MAJESTIC THEATRE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19550, 4 February 1938, Page 3

MAJESTIC THEATRE

NEW SOUND EQUIPMENT MR. KFAXY TO VISIT \.S.\Y

A decision on the part of the management of Gisborne Theatres, Limited, to raise the standard of the Majestic Theatre to that of the most comfortable and up-to-date provincial house in the Dominion is to be given effect to without delay, and in connection with the selection of new equipment, Mr. Will B. Koany, manager of tiic Majestic, will leave shortly for Sydney. There he will investigate the claims of rival systems of sound reproduction in connection with film entertainment, and other, aspects of modern theatre management. The first step in the programme of modernisation for the Majestic has been the selection of a high-grade list of film features for the 1938 season, the selection consisting of productions which should appeal to all tastes. The interior decoration of the theatre is being completely overhauled, and decorators are now at work, with the aid of carpenters and other skilled tradesmen, effecting the changes decided upon, the motif of an ultra-modern colour scheme being two shades of grey, relieved by cherry and turquoise blue. The installation lof a new system of sound reproduction is to be tlie next step in raising tlie standard of the theatre. Advancement in .Equipment The recording of sound on films has made such rapid advancement during the last two years that the choice of equipment for reproduction is of the utmost importance. Of the two major systems available to the management, one already lias proved itself in practical employment by the chain of theatres operated from Gisborne. The claims of the rival system are to be exhaustively investigated by, Mr. Kcany during his visit to Sydney, where it is in operation in several of tiie most modern theatres. I-Ie will examine not only the technical equipment incorporated in tiiis system, but also will study audience reaction and secure managers icports. This information also should be of value to his firm in selecting new equipment for the Opera House, should that theatre be reopened for cinema entertainment. Programme presentation, theatre lighting, and new developments in service to picture patrons also will be included m his investigation. Mr. Kcany will spend about four weeks on his tour, and will be accompanied to Sydney by his sister, Miss Maureen Kcany, who is to study the latest tuition methods at the Frances Scully School of Dancing, claimed to be tlie largest and most up-to-date establishment of its kind in tlie Southern Hemisphere.