the court foundation announces new board members – star power and legacy
The Court Theatre Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of renowned actor Mark Hadlow and long-time theatre advocate Jill Bromley to its board, marking a new chapter in its mission to support the legacy and future of The Court Theatre.
Their appointments follow a planned succession, marking the retirement of respected chairperson Laura Palomino de Forbes, who steps down after nearly a decade of dedicated service.”
Mark, a celebrated figure in New Zealand’s performing arts community (The Hobbit, King Kong, MAMIL), brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge and a deep connection to The Court Theatre. Jill, daughter-in-law of Yvette Bromley, the visionary founder of The Court Theatre, has had a lifelong relationship with the institution.
Reflecting on her connection, Jill Bromley said:
“Yvette Bromley, the founder of The Court Theatre, is my mother-in-law. Her son Richard and I were involved with The Court Theatre’s plays from the beginning. While working in England in the early 1970s, we were tasked by Yvette to attend as many plays as possible and review them on their suitability for The Court Theatre. It has always been a special place for my family and me.”
The Foundation also acknowledges the exceptional contribution of Laura Palomino de Forbes, whose tenure brought invaluable expertise from the fund management sector.
Over the past nine years, Laura has been instrumental in strengthening governance structures, building strategic stakeholder relationships, and ensuring financial sustainability. Her collaborative approach and dedication to transparency have significantly advanced the Foundation’s impact.
As part of this transition, the Foundation is pleased to announce that Hall Cannon will succeed Laura Palomino de Forbes as Chair. Hall, Managing Director and Owner of Otahuna Lodge, brings international board experience and a strong commitment to philanthropy. He is a passionate supporter of the arts and their potential to promote inclusivity and societal transformation, particularly for marginalised communities.
The Foundation is also honoured to announce that Cilla Glasson has agreed to become the Court Theatre Foundation’s Patron. Cilla brings significant experience in community health and governance, including her service as a board member of St George’s Hospital and as Chair of the Cancer Institute Trust. She has also served as a volunteer trustee on three additional charitable entities.
Commenting on her new role, Cilla said:
“I have always loved The Court Theatre, and when I was asked to join the Foundation, I felt it was an opportunity to become more personally involved. I enjoy the opportunities to give back to the community and support those less fortunate, and I look forward to contributing to an organisation that plays such a vital role in our cultural life.”
The Court Theatre Foundation continues to be guided by a board of trustees committed to the long-term vision of New Zealand’s leading theatre. The Foundation looks forward to this next phase of stewardship under the leadership and vision of its diverse and experienced board.
the court theatre announces new ceo
The Court Theatre is excited to announce a respected arts leader in Christchurch will be its next Chief Executive. Current Executive Director of SCAPE Public Art, Richard Aindow, will soon take up the reins from outgoing Chief Executive of The Court Theatre, Gretchen La Roche, who is departing to lead New Zealand’s central government arts development agency, Creative New Zealand.
Chair of The Court Theatre’s board, Steve Wakefield, is delighted that the board found its new Chief Executive in Christchurch. “Richard has a wealth of experience working across the arts in New Zealand, with more than a decade spent leading arts organisations including SCAPE Public Art and Aotearoa’s longest running contemporary dance company, Footnote New Zealand Dance. Richard was unanimously chosen by our board from a strong pool of local and national applicants, and we are delighted to be working with him and the rest of the team at The Court Theatre in the coming years as we deliver our new strategic plan in our wonderful new central city home.”
Richard is thrilled to join The Court Theatre as its next Chief Executive. “It has been a huge privilege to lead SCAPE Public Art, and I am proud of how much the team is now delivering for the community. But as soon as I heard about the Chief Executive position at The Court Theatre, I knew I had to apply. The opportunity to lead this true taonga of the arts was an unmissable one, especially at this incredibly important time as the community is welcomed into its new home.
“I was lucky enough to have a tour of the new theatre spaces led by Artistic Advisor Ross Gumbley late last year. It was already clear then that the new theatre will be an incredible place for the performing arts and wider community that our region will be rightly proud of. But what I also felt was something familiar from my many years in the performing arts. Even with contractors working around us, the sense of endless possibilities and the magic that make theatres such special places was already in the air. I can’t wait to get started.”
Richard Aindow starts at The Court Theatre on Monday 23rd June 2025 following the departure of La Roche after the official opening of The Court Theatre in early May. Chair of The Court Theatre, Steve Wakefield, will act as Executive Chair during the interim period.