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102. Theatre Royal - Christchurch N. Z. by Fred Page

Christchurch's Theatre Royal is the second theatre of that name in the city. It is situated in Gloucester Street.

The first, was directly opposite the present building, was constructed in 1853 and rebuilt in 1863. The premises still exist
but ceased to be used as a theatre when the new theatre was built in 1908. Alongside the 1863 theatre was the Kings
Theatre and West's Pictures. These venues ceased operations as cinemas in the 1960's.

The 1908 theatre on the site of the present Theatre Royal was designed by the well known architect Lutterell and was
built by Bowen: it was known called the Christchurch Theatre. This theatre was taken over by the Australian theatrical
company of J.C. Williamson (JCW) in tbe early 1920's. The building was altered to its present state and named The
Royal. The architect for the alteration was believed to be the Australian, Ballantyne. In 1928 the central grand staircase
to the upstairs foyer was removed and a new marble one was built on the left-hand wall of the small downstairs entry
vestibule. The dress circle foyer was extended back into the dress circle seating area.

After about a year as a legitimate theatre, it switched to films in 1929. This could have been due to the advent of sound
films or as a result of a dispute JCW had with the Union Steamship Company who threatened to raise freight charges for
theatre scenery and props. ln any case JCW threatened to start its own shipping company which caused the Union
company to back down. Subsequently The Royal reverted to live shows.

The Royal was home to all the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas for which JCW held the performance rights for Australia and
New Zealand.

The theatre is a tlu·ee level auditorium and was purchased for NZ$ 175,000 by a local Trust body and since then $NZ
500,000 has been spent refurbishing the theatre. A further NZ$ I ,500,00 has been donated by the Westpac Trust and
Community grants to fund earthquake strengU1ening of the building.

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