The Court Theatre

The Court is Christchurch's professional theatre company, and the largest in New Zealand. The Court Theatre company was founded in 1971 by Yvette Bromley QSM and Mervyn Thompson (1936–1992) who served as Co-artistic Directors for the first three years of the company. Its performing space was previously in the Arts Complex which was damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes. A new home has been found inside a former grain silo which has been dubbed "The Shed". A purpose-built steel framed self supporting auditorium has been designed fitting at least 300 seats within the space. Inside the walls of the old grain shed is the company of 60 permanent staff and many more artists who use the space. Performances in the new venue opened in December 2011 with a play by Roger Hall and continue today with 19 rehearsed and staged productions a year.

Current productions https://courttheatre.org.nz/whats-on/ cover a wide range from Shakespeare to modern New Zealand plays, including Maori and Pasifika, and an annual pantomime.

Food and drink are available at the venue https://courttheatre.org.nz/visit/your-visit/

A troupe of professional improvisers and corporate entertainers, The Court Jesters stage the improv comedy show “Scared Scriptless” every Friday and Saturday night.

The education programme at The Court nurtures the future of theatre in New Zealand through drama and improv classes, holiday programmes, workshops, theatre intensives, master classes and the Ambassadors, Youth Company, and Youth Crew programmes.

Image Credits: The Court Theatre