Isaac Theatre Royal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Isaac Theatre Royal |
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Isaac Theatre Royal in April 2020
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| 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 / 43.529724°S 172.638254°E |
| Construction started | 1906 |
| Completed | 1908 |
| Technical details | |
| Lifts/elevators | 1 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Sidney and Alfred Luttrell |
| Renovating team | |
| Other designers | Warren and Mahoney |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | 1,290 |
| Designated: | 16 November 1989 |
| Reference #: | 1936 |
The Isaac Theatre Royal is a very old and special theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was designed by two brothers, Sidney and Alfred Luttrell. This beautiful building opened in 1908. It's the only theatre left in New Zealand that still works and was built in the Edwardian style.
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The Theatre's Long History
The Isaac Theatre Royal you see today is actually the third theatre with a similar name on Gloucester Street. The very first theatre was built in 1861. It was across the road from where the current theatre stands. This first building was originally called the Canterbury Music Hall.
Later, in 1876, a newer theatre was built on the same spot. Five years after it was finished, this new theatre was renamed the Theatre Royal. When the current Isaac Theatre Royal was built in 1908, the older theatre across the road was sold. It was bought by a newspaper company called The Press. They owned it for many years, even up until the big earthquakes in Canterbury.
How the Theatre Was Improved
Over the years, the theatre has been updated several times. These changes helped it stay modern and safe.
Becoming a Cinema and Stronger Building
In 1928, the theatre was changed into a cinema. During this update, the beautiful marble staircase you see today replaced the old wooden one. Later, in 1999 and 2000, important work was done to make the building much stronger against earthquakes.
Major Updates in the 2000s
Between 2004 and 2005, the theatre had a huge renovation project. This work took nine months and cost about $6.2 million. The entire backstage area was taken down to make space for a new, modern fly tower and better dressing rooms. A fly tower is a tall space above the stage where scenery can be lifted and stored.
The opening for the stage, called the Proscenium arch, was also made wider. The stage itself and the fly tower were made both wider and deeper. All the facilities in the front of the theatre, where the audience sits and gathers, were also improved. It was during this 2004-2005 renovation that the theatre was renamed the Isaac Theatre Royal. This was done to honor a very important supporter, Lady Diana Isaac.
Earthquakes and Amazing Restoration
The theatre faced a big challenge during the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake and a large aftershock in June 2011. The main auditorium and the foyer, which is the entrance hall, were badly damaged.
The theatre had to close for almost four years while it was being fixed. The restoration cost a lot of money, about $40 million. The entire theatre was completely repaired and updated to meet modern building safety rules.
Bringing Back the Beauty
Skilled craftspeople carefully saved and restored all the important artistic parts of the building. This included rebuilding the dome in the auditorium. This new dome was made from a strong, light material called carbon fibre. It featured the original painted mural from 1908, which was recreated by Studio Carolina Izzo.
The newly restored Isaac Theatre Royal officially reopened on November 17, 2014. It continues to be a wonderful place for performances and events.
