THE REGENT THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20415, 23 May 1928, Page 3

THE REGENT THEATRE.

BUILDING NEARLY COMPLETED. MODERN AND LUXURIOUS INTERIOR. Snugly set in the heart of a block of buildings flanking the lower side of the Octagon is the new Regent Theatre, the 1 construction of which is being rapidly i completed. Only the furnishings and the : minor structural decorations have now to be installed before the doors can be opened to the amusement-seeking public of Dunedin. The building is a remarkable example of efficient designing, for it has been made to fit into the available space behind the Octagon with perfect neatness and economy of space. Although only the main entrances are visible from the street, the theatre is wide and lofty, with ample accommodation for 2000 people. Those \yho did not realise the amount of waste space that lay at the rear of the older buildings will be amazed at the change that has been wrought, for this important addition to Dunedin’s theatre-land has been made with very little alteration to the business-like appearance of the locality. On the opening night only the lighted vestibules, with their marble and mahogany linings, and the electric signs, will be seen from the outside. COMFORTABLE AND ROOMY. As the Regent Theatre is almost entirely surrounded by other buildings and has been placed in their midst with the same precision that is employed in fitting a piece of mosaic into a prepared position, only the interior can be seen or described. Obviously, everything possible has' been done to make this not only comfortable and roomy, but also luxurious and attractive in the highest degree. In recent years designers of theatres have specialised in planning with the greatest regard for the convenience of audiences, and all the most modern improvements have been introduced in the Regent building. The importance of having a clear view of the stage from every seat in the house has been realised from the outset, while the lighting, heating, and ventilation systems are the best and most up to date obtainable. The , shell of the theatre has been designed in towering arches that rise to a central dome. The building itself is ot solid concrete, reinforced with steel, but the solid and completely fireproof frame has been so beautifully moulded, and is so carefully hidden behind the beautiful linings, that there is nothing harsh or heavy about the interior. On the contrary, an airy, palatial effect has been created, and the dimensions are so artistically balanced that the size and spaciousness of the theatre do not detract from the cosy effect that is so desirable. DETAILS OF THE DESIGN. A rich simplicity of design that is the keynote of modern interior constructional and decorative work has been employed throughout the public portions of the theatre. On the street front are eight swinging doors of mahogany, behind the wide marble steps of the main entrance slope gradually upwards. The high walls are lined with pasted shaded tiles, and oh either side is a ticket box, the design of which harmonises completely with the, surroundings. During the day the entrance will be amply lighted, ns the main doors are panelled with plate glass, but in the evenings it will be brilliantly with electric lamps. Bronze metal is introduced in the ticket boxes, and the shades blend effectively with the mahogany woodwork, at' the same time providing a pleasant contrast with the tile linings. The floor is to be covered with a rich carpet which will extend into the mam section of the entrance hall. The elevation of the theatre auditorium m relation to the street level has been arranged so that there are no steep stairways to climb or descend, and the entrance hall is situated midway between the floors of the stalls and the dress circle. There are two short staircases of generous width, one- eloping gently down to the stalls entrances and the other leading to a roomy landing that, in turn, forms the entrance to the mezzanine, foyer. At the junction of thd stairways is a massive pedestal on which is set a handsome bronze snnnort for a brilliant cluster ot lights. This is 6ft in height, and forms an arresting central point in ■ the magnificent design of the entrance hall. It is beautifully wrought, and ornamented with a tasteful floral design. - ENTRANCE DECORATIONS. On either hand the stairways are flanked with massive walls that nave been treated to resemble stone. This gives a striking effect of solidity, and lends an antique ' touch' to the general scheme. Above the entrance is a high dome with a central wheel and an old Roman floral edging, and from the highest point the sides slope smoothly down, finished in shades of brown. When the lighting system has been installed, tne dome will be illuminated with hidden lights The stairway to the stalls is of marble, and the massive banister swings in a pleasing line from the bronze pedestal. At the foot of the stairs are the swing doors into the stalls, and from there the passages run on' an almost imperceptible slope to the various sections of the lower part of the theatre. There are only six steps from the entrance to the mezzanine foyer—a fact that accounts for the ease of access that is one of the special features ■ of the Regent Theatre. These lead to another line of mahogany swing' doors, on the far side of which is the foyer. Designed in the form of a wide balcony lounge that, extends across practically the entire width. of the theatre, the foyer is of a type that should make an instant appeal to theatre-goers. Its introduction is certainly an innovation so far as Dunedin is concerned, and it is doubtful if many theatres in the world are similarly equipped. . It is roofed by the sloping floor of the dress circle, which hides the view of the stage and the upper portions of the auditorium, but those who use the lounge may have an uninterrupted view of the stalls below, and as it is hidden from the stage, it can remain illuminated while pictures are being shown. A heavy balustrade, designed with rounded pillars, flanks the foyer, and the result is an attractive balcony promenade in the heart of the theatre, that may be used at any time, and is within easy reach of the dress circle. It is topped with a wheel dome, and the walls are finished in rich mahogany. Heavy carpets will be placed on the floor, ,luxurious lounge furniture will be Installed, and pictures will be hung at intervals. All the comfort of a big drawing room will be there, and in addition, subdued lighting points will be introduced im the form of antique lanterns set on pillars. On either side are dressing rooms and facing these are the short staircases that lead to the dress circle. THE THEATRE AUDITORIUM. It is from the upper portion of the dress circle that the spaciousness and capacity of the Regent Theatre can best be appreciated. There are no sudden slopes or rows of seats that can be reached only after a difficult climb, and from every point the wide stage is faced at an easy and natural angle of vision. There are 13 rows of seats, and the dress circle docs not contain a single pillar. The high vaulted roof of the theatre is supported by an immense steel girder that spans the building. The main dome of the auditorium is the most striking feature of the theatre, and its decorative scheme is a particularly attractive example of modern interior architecture. Beneath a black background is a floral grille ornamented with eight smaller domes each supplementing the effect that is created by the central piece. Delicate colour shades have been employed, and the curves of the dome broaden out with unbroken smoothness to the sides of the theatre and to the proscenium arch. This is a lofty and beautifully executed work, farming a magnificent framework to the big stage. The orchestra well is deep and spacious, and the musicians will be some distance below ! the level of the stage. The well is lined 1 with dark wood, and divided from the i front stalls by a low and broad balusi trade. Lofty chambers are provided on I either side of the proscenium front for 1 the installation of an organ, and from I these a beautiful floral design, created in i perfect taste, rises in a high arch. 1 STAGE AND DRESSING ROOMS. ! stage is sufficiently deep for the I introduction of vaudeville acts in conjunction with the picture programmes, ‘ but when the scene is in place, rich curtains and draperies will hang on either side. Although the screen will be of the usual size it will take up only a portion of the proscenium front. The lighting of i this part of the theatre has yet to be I arranged, but the scheme provides for exquisite floods of colour' along each of

"ill the sloping walls. Under the stage are the dressing rooms, all of which are handy, roomy, and fully equipped in the most modern style. To the left is a wide stage and auditorium exit that provides- quick and easy access to Moray place bv means of a short right-of-way. At the back of the dress circle, and built on the outer wall of the building is the big concrete operating box. the construction of which has been carried out with strict regard to absolute safety from fire. Adjoining it is the film room, and from each place a fire escape leads to the fvound level. The construction of the Regent Theatre has now been in hand for 2D weeks, and the rapidity of the work is something of a record for Dunedin. The contractors are the Love Construction Company, and t'"» architects are Messrs Miller and VThite.