
LocationChristchurch Central City
Address145 Gloucester Street
Town or cityChristchurch
CountryNew Zealand
Coordinates43°31′47″S 172°38′18″E
Construction started1906
Completed1908
Technical details
Lifts/elevators1[1]
Design and construction
ArchitectSidney and Alfred Luttrell
Renovating team
Other designersWarren and Mahoney
Other information
Seating capacity1,290[1]
Website
www.isaactheatreroyal.co.nz
Designated16 November 1989
Reference no.1936

History
Theatre Royal in 1907

The current Theatre Royal is the third theatre of its name on Gloucester Street. The first theatre, built in 1861, was on a site across the road from the current Theatre Royal. It was originally called the Canterbury Music Hall.[2] That building was replaced by newer theatre in 1876 on the same site. Five years after the new theatre was completed it was renamed the Theatre Royal.[4] When the current theatre was built in 1908 the old theatre across the road was sold to The Press who owned it up until the Canterbury earthquakes.[5][2]

Renovations

In 1928 the theatre was refitted as a cinema. During the refit the current marble staircase replaced the original wooden one.[2] Significant structural earthquake strengthening was carried out in 1999/2000.[6][7] Between 2004–2005 major work was done to the theatre over a nine-month period at a cost of $6.2 million.[6][4] The whole backstage was demolished to make room for a modern concrete fly tower and dressing room facilities. The Proscenium arch was also widened by 1.5m and the stage and fly tower were made wider and deeper.[6] The facilities within the existing front of house areas were also upgraded.[6] It was during the 2004/5 renovation that the theatre became the Isaac Theatre Royal, to honour supporter Lady Diana Isaac.[4]

Canterbury earthquakes and restoration
Isaac Theatre Royal during renovation/earthquake repair.

The 1908 auditorium and foyer sustained considerable damage during the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake and the June aftershock.[1] The Theatre was closed for nearly four years while the restoration took place. At a cost of $40 million the Theatre was completely restored and brought up to current building code requirements.[8] All of the significant architectural elements were rescued and restored by skilled craftsmen.[8] The newly restored Theatre opened on 17 November 2014.[6]

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References
  1. "Isaac Theatre Royal: Despair to repair". The Press. Fairfax New Zealand. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  2. "Search the List | Theatre Royal | Heritage New Zealand". www.heritage.org.nz. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  3. "ITR Earthquake Update June 2014". Isaac Theatre Royal. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  4. "The Theatre Royal Opened – 26th December 1861". Discover The Delights Of Peeling Back History. 26 December 1861. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  5. "Register Records for the former Theatre Royal Building, 148–154 Gloucester Street, Christchurch". quakestudies.canterbury.ac.nz. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  6. "Theatre History". Isaac Theatre Royal. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 13 January 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  7. "ITR Earthquake Update 7 July 2011". Isaac Theatre Royal. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
  8. "Isaac Theatre Royal – Portfolio – Warren and Mahoney Architects – Sydney, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown". www.warrenandmahoney.com. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
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