Two years after reopening Isaac Theatre Royal continues to attract recognition

The Isaac Theatre Royal is today marking the two-year anniversary of reopening after its rebuilding following the devastating February 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

Looking back, Isaac Theatre Royal Chief Executive Neil Cox recalls “it is quite sublime that exactly two years ago today we were frantically dusting, cleaning, panicking, testing, training and generally being optimistic that the Isaac Theatre Royal would reopen ... on 17th November 2014.

“As everyone knows now, we got through that chaotic reopening night when an athletic touring group of 40 Russian dancers lit up the ITR stage in a colourful and spectacular opening night to a packed house and a standing ovation before and after the show.”

Celebrating Isaac Theatre Royal’s two year anniversary, Cox adds that “we can feel proud and happy with the ITR’s achievements, including being crowned as The Press Supreme Champion (Small Enterprise) at the recent Champion Canterbury Business Awards.”

The Awards saw Isaac Theatre Royal recognised for its significant efforts following the 2011 earthquakes, with judges praising the venue’s “dynamic professionals providing a phenomenal customer experience”.

After numerous building and design awards, the reopening of the Isaac Theatre Royal has now proved a winner for the popular venue itself, and for the wider performing arts in the recovering city centre.

The  Theatre, often referred to as the ‘grand your old lady’ now hosts over 300 performance days annually, with a massive 2017 season to be announced including the New Zealand premiere grand opening night of the iconic British TV classic ‘Fawlty Towers – Live Onstage’ on Wednesday 22nd February, the 6th anniversary date of the 2011 earthquake.

Further recognition has come today with Isaac Theatre Royal being announced as finalist in the Medium Venue of the Year category in the Entertainment and Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) annual industry awards.

However, though through those celebrations, New Zealand’s South Island has this week been impacted by a further earthquake leading Cox to state “we are reminded once again that no matter how grand your old lady might be, there is one Mother Nature that can change things in an instant.

“I hope you can join me and everyone at the ITR in extending our heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to everyone affected by the earthquakes on Sunday night.

“Everyone living through the 2010 and 2011 events in Canterbury completely understand what North Canterbury, Marlborough and Wellington are going through and we wish a speedy and structured recovery through these difficult times.

“If the ITR can be a symbol of one thing, it is possible to recover from devastating odds and shine once again. Be strong, help each other and look after those close to you, being your entire community.”

Images: Isaac Theatre Royal Chief Executive Neil Cox receives the Supreme Award from Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Joanna Norris, Editor-in-Chief of The Press/Fairfax Media (top) and the reopened Isaac Theatre Royal (below)

For more information on the EVANZ Conference, being held in Hamilton from 5th to 7th December, click here to view the conference details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

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