Kia ora Court Supporters,
If you haven’t yet seen The Wind in the Willows please book! Do not miss this stunning production directed by Ross Gumbley. He and his team have done a fine job. I’ve seen it twice – once hosting the new CE of Christchurch City Council and the second time I took my parents and family – both times were exciting, entertaining and deeply memorable. I’ll be going a few more times before the season is through.
We are having some exciting times here at The Court Theatre. Artistic Director Ross Gumbley has accepted a new role with us – that of Artistic Adviser/Lead Director. He will continue to bring you wonderful productions, and now have the time to use his considerable talents and knowledge to help us build the very best new theatre centre in the city. Congratulations and thank you to Ross for all he has contributed over more than three decades at The Court – the last 14 years as AD.
We are also pleased to announce that Daniel Pengelly has been appointed Interim Artistic Director. He will take up the role on 27 January 2020. Dan hails from Christchurch and has had a long association with The Court Theatre, including three years as Associate Director from 2014 - 2016 and regular appearances as a Court Jester since 2004. He is currently wrapping up three successful years as Artistic Director of Centrepoint Theatre in Palmerston North, and counts among his achievements audiences that have doubled in number and a reinvigorated and thriving organisation.
I am thrilled that Dan expressed his interest in coming back to The Court. Over the past year I have had opportunities to talk with him and observe his work. We look forward to working with Dan as he brings his particular talents and experience to the role. In our discussions, he has been very excited to take on the opportunities and challenges of NZ’s largest professional theatre company, working alongside our exceptional team.
An international search for our next Artistic Director will begin in March 2020. Exciting times!
All of us at The Court Theatre wish you happy and safe holidays.
Ngā mihi nui,
Barbara