Isaac Theatre Royal

The is an Edwardian style lyric theatre with a three tier configuration of stalls, circle and gallery, seating 1309. The original Theatre Royal was built in 1908.
Australian brothers Sydney and A.E Luttrell designed the French Renaissance style building and acted as architects and structural engineers during its 15-month construction. However, in 1928, J.C. Williamsons substantially renovated the building interior and the theatre has retained its present form since that date. The Theatre Royal is thus one of the four remaining Edwardian style theatres in the Southern Hemisphere and is unrivalled in its stage area.
The 2011 earthquakes led to the theatre being closed for four years to be reopened in late 2014 after a rebuild and restoration expenditure of $40 million. The theatre’s famous 1908 hand painted canvas ceiling dome has been painstakingly restored to its original glory.
The Theatre Royal can once again play an important part in the cultural life of Christchurch.