THEATRE ACCOMMODATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 188, 11 August 1930, Page 6

THEATRE ACCOMMODATION.

MORE COMFORT DESIRED,

(To the Editor.)

We have heard a good deal about the lack of public support of the theatre, competition 0 £ "talkies," etc., but has it ever occurred to managers that there may be other contributing causes? When the Bancrofts iirst introduced carpets in the stalls and comfortable lounges as well as beautifully staged and dressed playg in London there was a howl that disaster would follow. The Bancrofts not only endeared themselves to their company as well as their patrons but incidentally made a fortune. When theatrical managers realise that accommodation provided in the 'nineties will, not do for 1930 perhaps they will find that the theatre is not dead, but only unconscious. I have an idea that there are many like myself resolve# not to patronise the theatre or the Auckland Town Hall until seating accommodation of a modem type is provided. The conditions here are duplicated, in Australia, and, in fact, all over the world, and I am not alone in my opinion that the state of the theatre is ait internal complaint, only to be solved by recognising the fact that the play in this age and timo°is by no means everything. Meanwhile, I hope things will be improved before they remind us of Sam Lazar, who threatened to "chuck out" a gallery patron for smoking, when the entire gallery of seven replied, "Hadn't vou better go out and chuck a few j n AUDITORIUM.