Little Andromeda to extend run
A temporary theatre that originally opened for just two months could become a more permanent part of Christchurch city centre.
The 100-seat Little Andromeda theatre opened on The Terrace in central Christchurch in October and was originally set to run until the end of November.
But theatre producer Michael Bell now plans to try and keep the theatre running through the whole of next year.
‘‘We want to keep going for as long as we can,’’ he said.
The move has been helped by Terrace developer Antony Gough, who has offered rent free space in his development for 2020.
‘‘He has very kindly sponsored us to stay into next year.
‘‘It is pretty epic, what he has done for us.’’
Bell originally proposed a $19 million permanent Andromeda theatre for the performing arts precinct site on the corner of Gloucester and Colombo streets.
In June last year, Christchurch City councillors voted to develop plans for a new $45m Court Theatre on the site, ahead of Bell’s proposal.
Bell believed that rejection was a ‘‘blessing in disguise’’.
‘‘There are so many young people who have loved getting here early and grabbing a bite or a beer.
‘‘It is a perfect fit for us. There is a lot more action here.’’
The October and November run was helped with $50,000 from the Christchurch City Council, $10,000 from the Mainland Foundation and $20,000 from the Rata Foundation.
They have hosted 120 shows over the past two months, sometimes holding six shows in a single day.
Bell said they needed another $100,000 to remain open for the rest of 2020. He was exploring finding an annual subsidy grant to keep the theatre running.
‘‘We want to move away from running from month to month and having more annual security’’.
Little Andromeda runs as a non-profit, with 75 per cent of ticket sales going to the performers and 25 per cent going to the venue. Performers do not pay a hiring fee.
‘‘It means that artists can put on shows and take big risks. Most artists don’t have money and a venue hire fee makes it impossible for them to try out new work.
‘‘Having a space where you can take creative risks is really important.’’
Little Andromeda first opened in Christchurch in October last year, with a 300-seat tent venue on an empty site at the corner of Colombo and Gloucester streets. But poor weather meant some shows had to be cancelled.