AusLeisure

Christchurch's Court Theatre returned to catering for full houses as of Thursday, moving back to operating under New Zealand's COVID-19 Alert Level 1.

The move followed last Sunday’s announcement to operate under Alert Level 2, that saw the venue re-introduce safety protection screens to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in its auditorium and contingencies to keep patrons one metre apart.

Explaining how the venue coped with the restrictions, Court Theatre Chief Executive, Barbara George stated "over the last three days (Monday to Thursday) the Court Theatre was a business of two halves that kept our patrons safe under COVID-19 alert level two.

“We had literally split our building into two with separate zones that catered for up 100 people each.”

With the New Zealand Government’s announcement on Wednesday that Auckland was to move back to Alert Level 2 while the rest of the country will move to Alert Level 1, George said she was proud of her team’s effort to still be able to safely provide live theatre entertainment, noting “after a really successful season of Jersey Boys our next production Winding Up with Mark Hadlow and Darien Takle had just opened on Saturday night. We had sold out shows with lots of people really looking forward to a night out at the theatre so it was fantastic we did not disappoint them.”

George said staff had worked hard as bookings under Alert Level 2 were affected as The Court Theatre reduced the house size to create safe seating, noting "we want to thank everyone for their support and understanding over the past few days; the party just got a bit better returning to Alert Level 1.”

Restrictions that officially took effect at 11.59pm last Sunday night saw Auckland enter Alert Level 3 with the rest of the country moving to Alert Level 2 for 72 hours following the confirmation of three new cases in the community.

George said The Court Theatre had plans ready to roll out when needed to deal with Covid-19 alert levels, adding "our team works well under pressure and comes together with the safety of our patrons as our top priority,"

With its production of Winding Up having just opened last Saturday night, Theatre staff contacted those had bookings during the lockdown period to discuss seats and new entry conditions.

George concluded "during these times, we believe it is more important than ever to come together and support each other.”

Images: COVIDSafe screens at Christchurch's Court Theatre (top) and Court Theatre Chief Executive Barbara George (below). Credit: Court Theatre.

Related Articles

19th February 2021 - Prime Minister Ardern eases Auckland’s COVID-19 lockdown but events still cancelled

14th February 2021 - Wellington’s Sky Stadium hosts largest crowd for a concert anywhere in the world for nearly a year

27th January 2021 - Raglan’s Soundsplash Festival reaches 20 year milestone

19th January 2021 - Make Summer Unstoppable sees venues play a part in keeping New Zealanders safe

18th January 2021 - Liquidators says Ticket Rocket lacks funds to pay creditors

11th December 2020 - EVANZ looks back on challenges of 2020

27th November 2020 - Concept designs unveiled for Christchurch’s The Court Theatre

8th October 2020 - Pioneering theatre company’s work recognised with arts access award

26th September 2020 - Auckland’s Q Theatre appoints New Chief Executive

10th September 2020 - Entertainment and events industry leaders say New Zealand Government is letting the sector ‘slowly die’

11th August 2020 - Creative New Zealand releases guidance to help councils support local arts

29th July 2020 - Performing Arts Network of New Zealand explores need for a central arts sector hub

10th July 2020 - Concept designs underway for new Court Theatre in Christchurch

16th June 2020 - Live performances set to welcome New Zealand arts and event patrons

29th May 2020 - New Zealand Government launches $175 million arts support package

4th May 2020 - Theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh says West End and Broadway shows will be ‘last to go back’

2nd October 2019 - Christchurch Council advances plans for Court Theatre 

11th February 2019 - Court Theatre reunited with costume collection

10th July 2017 - Christchurch’s Court Theatre recognised for opening its doors to diversity

6th December 2011 - Court Theatre opening a vital step in Christchurch’s recovery

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.