NEW THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 173, 24 July 1928, Page 9

NEW THEATRE.

TO BE BUILT AT PONSONBY.

FOR T. A. O'BRIEN CIRCUIT.

COMPLETION BEFORE CHRISTMAS

The popular Britannia Theatre at Three Lamps is to be demolished and rebuilt, and the new theatre will hold nearly double the present capacity. Tenders will be called almost immediately, and will call for the completion of the new theatre before Christmas.

The architect. Mr. F. Brown, has designed the new house upon the most modem and comfortable lines, with the dress circle and stalls rising in one gradual raiiip from footlights to operating box. This system gives the maximum sight line comfort with the minimum climb to the dress circle seating. The absence of stairs will be a very pleasing feature.

The proscenium arch and opening will, it is stated, be equal of any of the city theatres, and there will be a large modern stage with full electrical fittings. The lighting colour scheme will permit of three and four combinations on the proscenium arch and throughout the ceiling. The latest methods of vacuum cleaning, heating, and ventilation will be employed, and no expense will be spared to bring the show up to the level of the best city theatres. The decorative scheme will be semi-atmospheric in type, and negotiations are in progress for one of the medium sized British cinema organs to be installed. It is intended to switch the proarammes direct with the firm's city houses, and so first-run exhibitions of the leading brands, such as First National, Paramount and Universal. The \'audeville presentations, which are so popular at present, will be improved in staging and lighting, and strengthened by one or two imported acts each week. It is hoped with the increased capacity that the present moderate charges for admission will be retained. The entrance of the new theatre will be closer to the tram stop than is the existing entrance, and will, of course, be much wider. A number of shops will occupy the balance of the frontage. The orchestra will be greatly strengthened, and additional variety will be given it by the addition of a new radio device which plays gramophone records on a new sound reproductive method. It is confidently predicted that this innovation is going to create great