Theatre Royal wins reprieve

Christchurch got some good earthquake news yesterday - the iconic Isaac Theatre Royal will not be demolished.

The theatre on Gloucester St was damaged in the February 22 earthquake - three days short of its 103 birthday. But structurally it is still standing strong, experts now say.

Isaac Theatre Royal sponsor Diana Lady Issac said she was "thrilled" at the news.

"It's a beautiful building. I think Christchurch is so fortunate to have a building of that age built for a purpose that has been restored and can now continue to be used," she said.

Issac Theatre Royal general manager Neil Cox credited structural work to the theatre in 1999 with saving the historic building from major damage in both major quakes.

Mr Cox hoped the theatre would be repaired and open again in November.