PARAMOUNT THEATRE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 6 December 1927, Page 2

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

TO BE REBUILT MR NORDEN’S PLANS ' Mr E. Norden’s partnership interest in the Nelson Theatre Enterprises (Empire Theatre and Theatre Royal) has been purchased by Fuller-Hayward and Mr Norden’s connection with that business terminated ,as from yesterday. Interviewed by a “Mail” reporter this morning Mr Norden stated that he is proceeding at once with the rebuilding of his theatre, the Paramount, which he expects to have ready for screening pictures by Ist March next. Mr Norden says that lie will be running the theatre himself independent of any other organisation. The extensive rebuilding plan projected by Mr Norden for the Paramount Theatre was commenced yesterday, and from now onwards four staffs of men will be busy rushing along the work. The contract is being carried out by Messrs Holbrook and Sons, who have already built one theatre in the Nelson province for Mr Norden. The structure will be in concrete and brick and the building will have a frontage of 52ft. to Collingwobd-st., and a depth of 152 ft. The main vestibule will be 26 feet wide and will be all tiled. On either side of this main entrance will be two* up-to-date shops—confectioner’s and supper rooms. Over the footpath ih front of the theatre will be a suspended verandah. The interior decorations will be carried out throughout in blue and gold anti will consist of panelling on all interior walls and rich carpets to match. At the rear of the dress circle will be a spacious lounge 52 feet long. This also will lie decorated in harmony; with the remainder of the Interior. It may be mentioned in passing that tiie attendants and ushers will be uniformed in colours to match the decorations. In addition to the lounge there will be ladies’ and gentlemen’s retiring rooms. The stage will he 40 feet in depth and special attention will be paid to lighting (from ’ the town mains), for the theatre will not he confined merely to pictures hut will he specially prepared for stage performances also. The whole theatre will be furnished with new seating accommodation of the latest model tip-up pattern. Except for these seats the whole of the work will he carried out locally. Mr Norden states that he intends to specialise in music and can promise that lie will provide a good orchestra. He also intends that one night each week shall bo set aside ’as a special “family night” with correspondingly reduced prices. Mr Norden further states that (he prices on Saturday nights and cn holidays will not he increased, uid that no booking fees will be charged cn reservations. Local amateur performances will be specially catered for in Mr Norden’s scale of charges. The new theatre will undoultMly be cn architectural addition to Uit cnv.