Four hundred invited guests celebrated the official opening of The Court Theatre at a black tie event last night.

After February's earthquake, The Court could no longer operate from The Arts Centre and a new venue was located in Addington in the middle of the year.

Four hundred invited guests celebrated the official opening of The Court Theatre at a black tie event last night.

After February's earthquake, The Court could no longer operate from The Arts Centre and a new venue was located in Addington in the middle of the year.

Court Chief Executive, Philip Aldridge, acknowledged the wide support, from both around New Zealand and overseas, as playing a key role in the incredible sixteen-week build.

VIP speakers at the event were the Minister for Earthquake Recovery, Hon. Gerry Brownlee; Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, Creative NZ Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright; Dr Rod Carr representing the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, and Court Theatre Board of Trustees chair Felicity Price.

The public opening of the theatre is this Saturday night with the performance of the new Roger Hall play, A Shortcut to Happiness, which is sold out. Tickets are available for the season, which runs until early February.