The Court Theatre







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.
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
Grizzly Baked Goods Cashel Street

Christchurch locals will need no introduction to Grizzly Baked Goods; first appearing on the scene at the Christchurch Farmers Market with their epic bagels in 2013 and...
Doubles

Game, set, match! In a sunny spot on Worcester Boulevard, this tennis-themed café with a gram-worthy brunch menu is the new King of...
Frances Nation Shop

A store devoted to celebrating beautiful, made-to-last daily wares from New Zealand makers.
Recycle Boutique Christchurch

Recycle Boutique challenges the status quo as one part designer boutique, one part second hand shop and one part sustainable shopping option.
Similar Places
Space Academy

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 National

The National has been at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Christchurch for over a decade.
The Custard Square Bookshop

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

It’s exciting times for Canterbury Museum as a major five-year redevelopment is now underway at its Rolleston Avenue site. In the meantime, a pop-up a few blocks away serves as a temporary museum space.

