Entertaining Christchurch since 1971
The Court Theatre is Christchurch’s only, and New Zealand’s foremost, professional 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 of 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, with each season totalling approximately 270 performances annually. Each season provides a mix of New Zealand works, modern international theatre, and classics.
The Forge seats 123 in a “box” setting, and is the 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.
For more information, please visit the Court Theatre’s own website.