New Stage for The Court Theatre

MEDIA RELEASE – The Court Theatre - Embargoed until 4pm 16 May 2011

New Stage for The Court Theatre

The Court Theatre is moving to a temporary new site in Addington and constructing a purpose-built theatre from which the company will re-establish activities before the end of the year.

Following a search led by Chief Executive Philip Aldridge, an old grain store near the site of the old Mill Theatre in Addington was found with the internal space necessary to house New Zealand’s largest theatre company. Negotiations were completed on Friday afternoon and a lease has been signed, securing The Court’s home until the company can move back to the inner city.

Artistic Director Ross Gumbley is excited by the designs that have been drafted to convert this industrial space into The Court’s temporary home. “We are literally building a theatre inside a giant shed. The site has a large space for car parking. The box office, bar and other facilities have been designed to be built quickly and efficiently using storage containers. The auditorium itself will be insulated for heat and sound and the layout of the stage and seating will recreate the intimacy and experience of The Court. One of the best things about this space is that it will house the entire Court Company.”

Aldridge feels that “Establishing The Court in this new facility and opening to the public will be a major step towards our cultural recovery. It will mark the return of a major Christchurch institution and a signal of new beginnings in the city, as well as providing a boost to hospitality businesses as people return to enjoying a night out.”

It will also be a large financial undertaking. “This is not a project that we can do alone. The Court Theatre absolutely needs the support of the people and businesses of Christchurch in order to achieve this project – and to survive,” says Aldridge. Fundraising activities will be launched “in a matter of days” in order to facilitate construction as soon as possible.

During the preparation of the Addington theatre, productions will be presented in alternative venues around Christchurch. “SCARED SCRIPTLESS is already up and running and we will be presenting Alan Ball’s comedy FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS in the Aurora centre from July 14-23, along with a school holiday production of HANSEL AND GRETEL (July 20-23). All going well, we aim to open our new theatre in November,” says Gumbley.

With the Arts Centre terminating all tenants’ leases and a time-frame of many years before buildings will be fully restored, when – or if – The Court Theatre can return is still uncertain. “The most important thing is securing The Court’s home now. Beyond that, we are already discussing with local and national government about how The Court Theatre and the arts will play a role in Christchurch’s recovery,” says Aldridge.

“This year The Court Theatre celebrates its fortieth anniversary,” adds Gumbley, “and we are echoing the beginnings of the company – moving into a future of challenges and opportunities with optimism, enthusiasm and a passion to provide entertainment to the people of Christchurch.”

There will be an extensive public campaign to publicise the new site which will include tours of the new facilities – dates and times TBC.

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