A NEW THEATRE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 48, 25 August 1930, Page 5

A NEW THEATRE

PRINCE EDWARD, WOBURN

OPLvVIXG TO-MOEHOW NIGHT

Theatre-goers in the Hocra-Waiwctu district will have a long-felt want supplied with tlio opening of the Prince Edward Theatre to-morrow night. Lower Hutt people, too, will not find the new theatre out. of the way, for it is situated opposite Woburn Station, within easy walking distance of a large portion of Lower Hutt. The official opening ceremony will be performed by the Mayor (Sir Alexander Roberts) at 8 p.m., and "Alias French Gertie," featuring Bebe Daniels, will be the first presentation. Numerous invitations to members of councils and local bodies have been tendered and accepted, and it is certain that to-morrow evening's opening performance will have a "bumper" house. Viewed from the outside, the imposing and massive structure of the Theatre building gives one a good idea of its spacious interior, which is designed to hold approximately 1000 people. The main entrance is on the corner of the theatre, and leads directly into the large auditorium where wide aisles and cosy, roomy seating show that the management have not. considered box office receipts at the expense of their patrons' case and comfort. Planned on the lines of an old English Hall, the interior is of simple design, yet embodies that rich effect so characteristic of the medieval schemo of decoration. Suspended from huge beams which cross the high ceiling are six immense and beautiful chandeliers, holding numerous electric bulbs fashioned in the form of candles. The walls arc. pleasingly draped, primarily in accordance with the latest acoustic practice, but still furthers the Old World effect, line antique lamp brackets on the walls supplement the lighting from the chandeliers. What appear to be two open hearths with blazing fires, set on either side of the screen, in reality conceal the very latest in central heating appliances. Patrons therefore will bo assured of a warm, comfortable place of entertainment on tho bitterest winter's night. The seating downstairs is of furniture hide upholstered for some, and plush upholstered for others. From the vestibule a wide marble staircase leads up to a luxuriously furnished lounge, from the walls of which are hung Old English tapestries of unusual designs. Green palms add to the coo) and delightful appearance of this apartment. Leading directly from the lounge is the entrance to tho dress circle, and on entering one is attracted with the interior as seen from above. Eiehly hung walls, thick carpeted stairs, and moquette upholstered seating combine to give tho de luxe comfort which is the keynote right throughout tho theatre. The convenience of patrons is further catered for by tho provision of excellently appointed ladies' and gentlemen's cloakrooms. The modern fireproof operating l-,ox is equipped with the very latest talkie plant equipment, which will give patrons 100 per cent, efficient reproduction on a par with any other theatre- in Wellington or suburb. The building contains two moderately sized up-to-date living flats, and four big shops, which should prove a valuable asset to the district.

The Prince Edward Theatre is incorporated with the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt, and Rhodes Dcnby, the present manager of the latter, will in future control both theatres. An advertisement in connection with tomorrow night's opening ceremony appears elsewhere in this issue.