The Isaac Theatre Royal (ITR), situated in the heart of Christchurch’s central city is a restored historic Edwardian heritage theatre, regarded as one of the most spectacular performing arts venues in Australasia.
It features three performance areas for hire covering a wide variety of performance types.
Concerts/Comedy
The Isaac Theatre Royal has housed some of the world’s best Musicians, Bands and Comedians as well as some of Canterbury and New Zealand’s best creatives in its 108-year history.
For Concerts and Comedy Performances, all three of our featured facilities are equally optimal, versatile and will each give a unique aspect to your performance(s).
The Auditorium has between 1255 – 1292 seats over three levels. Featuring a state-of-the-art rigging system, comprehensive backstage facilities, and an orchestral pit, the theatre is equipped with a full theatrical lighting rig and basic speech PA which can be customised to suit your needs.
Spanning three levels, the seating offers flexibility in numbers and is accessible by both the sweeping marble staircase to the Dress Circle and lift facilities to all levels.
MODES:
Theatre Mode: Fully seated over 3 levels. Capacity 1,292
Theatre Mode with GA Floor: Capacity 1,292, including 300 pax standing on Stalls level.
Theatre Mode Stalls Only: Fully Seated. Capacity 693.
The Stagehouse is an exciting development in the live music scene in Christchurch. This is an impressive black box and is exactly what Christchurch has been missing. The Stagehouse is a 16m x 18m flat floor space, perfect for concerts and dance parties. The Stagehouse is more than just a performance space. It is an informed response to Christchurch needing an exciting new entertainment experience.
Additional draping, stage risers and a basic lighting rig are provided. The Stagehouse is perfect for concerts, with a maximum capacity of 650 people.
MODES:
GA Floor: Capacity 650 standing.
Theatre Mode: Capacity 380 seated.
Cabaret Mode: Capacity 168 with cabaret tables.
The Gloucester Room is a charming and versatile room in the heart of the city, located on the first floor of the theatre. The Gloucester Room is a 12.6m x 11.5m versatile space with natural light pouring through the arch windows, a sprung floor, a commercial kitchen, a projector screen, lectern, PA, microphone, and basic lighting rig with full blackout capabilities. With a capacity of 120 – 180 people, The Gloucester Room is ideal for intimate performances and acoustic sessions.
MODES:
Theatre Mode: Fully seated, maximum capacity 120
GA Floor Mode: Capacity 180 standing
Cabaret Mode: Capacity 80 with cabaret tables
Musicals/Theatre
Musicals and Theatrical Performances are integral threads within the DNA of the Isaac Theatre Royal.
For the entirety of the Isaac Theatre Royal’s history, The Auditorium has and continues to house iconic global and local performances. The Auditorium has between 1255 – 1292 seats over three levels. Featuring a state-of-the-art rigging system, comprehensive backstage facilities, and an orchestral pit, the theatre is equipped with a full theatrical lighting rig and basic speech PA which can be customised to suit your needs.
Spanning three levels, the seating offers flexibility in numbers and is accessible by both the sweeping marble staircase to the Dress Circle and lift facilities to all levels.
MODES:
Theatre Mode: Fully seated over 3 levels. Capacity 1,292
Theatre Mode Stalls Only: Fully Seated. Capacity 693.
The Gloucester Room is also available to host smaller-scaled Theatrical Performances. Located on the first floor of the theatre, The Gloucester Room is a 12.6m x 11.5m versatile space with a max capacity of 120 people, featuring natural light pouring through the arch windows, a sprung floor, a commercial kitchen, a projector screen, lectern, PA, microphone, and basic lighting rig with full blackout capabilities.
MODES:
Theatre Mode: Fully seated, maximum capacity 120
Cabaret Mode: Capacity 80 with cabaret tables
Opera/Ballet
The ITR continues to host up Opera Performances throughout the year in association with the New Zealand Opera, and 4 Ballet Performances a year through the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
All Opera and Ballet performances take place in The Auditorium.
We also work with local community dance companies and schools, bringing through their annual productions.
The Auditorium has between 1255 – 1292 seats over three levels. Featuring a state-of-the-art rigging system, comprehensive backstage facilities, and an orchestral pit, the theatre is equipped with a full theatrical lighting rig and basic speech PA which can be customised to suit your needs.
Spanning three levels, the seating offers flexibility in numbers and is accessible by both the sweeping marble staircase to the Dress Circle and lift facilities to all levels.
MODES:
Theatre Mode: Fully seated over 3 levels. Capacity 1,292
Theatre Mode Stalls Only: Fully Seated. Capacity 693.
The Gloucester Room is the perfect space for pre-show functions for shows of this variety. The Gloucester Room is a 12.6m x 11.5m versatile space with natural light pouring through the arch windows, a sprung floor, a commercial kitchen, a projector screen, lectern, PA, microphone, and basic lighting rig with full blackout capabilities. The Gloucester Room’s ‘Cocktail Capacity’ can be up to 150 people. This however can extend to 300 people by connecting The Gloucester Room and Ravenscar Lounge via swivel panels, providing 1 large room or 2 separate spaces.
MODES:
Theatre Mode – Pre-show Talks: Fully seated, maximum capacity 120.
Cocktails Mode: Capacity 150 – 180 standing cocktail.