Update on Isaac Theatre Royal
on 14 April 2011
For many of us here in Christchurch, it can be hard to come by information regarding what's going on inside the cordon - with buildings meeting wrecking-balls at a rate only matched by a night's speed-dating, we fear some of our favourites might be disappearing before we know it!
That's why I share this story, as I know many in the Dance Community feel a deep connection with the Isaac Theatre Royal, having both attended and participated in the performaces that have graced her stage - so below is a recent update regarding the Grand Old Lady.
Issac Theatre Royal - Here's to the next 103 years!
Rumours have been rife recently with regards to the state and future of Christchurch's much-loved and historic Isaac Theatre Royal but the Board and Management of the city's finest and most prestigious heritage venue have confirmed today that based on current structural engineer's assessments and aerial photographs obtained recently of the venue, the "Grand Old Lady" of Canterbury Theatre will survive beyond 2011 to hopefully once again be the Premier venue for the theatrical arts industry in Christchurch's rebuilt City Centre.
The Isaac Theatre Royal is situated in Gloucester Street between Manchester & Colombo Streets as close to the middle of the cordoned off CBD "red-zone" as any building could be... Any premature statements as to the condition of the city's historic theatre venue were delayed until a detailed report on her overall status from engineers was on hand, but a recent structural report states, "The building, although moderately damaged, has performed extremely well in an event much greater than any strengthening was designed for".
An extensive earthquake strengthening program of the building was completed in 1999 to much higher specifications than required at that time. A massive $6.5M privately raised redevelopment in 2004/5 then upgraded the Theatre's production & hosting facilities and capabilities to modern global standards. Thankfully that foresight of the Directors and Management of the Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation over those years have without doubt guaranteed her survival through one of one of the most devastating natural events in New Zealand's modern history.
General Manager Neil Cox said, "We are working closely with all our clients and producers locally, nationally and internationally. The goodwill & support we have received from the wider global entertainment world towards our city, our people and our Theatre has been astounding. We will draw on all that good nature and support going forward to ensure Isaac Theatre Royal will be a shining light once again for performing arts in Christchurch".
However, management confirmed today that the Theatre will be closed for all events until 31st October 2011 at this stage while remedial work is planned and undertaken. This date will be re-assessed in August based on progress of those works at that time.
Cox continued, "…with so much visual & tragic devastation around us and with so many horrific stories from this life-changing event in the city, I am relieved at least to say that Isaac Theatre Royal will be operational again in the not-too-distant-future and thankfully not another casualty of the widespread inner city demolitions. We are not unscathed of course, but some very positive structural reports recently confirm we can at least move forward and start planning for any required remedial processes with confidence. Once we can gain complete access to the Theatre's offices and backstage technical areas, we can assess what we need to do to further enhance the facility and promote public confidence and ongoing support for this beautiful venue. I can say though hand-on-heart that contrary to various rumours our ornate painted dome is still intact and still exactly where it was intended to be! There is a lot of work to do, there is no escaping that but once again, for the third time in her history, she will get a reprieve from the wrecker's ball!"
Christchurch's historic Theatre Royal opened in 1908 on Tuesday 25th February. A performance of "Blue Moon" on that early 20th century evening was captured forever on an original photograph that now sits in the Theatre's archives with a copy proudly displayed on the wall of the famous Dress Circle Poster Room of the now named "Isaac Theatre Royal". The 1908 photograph was taken before the two Great Wars, before the Napier earthquake, before anyone really worried too much about earthquakes in Canterbury and before any other form of mass media other than the daily press would report what was happening in our world. The catastrophic events of Tuesday 22nd February 2011 that devastated the city of Christchurch fell 3 days short of the Theatre's 103rd birthday. Our city and our lives have changed forever but the Isaac Theatre Royal will continue to present a spectacular snapshot and historic reminder of the past century, entertaining the next few generations of proud Cantabrians and remaining the premier theatrical venue for the greater community of Christchurch.
