NAPIER’S NEW THEATRE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 179, 15 July 1911, Page 3

NAPIER’S NEW THEATRE

DESCRIPTION OF THE HILDING. At the conclusion of the meeting of the Borough Council yesterday the pre-s reporters were given an opportunity to inspect the plans of the new theatre. The plans show that we are to have one of the most: up-to-date buildings south of the Line. To the Hon. Wm. Pitt., architect, of Melbourne, the work of preparing the [dans and details of the theatre has been entrusted. It differs from most theatres in the important respect that there is a fire zone or space all around, and that access to any part of the auditorium can be gained from any side.

i The front elevation will have a i classic treatment with pillasters i and enriched cornices; wide steps i lead up to three arched entrances ■ with balconettes over, giving a bold and attractive front. ' The three arched entrances lead • to a large vestibule 45ft by 30ft. j from which the dress circle and ' stalls' patrons enter the audito- ; i ium. Also, leading off the vesti- ■ bide is the stalls’ cloak rooms and ; conveniences, and the manager’s i offices. ! The vestibule will contain the ' dress circle steps leading up to a ; spacious crush room and lounge, 1 measuring 4.5 ft by 35ft ; adjoining i the crush room will be ladies’ and ! gents’ cloak rooms and eonveni- ■ enccs, and a refreshment cafe. | The ceilings of vestibule and ' crush room will be treated with eni richer! fibrous plaster designs and j highly decorated.

■ The auditorium has been very I carefully considered, and will afford I splendid views of the stage from all parts of the stalls, dress circle and gallery. The total seating accommodation of the theatre will be 1700. I The ceiling of the auditorium is > to be coved, with a fibrous plaster : saucer in the middle 28ft in diaj meter which will collect the hot air , in summer time and convey it to i the sliding roof; this roof will be ;on an improved plan, and so easy !to manipulate that a child could I without difficulty open and close j it. ! The proscenium and boxes will be treated with enriched heavy cornice of fibrous plaster worked ' up to a central fixture containing : ornamental shield with Cupids.

| The balcony' fronts will also be 5 done in fibrous plaster in ornameni tai relief, the whole giving a very ! fine, effect when artistically deco- | rated in accordance with the arehi- ■ tectural features of the building. I Delicate tints of colour will be used, picked out in gold. I The stage and appointments are | very complete ; the stage, 75ft by 50ft. will be spacious and lofty. On one side is a large scene dock and property' room, 75ft by 17ft 6in; scenic artists’ room and paint frame occupying 75ft by 17ft 6in ; j and limelight tank room. On the ■ other side three tiers of dressing ! rooms with all conveniences attach- ! ed, also two separate staircases. I All round the theatre will be ' escapes to all parts of the house •in such a manner that no other : theatre in Australasia possesses. i Altogether the theatre will rank as ; one of the best appointed. ■ The Hon. Wm. Pitt’s long ex- | perience in this class of architec- ■ ture throughout Australasia is sufficient guarantee that the building : will be quite as up-to-date as any [•lay house South of the Line.