THE OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16033, 26 January 1920, Page 5

THE OPERA HOUSE.

ALTERATIONS UNDER WEIGH

Extensive alterations which, will increase the seating accommodation and give bettor facilities for the public are at present being carried out at tht Opera House. At the main entrance a portico of suitable design is to be built, having dimensions 23ft by 13ft. Tins will improve the appearance of the exterior of tho building, and will also afford shelter to the public, in times of wet weather.. The mode of entrance to the theatre is to be altered, all entrance, whether to circle, stalls, or pit, to bo made through the same entrance, the side entrances to _ stalls and pit now in use to be used chiefly as exits. No material alteration is to be made to the downstairs portion, with the exception that up-to-date .seals are to he provided. The dress circle is to be considerably altered and enlarged. The present antirooms arc to be removed, ami six moro rows of seats built, giving accommodation for 188 more persons. There will still be left room for more scats should occasion require it. Two new stairways, wide and of easy grade, will lead from the main entrance to the sides of the dress circle, where access will be given to the seats. In order to make provision tor these alterations, the roof of tho building has to be raised a little. On tho stairways on a raezzarine floor will be situated the ladies’ cloak room and other necessary anti-rooms. Special attention has been devoted to making ihO building as safe as possible in any emergency. The wide, ensy-grade staircase* will provide ample exits, while in all parts of the building additional firehydrants have been placed. New and up-to-dato seats arc also to Ise installed in the dress circle.

The building 1 is to be redecorated and addit ions and improvements made to thd lighting scheme. The colour sohcind will bo worked out in blue, cream, and gold.

The operator’s box is to lx; placed sA Ihc back of the dress circle, and other equipment for a modern picture theatre is to be installed.