CULTURE
Culture fix
WELL CULTURED
015 WHCHC
01 — Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Whether you’re after a laugh, thrilling theatre to take you to the fringe and back, or a fabulous art fix, you’ll find Christchurch is a hotspot for culture vultures. There’s always something worth checking out somewhere in the city’s cultural scene. Comedy, dance, theatre, music spanning from international pop stars through to classical performances, and both local and international films are all well represented throughout the year, while a good sprinkling of art galleries, including the highly regarded double-hit of Christchurch Art Gallery and CoCA (Centre of Contemporary Art) offer the chance to familiarise yourself with local work. Take in a show at the city’s iconic Isaac Theatre Royal, where the interiors are as impressive as the spectacle taking place on stage. Dating back to 1906, this grand old dame of Christchurch entertainment was one of many pieces of local heritage that was dealt a severe blow during the
earthquakes, and even faced demolition at one point. However, following a huge restoration task buoyed by the fundraising assistance of prominent figures such as Sir Ian McKellen (who raised more than $350,000 to help rebuild the century-old theatre by touring a one-man show across New Zealand), the theatre was returned to its full Edwardian glory and celebrated with a triumphant re-opening in 2014. Make sure you look up to check out the ornate dome ceiling when you’re there. Christchurch’s impressive cinema scene includes the obligatory super-sized multiplexstyle cinemas rocking huge screens, booming bass and the latest blockbusters, coexisting with a thriving assortment of independent boutique cinemas, where buckets of popcorn and cola are switched out for local wine lists and gourmet goodies. Lumière Cinemas is one such boutique, housed in the historic Arts Centre with a luxe Art Deco-themed interior and showing a range of
films from highly-anticipated new releases to throwback screenings of your old favourites. To satisfy your appetite for arthouse, Lumière also screens a programme for the New Zealand International Film Festival each year.
PERFORMANCE Christchurch is the proud home of the country’s largest professional theatre company, The Court Theatre, which sells over 150,000 tickets each year. The city’s buzzing theatre scene attracts national and international touring theatre productions, and several semi-pro and amateur theatre groups exist around the city, meaning there’s almost always something good to catch – thought-provoking dramas, hilarious comedies, showstopping musicals and more. Dance companies are frequent visitors – the city regularly hosts the Royal New Zealand Ballet and other national and international companies.
