NEW OCTAGON THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23811, 18 May 1939, Page 6

NEW OCTAGON THEATRE

RECONSTRUCTION PROPOSED WORK TO BEGIN SHORTLY UP-TO-DATE PICTURE HOUSE The Octagon Theatre, which under successive managements has been an Important unit in the entertainment services of the city for a quarter of a century, is to be reconstructed. Under amarrangement between the owners of the premises, the Methodist Central Mission and the lessees of the theatre. Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., a building programme involving an expenditure of over £ 17,0X3 will be put in hand during the next few weeks. The architects for the new building are' Messrs Natusch and Sons, of Wellington, in association with Mr 11. McDowell Smith, of Dunedin, and th» tender of Messrs W. McLellan, Ltd... was accepted yesterday for the contract. It is expected that the theatre will reopen early in November as one of the most up-to-date picture houses in the Dominion. Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., propose to demolish the existing structure almost entirely and to replace it with a new picture house, furnished and equipped in accordance with the, most modern ideas in theatre construction. The company commenced its activities in Dunedin several years ago with the purchase and renovation of the Grand Theatre, and followed up this move with the acquisition some time later of the State Theatre, which was also rebuilt. Within the past 12 months it secured the lease of the Octagon Theatre with the intention of reconstructing it. and that plan is now being put into effect. It was stated yesterday by representatives of the company that the improvement of both the Grand and State Theatres is also under consideration. Complete Transformation

A glance «t the architect’s plans is sufficient to give an idea of the complete transformation that will he effected at the Octagon,, The familiar frontage of the old mission premises will disappear entirely, and in- its place will rise a lofty modern facade, simple and dignified, but at the same time strikingly pleasing; One of the features of the front elevation will be the handsome concave central panel of glass bricks, which at night will be illuminated from within and without by ‘special Neon installations. The main entrance and doors will be brought forward to the pavement’s edge, and over the approach will be flung a marquee shelter awning, the appearance of which will, be heightened by illuminated effects. The whole of the frontage from ground to parapet will carry an. artistically arranged network of Neon lighting. Interior Alterations The street doors of up-to-date and attractive design will give access to a commodious and well-appointed vestibule containing stalls, managerial offices, selling boxes and the booking office, and the double entrance to the stalls. Rising from the vestibule will be the wide curved staircases, with chromium plated bannisters and rails, leading to the upstairs lounge and the dress circle. The foyer and lounge pn the first floor has been designed on a scale unequalled in New Zealand for size and capacity. The decorative design here is simple and unostentatious, incorporating only the more tasteful aspects of modern interior design. Entrance to the dress circle will be gained by means of two sets of doors. Inside the circle will present one of the greatest changes in the new building. The grade of the stairs will be -lessened and every seat will have a clear and uninterrupted view of me screen. To this end seating capacity has been sacrificed. The whole aim of the interior design, has been to focus attention on the screen. Acoustics, which in the days of silent films, were not of prime importance, have been made the subject of special study and research, and the result is perfect conditions for the eichibition of sound pictures. # Lighting and Decoration Lighting is one of the features of the interior design, and the most recent developments in this sphere havs been exploited to give restful and pleasing effects. Latest types of concealed neon lighting provide the principal effects, but these will be supplemented by attractively fashioned ceiling lights. Altogether between 5000 and 6000 feet of -.neon tubing will be used to produce the myriad of changing colours and shade that wui entertain the eye. The special lighting scheme has rendered necessary an unusual colour design in the auditorium. Paste l shades in graded tones will blend with soft neon rays to produce what should be strikingly effective decorative effects. Seating and Furnishing The comfort of patrons will be catered for by means of the most up-to-date seats and upholstery available. The chairs have already been obtained. and are roomy and restful, ami the arrangement and placement or them has been carried put to give everyone a clear yiew. Circle, lounge, and foyer will all be richly carpeted, and in the latter furnishings, decorations and furniture will be in keeping with the general plan. Stage furnishings will be arranged on modern lines, with a waterfall effect in the curtains. Comfort and Safety Heating and ventilation have also been the subject of careful consideration, and every effort has been made to take advantage of all the latest developments in this respect. The safety of patrons is provided for by means of easily-worked and adequate exits, and the operating box will be fireproof in the strictest sense of the term. The company also hopes to secure direct communication with the fire „ brigade station by means of special automatic alarms. The latest machinery and sound equipment has been purchased, and will be ready for installation when building is finished.