NEW EMBASSY THEATRE OPENED YESTERDAY WITH PACKED HOUSES

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 October 1950, Page 4

NEW EMBASSY THEATRE OPENED YESTERDAY WITH PACKED HOUSES

Wanganui was proud of the enterprise of Amalgamated Theatres Ltd., in erecting the Embassy Theatre, said the Mayor, the Hon. W. J. Rogers, at the theatre opening yesterday morning. He was confident the company’s faith in the Wanganui public would be rewarded by good patronage of the theatre.

The simple opening ceiemony began when the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band marched to the theatre at 10.15 a.m. The band, under Drum-Major R. Foster, presented a short programme outside the theatre, then the Mayor declared the building open. After being presented with a bouquet, the Mayoress cut the ribbon held across the foyer by two small girls. At the comnletion of the ceremony the silver-plated scissors used to cut the ribbon were presented to Mrs Rogers. The directors of Amalgamated Theatres. Ltd., were represented at the ooening by Messrs R. H. Allen and H. G. Lane. Mr Allen introduced the Mayot,

Later Mr Allen told the “Chronicle” that Amalgamated Theatres had been in business in Wanganui for 18 year*. During that time, despite the difficulties under which the company had been operating, public support had been “marvellous.'’ The Embassy Theatre was to have heen built in 1939. he said. The plans were approved, tenders called for In that year, but the war interrupted the work. Steel ordered for reinforcing was handed over to the Government, and the building on the site of the new theatre became the Army area office.

In apnroxnnp- the design of the associated architects. Mr H. Francis Willis (Christchurch) and Mr C. Newton Hood (Wanganui), the governing director. Mr M. J. Moodabe. had shown his faith in Wanganui. Mr Allen stated. “Wi- feel the public will appreciate what xve tried to do to heln this citv along,” he added With the theatre incorporating the latest trends in comfort and safety, public reaction would be watchu-d to aid in the erection of similar theatres in other New Zealand centres, said Mr Allen. Patrons’ comments after the first night’s session ranged through a high degree of praise. The architecture and the colour-scheme attracted the most comment, generally expressed in superlative adjectives. "Futuristic” was perhaps the most overworked word in us'e in the conversation ol the patrons, while seme even went to the extent of terming the colour-sch'‘it. e “very modern, but slightly gaudy.”

The play of colours produced by the proscenium lighting produced its anticipated result on the audience. Dur* ! ng the earlier sessions applause rippled through the theatre at each change of colour. The manager, Mr. J. B. Brownlee, has been in charge of numerous theatres in the course of his 20 years with Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., but, he says, ‘nothing ever like the Embassy. 1 his is the best theatre you could possiLiy take over as manager.”