MODERN THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 22733, 8 November 1935, Page 5

MODERN THEATRE

POPULAR PALACE EXTENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS 1 The Popular Picture Palace, which has undergone many vicissitudes, is rising on the wave of returning prosperity and will shortly echo again with the sound of laughter and applause as audiences respond to the magic of the silver sheet. Extensive alterations and improvements to the building are being made by the syndicate which has purchased it, with Mr A. C. Ford as the architect responsible for the design of the new theatre, which will be very different in appearance from the other theatres in the city. The Popular Picture Palace was officially opened in 1913 and for a number of years held premier place among the Invercargill theatres. With the construction of more modern theatres such as the Albion and the Grand its glory waned. It was taken over by these two theatres and was closed, it being felt that there was not room for a third picture house. Occasionally its doors were opened for local productions and for vaudeville entertainments. Once or twice political meetings were held in it. More recently an attempt was made to derive revenue from it again as a moving picture theatre. But the competition from more luxurious and better equipped theatres was too great and again its doors were closed. But in a month or two it will be able to hold its head as high as ever, for in comfort, cosiness and appearance it will yield the palm to no theatre in the city. The entrance is being moved to an adjacent shop, so that its position will be central and not at the south side as at present. The vestibule entrance will be covered with rubber and from the vestibule on will be carpeted. There will be an attractive circular foyer off which will be the subsidiary rooms.

The old gallery and the old rear wall of the theatre have been removed and the ceiling lowered. A stage has been placed at the west end. A smaller gallery will be provided in the rear, with special seating. The walls will be covered with insulating board, tinted in soft shades. The ceiling will be specially designed for concealed lighting, this being a distinctive feature of 'he scheme. The curvalinear treatment of the ceiling which has been adopted throughout will accentuate the coloured lighting effects. The theatre will be heated with hot air and every attention is being paid for the comfort and convenience of patrons. Special contracts will be let for carpeting and seating. The architect will make use of definite colour schemes to enhance the attractiveness of the interior.