Intimate Theatre for Christchurch

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 750, 24 August 1929, Page 26

Intimate Theatre for Christchurch

HEALTH CLUB VENTURE ART CENTRE FOR SOUTHERN c:iy ' Given good weather for builders, Christchurch's new intimate theatre m Kilmore Street, to be known as Kadiant Hall, will be opened by the Mayor of Christchurch (the Rev. J. K. Archer) on October 16 or October Although designed primarily for the Health Club, the hall is expected to become the centre in Christchurch of the modern expression of drama, music, and the arts. The Canterbury Repertory Theatre Societv has taken a particular interest in its construction, and the stage, designed by Professor James Shelley, will be among the largest and most up-to-date in the Dominion. The stage will have a width of 57 feet and a depth of IS feet. The proscenium opening will be 2S. feet wide, and the theatre will seat about SOO people. In accommodation and equipment, Radiant Hall will be right up to date. Ample dressing-rooms will be provided, and these, as well as the auditorium, will be well ventilated and electrically heated. The stage will be fitted with a complete modern cyclorama, and will be designed, not merely for effective presentations, but for the maximum comfort of the players. The lighting effects will be the latest. Probably parts of the auditorium will be permanently seated, and part temporarily. Special attention has been given to the acoustic qualities of the hall. There will be a small gallery and two boxes, the whole accommodation being between 700 and 800. The front of the building will be in Spanish mission style in brick and cement. The interior decoration will be finished in ivory and bronze.