Isaac Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal opened in 1908 and is the last surviving Edwardian theatre of its kind in New Zealand, with an ornate proscenium, a painted dome and a horseshoe of boxes and balconies. The 2010 and 2011 earthquakes very nearly ended it: the building was severely damaged, and the decision to save it required dismantling much of the structure while holding the dome and the facade in place, then rebuilding around them with modern strengthening - a project of several years and considerable cost that finished in 2014. It was one of the first major heritage buildings in the city to reopen, which gave it a symbolic weight beyond its function. It now runs opera, ballet, touring musicals, comedy and the Christchurch arts festival. As with the Embassy in Wellington, there is nothing to tour by day; you see it by buying a ticket to something.

What you actually see

• The 1908 auditorium - dome, proscenium and horseshoe balconies.
• The rebuild - modern structure built around the retained dome and facade.
• The programme - opera, ballet, touring shows and festival events.
• The symbolism - among the first heritage buildings reopened after 2011.

When to go

Any evening with a performance on. Check the programme; there is no daytime access. Booking is by show.

Honest expectations

There is no tour - the only way in is a ticket to a performance. The interior is a careful reconstruction around retained elements rather than an untouched Edwardian room.

Nearby

New Regent Street and Cathedral Square are minutes away; the Transitional Cathedral is close.