NEW STRAND THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 19892, 14 June 1928, Page 4

NEW STRAND THEATRE

AH EXTENDED SEASON HOUSE PRESENT QUEEN’S TO BE REMODELLED Dunedin is to have yet another up-to-date theatre. In pursuance of its policy of keeping its theatres up with the times the FullerHayward Theatre organisation has decided to reconstruct and modernise the Queen’s Theatre. To do this tho theatre will close for a week after tonight's performance, and will ho handed over to a small army of workmen—builders, plasterers, electricians, and furnishers and decorators—who will work day and night to complete the remodelling. When tho theatre is reopened on June 22 it will no longer bear tho name of Queen’s, but will be known to picture patrons as the Strand. In the movie world a recent innovation has been tho institution of what is known as extended season attraction houses—that is to say, a theatre which is supplied with the super, pictures of all makes and screens them for long periods. A phenomenal success has followed the inauguration of these theatres in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and has been the incentive to add another house to tho chgin of long-run theatres in the dominion. In this capacity the new Strand will commence its long-run season wit!) the picutro that has broken all records m other cities, ‘The Seventh Heaven.’ A line-up of coming attractions will represent tho cream of picturedom. Following ‘The Seventh Heaven will be ‘Sorrell and Son,’ which has been adapted from Warwick Keeping's celebrated novel of the same name, and which has met with every success in northern centres. Then will come Charles Chaplin’s latest effort, The *Tho extensive reconstruction work of the Strand is in the hands of Messrs Miller and White (architects). A mature of the theatre will be the erection of a magnificent proscenium and stage and the installation of the new system of flood lighting. The theatre will be refurnished throughout, and_ altogether an atmosphere in keeping with the pictures to bo screened will he created. Tho entrance way is to receive attention, and is to bo redecorated, while three pairs of swinging glass-naned doors will bo fitted to tho street line. It has been proved that musio is indispensable to tho enjoyment of a good picture, and therefore an orchestra is to supplv the incidental _ accompaniments. The orchestra, which is to ho under the cowlnctorehip of Mr L. D. Austin, who has had considerable experience in orchestral .work, will interpret the various musical scores which arc prepared specially for the films.