Last November Felicity Price ONZM became just the second person to receive the honour of being called a “Fellow” of The Court Theatre (the other Fellow is John Harrison ONZM). The award is the highest honour The Court can bestow on a person who is not either an employee or involved in onstage productions. It recognises exceptional service to the Theatre in a variety of roles over a prolonged period of time.
In 2021, along with Derek Hargreaves, Felicity wrote the wonderful and comprehensive History of The Court Theatre as part of the theatre’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. However, Felicity has been involved with The Court for many decades, right from the time she saw its first production, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, under the vaulted ceiling of the neo-Gothic Provincial Council Chambers in April 1971.
With a professional background in public relations, communications and voluntary governance, Felicity was appointed to The Court Theatre’s Trust Board in 2002 and elected Chair in 2005. She was to remain as Chair until 2013, guiding the activities and decisions of the Board and the Theatre during the tumultuous years after the earthquakes. During that time, they had to overcome immense odds.
Long-time Secretary of the Trust Board Derek Hargreaves says of Felicity “She proved to be a strong leader, but with a great understanding of the fragile nature of theatre and of the Company that made it all work. She was also an excellent Chair, allowing all to have their say and getting the best out of trustees”.
Felicity was and still is the only woman to have chaired The Court’s Board. Today she is the Chair of the Christchurch Arts Centre Trust. Her installation as a Fellow of The Court Theatre is richly deserved.