The Court Theatre

The completed theatre is not only a space for performance but a fully integrated production house. The facility includes a 379-seat main playhouse, a 130–150-seat studio theatre, rehearsal and education spaces, workshops for set building, costume and props creation, and front-of-house amenities including a café andbar.

The main auditorium is configured as a courtyard theatre — compact, intimate and flexible — enabling a wide range of productions and reinforcing the close relationship between performers and audience. The second, smaller studio theatre allows for experimental and community-driven work, increasing opportunities for diverse storytelling andengagement.

Unlike many theatres, The Court remains a producing theatre, meaning all creative elements — from lighting and sound to sets and costumes — are developed in-house, on site. This integrated model is rare and represents an extraordinary cultural asset for NewZealand.

At the heart of the design is a commitment to openness, accessibility and connectivity. Public and production areas are connected both physically and visually, allowing audiences to witness the creative process. Accessible seating is provided at all levels, while the back of house facilities include accessible dressing rooms and level access to the stage. Key back of house functions are intentionally exposed or partially visible to the public, reinforcing a sense of shared creative endeavour andtransparency.

Responding to the rigorous technical and spatial requirements of the building, the structure is constructed from a hybrid of mass timber, steel and concrete - combining the warmth and sustainability of timber with the strength of steel and the mass ofconcrete.

Sustainability and the minimisation of operational energy were key drivers for both Christchurch City Council and The Court Theatre. Significant attention was given to achieving a highly insulated and air tight envelope minimising heat gain and energy loss. Naturally assisted ventilation is used to cool and ventilate both the front of house areas, and the main auditorium as expressed by the distinctive ventilation chimneys atop thetheatre.  

The façade integrates robust and contextually appropriate materials that respond to the preponderance of glass and aluminium facades in the post-quake rebuild of Ōtautahi Christchurch. These materials are carefully scaled and proportioned to acknowledge the character of neighbouring heritage buildings, contributing to a sense of continuity within the evolvingcityscape.

“This building could only have been built in Christchurch, by Christchurch, for Christchurch. The form and materiality are grounded in the city’s culture and history, but also look to a future of sustainable, collaborative creativity. We aimed to create a theatre that is open, visible, and alive with the work of making theatre — a place where stories are made, not justtold.” 

Roger Watts, Director – HaworthTompkins