AUCKLAND'S NEW THEATRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22390, 9 April 1936, Page 19

AUCKLAND'S NEW THEATRE

MODERNISTIC DESIGN FITTINGS AND APPOINTMENTS Erected near the historic site of the former Auckland Barracks at the corner of Lorne and Wellesley Streets, the new Embassy Theatre, which opens its doors for the first time this week, presents an architectural exterior of arresting and striking design. Essentially a modern theatre, the appointments have been designed to furnish the maximum of convenience and comfort for patrons, while the decorative treatment is of a particularly impressive and pleasing style. A wide entrance, finished in specially imported emerald pearl Labrador granite, gives access to a spacious foyer leading to the stalls in the auditorium and having excellently appointed cloakrooms. To the left of the vestibule an easy flight of stairs with chromiumplated balustrades leads to a spacious upstairs lounge which extends the full width of the building behind the dress circle and is tastefully furnished with chairs and settees. The furnishing is in modernistic style with limed oak woodwork and tapestry finishings. Two short stairways open out into the cross aisle of the circle, where seating is provided for about 400. The front section is equipped with de luxe seats upholstered in flowered tapestry specially imported. The other section of the circle and the stalls are fitted with latest type leather-covered seats. The seating accommodation downstairs will approximate 530. A feature of the circle exit is that no stairs have to be negotiated, the doorway being on the higher level of Wellesley Street. The lighting system and the interior decorations have been artistically blended, and the lighting effects, specially designed by the architect, are novel to the experience of Auckland theatre patrons. The decorative treatment of the walls in autumnal tints provides a highly reflective surface and the designs stand out, softly glowing and tinted in a blending of lovely subdued colours. There are several series of lights in the walls, ceiling, circle balustrade and proscenium arch. By utilising the natural shape of the building site and constructing the theatre in a hornlike form, there has been no necessity for recourse to acoustic devices. The screen, which is draped with vieux rose crush velvet curtains, is erected at the "mouth" of the horn and the sound waves radiate over the auditorium, which widens to the rear. The latest type of Western Electric wide-range sound system is installed.

Wide range, the latest contribution of the Western Electric sound system, marks the peak of achievement toward the development of perfect sound recording and reproducing in talking pictures. Its outstanding feature is a clear, lifelike quality that has never been obtained and realised prior to its introduction. A more natural tone quality, sure fidelity, greater volume range free from distortion, a more intimate tone and ability to reproduce the musical quality of individual instruments either in the extreme high or low ranges are within the accomplishment of the new system. This new development of sound recording and reproduction affords the closest approach to perfect recording of orchestral numbers effected to date.

The heating system includes the use of convector type of hot-water heaters and distributing pipes through the circle. In addition, hot air unit heaters are placed at intervals throughout the auditorium. Ventilation is improved by an air-cooling plant constructed below the stage and the pure current passes through ports in the stage-apron to the auditorium. The floor covering is of rich Wilton in a pleasing design of blue, black and silver patterning. The Embassy Policy " The exclusive presentations of extended season attractions from the world's most foremost producers" is the declared policy of the Embassy Theatre management. .The premiere attraction, Paramount's " Rose of the Rancho," which is an operetta co-starring Gladys Swarthout and John Boles, is supported with a colour classic, " Song Memories." These will be followed by the United Artists' production " Little Lord Fauntleroy," with Freddie Bartholomew in the major role. John Boles is well known to Auckland theatre patrons, but a new personality and voice are presented in Gladys Swarthout, the mezzo-soprano from grand opera. She has come to the films through Paramount's after some years of popularity as a concert and radio performer, and has become one of the regular artists appearing at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, where 9he has sung for the last five seasons. Another United Artists' picture to be screened shortly is " These Three," with Miriam Hopkins, Merle Oberon and Joel McCrea in this sensational human drama. " The Amateur Gentleman," made for United Artists' release by Criterion Films, a new British producing company, may also be screened at the Embassy in the near future. It has been adapted from Jeffery Farnol's well-known novel, and Douglas Fairbanks, junior, plays the leading role. This picture has already become an outstanding success in England and America. A frequent and welcome feature contemplated by the management is the playing of the Moore Sisters' Trio in various programmes. The management aims at screening the best talking pictures to be secured from the leading producers in England, America and the Continent. The new theatre is under the control of, the J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation, and Mr. Yorke Gray, who is well known to Auckland theatregoers, has been appointed manager. Fine Workmanship The completed building, which has been constructed in the. record time of just over four months, is of the latest earthquakeresisting design. The architect was Mr. Llewellyn E. Williams, of Wellington, and the chief contractor Mr. W. of Christchurch. The supervising architect was Mr. L. L. Miles. Nearly a dozen other firms were associated in the equipment, decoration and furnishing of the theatre. All the masonry materials were supplied by J. J. Craig, of Auckland, and >the marble inlay panels on the sides of the entrance doors and steps were executed by W. Parkinson and Company (Auckland), Limited. The supplied by the New Zealand Lace Web Company, Limited, of Christchurch. All timber requirements were filled by C. and A. Odlin, Limited. Two firms were associated in the decorations, H. J. Dreyfeldt, of Wellington, being responsible for the interior treatment, and French and Roberts the exterior work. All the interior lighting and special fittings were in the hands of Turnbull and Jones, Limited, of Auckland. The special outdoor lighting was installed by the Claude Neon Lights (N.Z.), Limited. The drapings were supplied by Smith and Caughey, Limited, of Auckland. The plumbing, heating and ventilation systems were installed by Messrs. Ayling and King, of Christchurch. The entire building reveals the highly skilled technique and artistic handicraft which lie behind the firms responsible for the work.