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Kia ora
It is with great sadness we mark the passing of Richard Bromley. Richard was the son of Yvette Bromley, the founder of The Court Theatre (1971).
His sister Elizabeth Moody was one of the very early and reoccurring actors at The Court Theatre. The Bromley name is so very closely linked to The Court Theatre and Richard played his part as a huge supporter.
Richard was the Deputy Headmaster at Christ’s College for many years and was highly regarded in that role. He is survived by his wife Jill, son Guy, and daughter Alexandra. A full chapel turned out for his memorial service which was led by the Revd. David Winfield, a former colleague and Chaplain to The Court Theatre.
Ngā mihi
Annie Bonifant,
Chair - Friends of the Court Theatre |
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The Ryman Healthcare 2025 Season at The Court Theatre |
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The Ryman Healthcare 2025 Season at The Court Theatre launches Thursday 26 September 2024 with an event at Tūranga, where we will unveil the lineup of shows planned for the upcoming year.
If you missed out on attending the launch, all the details of the new season including shows, dates, and subscription information will be on The Court Theatre's website from 10am, Friday 27 September. Mark your calendar and be among the first to discover what's in store for the inaugural season in our new home! |
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A conversation with Roy Snow |
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Roy Snow is a Court Theatre regular with numerous appearances over the last fifteen years. But some may have caught him on the small screen recently in an episode of the Brokenwood Mysteries.
We asked him if there was a difference in acting between stage and screen? |
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Yes and no? So much of this wonderful art form/job has numerous crossovers in both mediums but the Devil is in the detail.
First off, this is my opinion but, I'd suggest if you asked other actors the same question their answers may be vastly different. Not saying I'm a contrarian but I believe every acting opportunity is different, every actor is different, every part and interpretation is different and although the process of theatre and television have many similarities, they too are unique unto themselves.
Theatre acting is immediate, collaborative, demonstrative and fraught with danger. Danger?! Dramatic but bear with me. |
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Immediate because you know straight away if you're on the right track, 'doing well' if you like. There's a rhythm about being on stage, a freshness, an awareness that each moment (no matter how well rehearsed) has the potential to be different.
Collaborative, of course, the actors across the stage from you working their butts off all aiming for that elusive 'brilliant thing' that the creatives posed on day one of rehearsals.
Demonstrative. Make sure the audience believes it. Tips and tricks specific to theatre are a big help here. Projection, positioning, technique and experience. |
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Roy Snow |
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Dangerous? Not really, but if you're out there and something goes wrong, you'd better fix it and fix it within the world of the play. This can be exhilarating, terrifying and satisfying all at the same time.
Screen acting has variations of the above but also 'feels' vastly different.
Collaboration, definitely but within sub-groups of a huge multi-faceted entity. Quite often you'll only interact with a few departments but you're always aware of the hive of activity you'll never see until the credits roll.
Performance-wise this is where there is, in my opinion, a distinct difference. The camera sees all such is its proximity/nearness to you the actor. It can be unforgiving, intimidating, and brutally honest if you let it. It can see you 'acting' and there in lies the rub. Every 'thing/technique/whatever' that works so well on stage will stand out like dogs bollocks under the camera lens. |
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Roy Snow as Michel in Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express at The Court Theatre, March 2024
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Sounds extreme and of course I'm amplifying for effect but there is a middle ground in there that is pretty close. Theatrical acting is not best for screen. There are exceptions but I'd suggest they're character decisions made by seasoned extremely good actors not lowly journeymen like me.
In saying that, I love screen acting as much as I love stepping on stage. Whatever the challenges from both sides, they pale into insignificance when compared to how awesome acting in any environment is. Getting to step on stage or on set is an absolute joy and something I relish with every opportunity.
Yes, there is a difference and that's why I love it. |
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The Court Theatre in the City: Excitement builds as we prepare for our big move! |
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August has been a whirlwind of activity, with pressure mounting and excitement building as we prepare to move into our new whare in less than eight months. This relocation has the potential to be transformative for our organisation. While we have had to make some compromises, the opportunities the new building offers are substantial. Moreover, it is our vision and imagination that will fully allow us to realise its potential.
On the construction front, progress is evident daily. Significant strides have been made on multiple fronts, including the building envelope, façade, internal linings, and services. The installation of windows and insulation is complete, making the building weathertight. If you wander around at the Tūranga library you will notice the scaffolding has been removed, revealing the stunning Corten steel finish on the exterior walls. Excitingly, the seats for the Stewart Family Theatre left the UK by boat earlier this month, with installation planned for October 2024.
As we prepare for the move, we've been exploring potential business models for our hospitality operations, with guidance from consultant Mark Collins. We identified three possible models: internal (we manage everything), hybrid (similar to our current operations), and external (outsourcing kitchen and bar operations entirely).
External Model: This option presents the lowest risk, providing a stable revenue stream through a percentage of sales and/or rent. However, it offers less control over operations, branding, marketing, and quality, and would require us to bear commercial costs for events such as opening nights, galas, and sponsor events.
Hybrid Model: This approach generates the least revenue potential, it involves complex coordination and offers no control over quality, which could impact our brand.
In-House Model: The riskiest but most rewarding option, this model offers complete control over operations, brand alignment, and quality. It also allows us to host events like galas and Jesters’ cabaret shows and generate new revenue streams through venue hire—all without incurring extra costs and keeping revenue in-house. And, if this model wouldn’t work out, it would be easier to transition to another option.
We are delighted the Trust Board has approved the recommendation to proceed with the in-house model. This is an exciting milestone for The Court Theatre. While there’s lots to be done, it’s a great challenge that we’re eager to tackle and we’re confident everything will be ready by the second quarter of 2025 for opening.
Ever since we began this evaluation, we’ve carefully considered how the Friends can best support The Court Theatre. We’ve been in close conversation with the Friends Committee and there will be more updates to share soon.
Finally, as we edge closer to our move, the decisions we make now will shape the future of our company. The new whare offers immense potential, and with careful planning and strategic choices, we can ensure it becomes a cornerstone of our continued success. The excitement is palpable, and we look forward to the journey ahead with you! |
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Construction of the Stewart Family Theatre, March 2024
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Keeping our patrons safe |
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As part of equipping Court Theatre ushers for their important roles, many were recently encouraged to take part in the St. John ‘3 Steps for Life’ experience which provides life-saving skills and the confidence to offer help if someone has a cardiac arrest. The material covered CPR, the use of an Automated External Defibrillator, and other associated issues relating to the care of anyone who may be encountering a medical misadventure.
We were greatly helped by our tutor Amanda Cairns whose work is in the hospital cardiac unit, but who also happens to be an usher herself. 163 ushers have now availed themselves of this training, thus contributing to the safety and wellbeing of Court Theatre patrons. We are told that every year, over 2,000 people in communities across Aotearoa have a cardiac arrest, and only 1 person in 10 survives. The chance of someone surviving is much higher when they receive immediate help. |
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Fun Home reviews |
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Our mid-year musical, Fun Home, is receiving rave reviews! If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Book now and be part of an unforgettable journey that will leave you reflecting long after the final curtain falls.
"So far this year we’ve seen Something Rotten...and now Fun Home follows hot on its heels. And I mean hot. This is a show you must not miss. I hear two people sitting near me say “wow” once the second standing ovation was over." - Ali Jones, Theatreview
"The Court Theatre’s New Zealand premiere production, led by director Kathleen Burns and MD Caelan Thomas, finds a careful balance between humour and pathos. After all, there’s not that many shows where a scene about embalming might be offset by a glittery fantasy musical number inspired by the Brady Bunch." - Erin Harrington, Flat City Field Notes
"Fun Home at The Court Theatre is a triumph of both storytelling and performance. It is a production that challenges and moves its audience, leaving a lasting impact long after the final curtain falls. Bravo to The Court Theatre for bringing this evocative and thought-provoking work to the New Zealand stage." - Belinda Cullen-Reid, Backstage Christchurch
"If you only see one musical this year – it has to be FUN HOME at The Court Theatre." - Oliver Hall, Your Ex |
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'Raincoat of Love' in Fun Home at The Court Theatre, August 2024
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Save the date! |
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Our next Friends Quiz Night is scheduled for Monday 4 November, so still plenty of time to mark it on your calendar and start gathering up your team of six members. |
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