Isaac Theatre Royal
Theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Isaac Theatre Royal (formerly 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 | |
| Type | Theatre |
| Architectural style | Edwardian |
| Location | Christchurch Central City |
| Address | 145 Gloucester Street |
| Town or city | Christchurch |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 43°31′47″S 172°38′18″E |
| Construction started | 1906 |
| Completed | 1908 |
| Technical details | |
| Lifts/elevators | 1[1] |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Sidney and Alfred Luttrell |
| Renovating team | |
| Other designers | Warren and Mahoney |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | 1,290[1] |
| Website | |
| www | |
| Designated | 16 November 1989 |
| Reference no. | 1936 |
History
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 a newer theatre on the same site in 1876. 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, which 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 and 2000.[6][7] Between 2004 and 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
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; including a completely rebuilt auditorium dome made from carbon fibre using the original 1908 painted mural by Studio Carolina Izzo.[8] The newly restored Theatre opened on 17 November 2014.[6]
References
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