ISLAND BAY’S NEW THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 151, 23 March 1925, Page 11

ISLAND BAY’S NEW THEATRE

The seating capacity of the Empire Theatre at. Island Bay was severely taxed on Saturday evening, when the building was open to the public for the first time. His Worship the Mayor, Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P., in opening the theatre, congratulated the directors on the enterprise they had shown. Any new public building was an asset to the whole city, and the new theatre could not prove otherwise than a great boon to the people of the district. The plant, continued Mr. Wright, was of the very latest type, was identical with that used in many of the leading theatres of Paris and London, and pictures could now be screened at Island Bay equal to. any shown in any part of the world. The seating accommodation would hold 460 people comfortably. The building itself was decidedly artistic, and reflected great credit on the architect, Mr. D M. Kean. The time had long passed when anybody made objections to pictures, which were now recognised as the finest means of education obtainable. At the conclusion of Mr. Wright’s address, the orchestra rendered an overture, and this was followed by an attractive programme. A special feature of the new theatre is the seating accommodation. The chairs are upholstered in striped brown leather, and are remarkably comfortable and roomy. The theatre is well ventilated, and from the outside presents a really qhnrming appearance. It is built of brick and concrete, and is treated with a rough-cast finish in places. The appearance is typical of the more modern suburban theatres of America. A programme will be shown every evening, and the, opening of matinee performances will be announced later.