Theatre lovers will share the joy and magic of the stage with kids all over Christchurch this Christmas with The Court Theatre’s “Gift of Theatre”.

The Gift of Theatre, now in its fourth year, allows people to gift a kids’ show ticket to one of six charities: Birthright, the Christchurch City Mission, Cholmondeley Children’s Home, Ronald McDonald House, Hohepa Canterbury and the New Zealand Red Cross to distribute to families in need. This year the Gift of Theatre tickets will be for the summer kids’ production Puff the Magic Dragon.

Puff the Magic Dragon, written by Carl Nixon and directed by Elsie Edgerton-Till, tells the story of a brave child who befriends a dragon and embarks on an adventure filled with mighty roars and villainous pirates.

Artistic Director Ross Gumbley is passionate about making The Court Theatre accessible to all. “The gift of theatre allows you to help us bring some magic into the life of someone who otherwise wouldn’t have the advantage or the means to come to the theatre.”

For each Gift of Theatre ticket purchased, an ornament will be added to a Christmas tree in The Court Theatre foyer to represent the number of kids enjoying a show at The Court thanks to the generosity of others.

Gift of Theatre tickets can be purchased online or at The Court Theatre Box Office.

Gift of Theatre Charities for 2018

Birthright Canterbury believes that all children have the right to a happy, secure and loving home environment. They work with single parents and caregivers to build confidence, skills and resilience within families and their individual members.

The Christchurch City Mission seeks to support, care and advocate for those who are marginalized through social and economic factors and are at risk through unemployment, inadequate housing, family breakdown, addiction, financial difficulties or mismanagement, abuse or other difficulty.

Cholmondeley Children’s Home provides short-term emergency and planned respite care to children (aged 3-12) in times of family stress or crisis.  Their aim is to give these children the opportunity to build their resilience, while issues at home are resolved.

New Zealand Red Cross / Ripeka Whero Aotearoa is a humanitarian organisation, which has more than 15,000 members and volunteers. Their mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people, at home and overseas. They do this through mobilising the power of humanity and enhancing community resilience.

Ronald McDonald House South Island provides free accommodation and support to families who must travel to Christchurch or Invercargill for their child’s medical treatment. By removing the stressors of everyday life, families can focus on what matters most – their child. Tickets gifted to Ronald McDonald House will be used for a relaxed performance.

Hohepa Canterbury is a disability service provider, catering for special needs children, and adults with an intellectual disability, where respect, personal development and caring go hand-in-hand. Tickets gifted to Hohepa will be used for a relaxed performance.