First “Drawing-Room” Theatre.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20257, 17 March 1934, Page 32 (Supplement)

First “Drawing-Room” Theatre.

Tivoli Opens Next Friday Night.

Comfort the Keynote.

NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT will witness the opening of the city’s newest and most up-to-date theatre, the Tivoli, a comfortable, intimate type of cinema, with seating accommodation for 800 patrons. The latest Continental decorations have been specially imported for this modern picture theatre, and the improvements embodied in the building itself are all designed for the comfort of film-goers. Every seat commands an uninterrupted view of the screen, and the lighting, ventilation, general equipment and comfortable armchair seating are all that could be desired. The whole facade of this house, which was formerly known as Everybody’s Theatre, has been changed and the raised front gives it a much more imposing appearance. The original Everybody’s Theatre was opened during February, 1914, but the tremendous strides made in the entertainment world during the past few years have necessitated many changes. The remodelling of this favourite theatre, in accordance with advanced principles of construction, has now been accomplished, but not without great thought, care, and many costly alterations. The law of modern architecture is to express the function of a building in its design. The Tivoli facade has been designed for what it is, a poster frame, vivid and striking. A cheerful note of colour has been introduced, and at night a flaming Neon sign proclaims the name Tivoli. In the re-planning of the building the main objects have been to provide patrons with a well-ventilated theatre, comfortable and roomy seating, an uninterrupted view of the screen and stage, the best sound recording, and, last but not least, the best screen fare from both British and American studios. To find the space needed to suggest an atmosphere of ease and intimacy, it has been necessary to reduce the previous number of seats by nearly 300. The new lounges cover almost four times the original area. The seating accommodation,

therefore, has thus been considerably reduced, but the individual comfort of patrons has been correspondingly increased. Complete reconstruction of the dress circle, its main approach and exit stairs has been carried out; this also applies to the projecting room, which is fireproof, besides being shut off from the auditorium by two fireproof 'doors. Even in countries where expense might be considered a minor matter, a decided change for simplicity of treatment is now very evident. Modern conditions and thought demand simple and restful decoration and added attention to comfort. Simplicity of line, therefore, is one of the features of the Tivoli, and although the general treatment is modern, any features that might be termed ultra-modern in character have been avoided. Distinct improvements in lighting have been installed, the idea being to attain a soft effect, rather than any glare. Coloured changes have not been incorporated in the auditorium, but have been confined to the stage only. Audipliones (for those whose hearing is weak) which were a feature of the old Everybody’s Theatre, have again been installed in the rear seats of the circle. The stage and proscenium opening have been entirely rebuilt, the former offering an interesting example of modernism in decoration. Turquoise blue, gold, silver and red horizontal lines and bands provide a happy combination of colour. Under the stage, and fed by three large grilles, are housed the latest heating and ventilating systems. By the installation of this new plant, which ensures a change of air six times an hour, patrons of the Tivoli will enjoy warmth in the winter and coolness and fresh air during the hot summer months. The Tivoli has been erected under the personal supervision of, and from plans and specifications prepared by, the Christchurch architect, Mr Cecil \V. Wood. The contractors for the work were Messrs B. Moore and Sons.