The Court Theatre

Theatre and performance key icon.
Theatre and performance key icon.

Monday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tuesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Wednesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Thursday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Friday9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Saturday1:00 – 5:00 pm.

SundayClosed.

129 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

03 963 0870

The largest theatre company in New Zealand, The Court Theatre has been around since the 1970s and over the years it has moved home a number of times. Most of us would remember it in its former glory at The Arts Centre. Post-quakes the theatre settled within the walls of an old grain shed in Addington, and in 2025 a permanent new home was opened on the corner of Gloucester and Colombo Street.

There is something for everyone at The Court with shows ranging from comedy to musical, mystery to children’s theatre, improv to Māori and Pasifika plays. Shows run from three to eight weeks on the main stage. It’s highly recommended to snap your tickets early to avoid disappointment. At times door sales are available, especially so for the Scared Scriptless shows that are on every Friday night.

Keeping everyone in mind, the theatre strives to make its shows accessible to all. It offers discounted 30Below $30 tickets for (you guessed it) people under 30 years of age; a ‘Pay What You Can’ performance during each show’s season: relaxed performances; matinee options; and group discounts. 

The Court Theatre also runs a strong education and outreach programme that nurtures the future of New Zealand theatre. There are drama and improvisation classes for children and adults, writing courses and holiday programmes, not to mention the Youth Company, which is an auditioned year-long commitment for aspiring young actors and Youth Jesters.

On top of the obvious entertainment here, The Court Theatre also has a fully licensed bar and serves up some delicious bites. Arrive early and enjoy the entire evening within the Theatre with Neapolitan-style pizza, tasty snacks, ice creams, barista coffee, a curated wine list, tap beer and refreshing non-alcoholic favourites.

Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Naomi Haussmann and supplied

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

129 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

The Little High Eatery

Group walking into the entrance of Little High Eatery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A collection of eateries housed in an open space building, Little High is more than your typical food cooperative.

Twiggi Hair

Counter and chairs at Twiggi Hair.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Services key icon.

Adding a loud burst of colour to The Crossing in Christchurch, Twiggi is guaranteed to leave you and your hair feeling revitalised.

Objectspace at Sir Miles Warren Gallery

The sloping ceiling inside Objectspace Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Galleries and museum key icon.

Objectspace is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading gallery dedicated to design, craft and architecture.

Swoon Store

Customers browsing the shelves at Swoon Store Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Everything you need to know about this store is in the name.

Similar Places

Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing

View of the counter at Absolution Tattoo and Body Piercing studio in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Galleries and museum key icon. Services key icon.

A contemporary tattoo and body-piercing studio in the Arts Centre.

The Tannery

The outside of the red bricked buildings on a bright sunny day, with cars in the car park and a hill in the background at The Tannery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.

Space Academy

The exterior of Space Academy.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon. Theatre and performance key icon.

In a converted industrial warehouse space on St Asaph Street, Space Academy has been keeping this part of town humming since it opened its doors in 2014.

The Custard Square Bookshop

Two women standing outside the bookshop caravan on a sunny day.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

As a tram rattles down Worcester Boulevard, the driver loves to point out an adorable outdoor set-up known as The Custard Square Bookshop.