Isaac Theatre Royal facade comes back in view

For the first time in almost a year the facade of Christchurch's historic Isaac Theatre Royal is visible.

Protective shipping containers, which helped prop up the theatre's facade, have been removed in the last week as part of the ongoing $30 million rebuild of the venue. Removal of the containers followed the installation of new roof trusses in place in December, described as a major milestone in the development of the theatre

Theatre Chief Executive Neil Cox explained "it's nice to get the containers down so at least people can see what is going on behind it - it is starting to look like a real building again."

Cox added that the building needed to be totally enclosed before the theatre's painted dome, which is being worked on by Italian specialists, could be put back in place.

Cox expects that the theatre will be operating again in the last quarter of the year.

Extensively damaged by Christchurch's February 2011 earthquake, the 'Grand Old Lady' of New Zealand Theatre is undergoing a $5.5 million in repairs with the aim of again becoming the premier venue for the theatrical arts industry in Christchurch's rebuilt City Centre.

Funding for the rebuild has come from a variety of sources including British actor and The Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen and Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O'Brien.

For more information go to www.isaactheatreroyal.co.nz/

27th August 2013 - CHRISTCHURCH’S REDEVELOPED ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL TO HOST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL?

18th July 2013 - RICHARD O’BRIEN RETURNS TO CHRISTCHURCH TO BACK FUNDRAISING FOR ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL REBUILD

8th July 2012 - SIR IAN MCKELLEN RAISES $354,000 FOR CHRISTCHURCH THEATRE

5th September 2010 - HERITAGE AND LEISURE BUILDINGS SUFFER IN CHRISTCHURCH QUAKE