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

0800 333 100

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, where it currently holds, on average, 15 productions a year, eight of those on the main stage.

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 serves up pizza with a fully licensed bar. Arrive early and enjoy the entire evening within the Theatre with pre-show drinks, delicious pizza and good company without the rush to get to the theatre in time for the show.

Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Naomi Haussmann

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

129 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Nearby Places

Rollickin' Gelato Cashel Street

Double scoop gelato on a cone in front of an orange wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Rollickin' Gelato brings a fabulous late-night dessert venue to the riverside end of Cashel St.

The Margaret Mahy Family Playground

A tower at the Margaret Mahy playground.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Stay and explore key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

If you have kids and are looking for a way to burn some energy in Christchurch’s city centre, look no further than the beloved Margaret Mahy Family Playground.

Rollickin' Gelato

Woman handing customer an ice cream.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

House made organic milk gelatos and sorbets mean Rollickin’ is the talk of the town.

Tiger Baby Bar

The entrance to Tiger Baby Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

Tucked away off Lichfield Street in the heart of Christchurch’s city centre you’ll find one of the gems of Ōtautahi’s bar scene, Tiger Baby.

Similar Places

Telling Tales

Books and toys on shelves and a couch with big soft toys at Telling Tales children's bookshop, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Igniting the love of reading in children is a magical gift and one that Telling Tales know plenty about.

Christchurch Art Gallery

Exterior curved glass building of the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Galleries and museum key icon.

Locals and visitors alike have the pleasure of viewing some of the best art in New Zealand and the world here.

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.

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.