Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch

The Canterbury Music Hall opened on Glouster Street on Boxing Day, December 26, 1861. It was nothing too fancy, just a barn adapted to serve as a theater. In less than two years it was renamed the Royal Princess Theatre in honor of Princess Alexandra of Denmark. She had married the future Edward VII, King of Great Britain.

Ultimately the theater became, simply, the Theatre Royal. In 1876 the theater was replaced by a new Theatre Royal. Finally, in 1908, on a site across the road, an even newer Theatre Royal arose. The even newer theater became a model of survival and restoration and New Zealand's only operating Edwardian Theatre.

The Theatre was designed by Sidney and Alfred Lutrell in the Edwardian style. In 1928 it was adapted for motion pictures. Important earthquake strengthening and remodeling was done in 2000, 2004 and 2006. A modern concrete fly tower replaced the old backstage area. The proscenium and stage were enlarged and the house was upgraded.

During the renovations of 2005 The theater became the Isaac Theatre Royal. The new name was in honor of Lady Diana Isaac, a long time generous patron of the arts in New Zealand. The Theatre was severely damaged in the earthquake of 2011. It was closed for a few years for restorations. It reopened in November 2014.