OPERA HOUSE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 148, 24 June 1914, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE

— » During the past few months changes have taken place in connection with the old favourite theatre— the Opera House— and to-day it ia claimed to be one of the prettiest, up to/date, and moat comfortable theatres in the Dominion. The main entrancel in Manners'strteeb,- has been considerably enlarged by taking away the masonry piers and substituting therefor steel girders and columns, mid by absorbing the space previously taken up by two shops, one at_ either aide. The approach p now an inviting one. The electric lights, plastic and decorative work a-U weld together in successful combination. The crush room at the top of the marble staircase, leading to the dress circle, is a, spacious promenade. Its decorations are in the new arb style, shades of green, cream, and gold prevailing, _ The ceiling is treated with hand-pttinted > scrolls and conventional poppies, whilst the walls, are panelled and show dainty hand-painted scenes, floral and figure subjects. The dress circlo ceilings are neatly panelled out. The old fashioned match boarding gives place to, the tip to date and more artistic method. The walls are of rich shades of golden. brown } in imitation of a silk brocade,^ a -margin of azure 'blue giving" a striking note of colour! "~Tlie, upper' circle is practically a replica of the dress circle, and is fitted with exactly similar | seating. On each side of the upper circle a novel feature has been introduced, which fills up what would otherwise be so ( much waste space. A. couple of "rockeries" have been cleverly con* structed. The rock work, scenescape, ferns, palms, trees, waterfalls, etc., are picturesquely blended and please the eye. The dome, proscenium, and balcony fronts are very fine, the colouring being, entirely new in tones of azure blue and cream. , The dome is resplendent With new plaster work and panels of purple and white. New ornamental piaster work hats x been fixed around the proscenium opening. Every seat in the theatre is. the latest pattern tip-up chair, upholstered in blue plush. Special installations to ensure proper ventilation have been installed. The architect was Mr. Chatfield. The orchestra will be a feature at both afternoon and evening shows. The first entertainment will be shown on. Monday.