THE THEATRE ROYAL, TIMARU.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIX, Issue 6873, 10 March 1883, Page 3

THE THEATRE ROYAL, TIMARU.

Whatever stagnation there mar be mbusisen circle, in iimaru, .ome, at least, of the community have faith and courage. Thereconstructed Theatre Bpyal it a itniing evidence of this, and Mr Jonas a *<>be congratulated on the very fine home whlshh. im provided for tbs drio3& in tbst town* Tbo •aeffolding haring been cleared away, a re* markably symmetrical front ie disclosed, and the appearance of. the Theatre •treet, if not imposing. is singularly attractive. On entering the building, one is struck not only with the complete seme on which everything is provided for the comfort and safety of actors and spectator*, but alio with the taste and Judgment displayed in au tb» arrangements. The pi tis exceedingly spacious, haring a sloping floor of concrete, covered with weOd> the dress circle completely carer* the pit, the dividing fence between pit end stalls being just under the break of the circle. From every portion of the pit there is a frit! view of the stage, and the discomfort which generally attends a crowded pit is obviated by a 'number of foul air escapes attached to pipe, under the circle. The stalls are also spacious, and are placed , well back from the stage; the orchestra being stationed in a sort of well under the front of the stage, do not offer any obstruction to the view of persons in the stalls. The stage is a fine structure 40ft deep by 45ft broad. There are eight dressing-rooms, a scenery room, and various offices. Two water-pipes lead on the stage, to wbioh hydrants can be affixed rt a moment's notice, and two others ore below. The areh met the proscenium is a work of art, and will be supported by six Corinthian jailors—three on each side. The flooring of the stage I. of Baltio timber, and there are seventeen trap., the space under the stage being very extensive. In the roof there are eight large ventilators. light is provided for by a good malight with two smaller rings of jeto, and a number of burners round the wail, the old-faihiousd style of burners fixed to tot flfcde not being adopted. -Entering at , ths centre front door of toe bmlding, there is » wide ataireaee oa either hand, by which one ascend, to toe circle. At toe top are (,| w fr room* and a refreshment room, and the circle iieelfis a splendid structure, roomy and

elegant The seats, whlfh will be put in in a day or two, are of iron, moveable like those of the railway saloons, and they will be cushioned with crimson velvet The whole equipment is on a scale of real elegance. Excellent progress has been made with the work, and It is expected the theatre will be ready for me early next month. The fire es* ropes are numerous and effective, there being meant of easy egress in case of alarm. On the whole, Tunaru may be congratulated on having such a theatre, for the best companies will now be able to play in it with comfort. Mr Duval it the architect, and bis plans have been faithfully carried out by the contractor, Mr M'Qill