The Court Theatre

The Court Theatre is Christchurch's only, and New Zealand's foremost, theatre company offering entertainment of the highest quality throughout the year.

Founded by Yvette Bromley QSM and Mervyn Thompson in 1971, The Court fast became a central part to the cultural life of Christchurch, the Canterbury region and New Zealand as a whole and has gone on to become the most successful arts organisation in New Zealand.

The Court Theatre employs professionals from around the country and internationally, and is dedicated to fostering and supporting local artists. It sustains a full-time professional staff and an ensemble acting company and is administered by The Court Theatre Trust (incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1959). At any one time there can be up to 100 people working full-time at The Court Theatre.

The Court's education programme is among the most comprehensive in the country, providing training for school-age to adults, regularly liaising with High School and Tertiary institutions as well as other community groups. The Court also provides quality entertainment to children with holiday shows and a touring Primary School Show to foster a new generation of theatre lovers.

In addition to these, The Court Theatre employs a troupe of professional improvisors and corporate entertainers. The Court Jesters perform around the country, run regular workshops for school-age to adults and perform New Zealand ’s longest-running comedy show, Scared Scriptless every Friday and Saturday night at The Court Theatre.

As The Court Theatre continues from strength to strength in Addington, it remains true to its central goals: the performance, preservation and promotion of the arts of theatre to the highest international standards.