COMFORT THE FIRST CONSIDERATION

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21411, 1 March 1935, Page 20

COMFORT THE FIRST CONSIDERATION

Developments in Theatre Design FAITHFUL REPRODUCTION AT THE MAYFAIR

The May fair, the latest addition to Christchurch's many fine theatres, will open its doors to the public this evening, and patrons can look forward to something new in their theatre-going experience. The Mayfair is a small theatre, but the primary objective throughout its construction and in its furnishing has been the comfort of its patrons. No effort has been spared in this direction, and as the management, Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., has secured contracts for the supply of some of the finest productions of 1935 it may confidently be expected that the new theatre will quickly become one of the most popular in the city.

In its design the Mayfair is up-to-the-minute, built to conform to modern tastes and modern ideas of comfort. It is the first one-floor theatre in Christchurch and the first to be entirely earthquake-re-sisting. More than £IOOO was spent on the front of the old building in Worcester street that was re-de-signed and adapted for the new theatre in order to make it earthquakeproof, and all the concrete used in the building was tested for tensile strength. Modern Trends in Design In conformity with modern ideas of theatre construction the new the-

decorations and lighting are quiet and restful. The prevailing tone is a subdued rust brown. This has been used in combination with a pale jade green in a restful shade. The flatness of the walls is broken up by two boldly curved flares with circular white plaques in the centre, behind which are electric lights, concealed from the public gaze, so that it will be only the glow from these lamps that will throw a soft diffused light throughout the theatre. Similar plaques are placed at intervals along each wall. Comfortable Seating The elliptical ceiling is carried out in pale green and cream with

at re has been designed to seat a comparatively small number of patrons—approximately 810. It is stated that overseas experience has proved the big theatre, seating between 2000 and 3000 patrons, to be an uneconomic proposition. It does not give the same standard of comfort to patrons, the difficulties of boating and ventilating are multiplied, and a much smaller proportion of the audience is given a clear view of the screen. In the new Mayfair Theatre the screen is inset behind the arch of the proscfenium, so that not even those in the front rows of the auditorium can make the old complaint of being too close to the screen to view the pictures in proper perspective. Simplicity of design i.s the keynote of the interior decorations of the Mayfair, as it is of the new theatres of England, the United States, and Australia. The treatment is modern in character but restrained and harmonious, and the

a stencilled design having the crescent motif. A feature that captures the eye is the simply designed cen-tre-piece in the ceiling with concealed lighting behind it, which takes the place of the dome in older theatres. The crescent motif is repeated at the edge of the proscenium arch, which is designed on sweeping Ikies, and again on the curtain. The seats are upholstered in shades of dark brown and fawn, and are placed so that everyone on the

gently sloping floor can obtain a clear view of the screen. The chairs are the latest in theatre chair design, and they have been planned to give audiences the luxurious sensation of "sitting on air." Above all there is plenty of room for patrons to stretch their legs between rows, while wide aisles eliminate crowding when audiences are entering or leaving the theatre. Impressive Entrance A great deal of interest has been taken by the public in the construction of the new theatre, which in the last few weeks has been carried on night and day, but not until the actual opening day to-day will the entrance be completed. This will be in keeping with the remainder of its highly modern features. There will be six doors of bevelled plate glass etched and embossed in a most unusual style. Through these doors is the wide and roomy foyer which rises gently towards the main auditorium. On each wall are beautiful decorations in shining mirror glass and chromium steel. Underfoot is a rich and heavy carpet in colours which tone with the decorations. The principal ticket box has a plate glass top and another on the righthand side of the foyer also has a front of the same material. In the ample space provided by the foyer design there is plenty of room for the manager's office, an attractive sweets stall and lavatory accommodation. The theatre has been scientifically designed to give the most favourable acoustics, and the latest equipment for the reproduction of the pictures and sound has been installed. This combination should ensure the utmost fidelity and definition of music and the talking voice. The new Western-Electric wide-range sound system is regarded as the very latest in reproduction equipment, and it will be aided by the special acoustic wall board with which the greater part of the auditorium has been panelled. This latter is a new development, also, in talking picture theatre technique, and it is as beautiful to the eye as it is efficient in its principal purpose of ensuring faithful reproduction. Cost of £ 12,000 Including the cost ot seating and furnishing, the conversion of and reconstruction of the old building in Worcester street, which at various

times in the past has been both a livery stable and a garage, cost approximately £12,000. The architect was Mr H. Francis Willis, of Christchurch, who with Mr A. H. Johnston also personally supervised the construction. The contractor was Mr J. L. Pugh. Forty workmen have been employed on Ihe job for 16 weeks, and the rapid completion in the last few weeks was made possible only by the perfect co-opera-tiun between the architect, the con-

tractor, and the various firms supplying the materials. The structural steel work was done by C. L. Lilly, the joinery by A. R. Craw (Durham Joinery Works), and the painting and decorating by J. Foster and D. Mawer. The seating was supplied by the New Zealand Theatre Chair Company, Ltd., of Auckland, and the

carpets and hangings were supplied by Ballantynes. Western-Electric supplied the sound equipment, while the special acoustic wallboard came from Ashby Bergh and Company, and the ordinary wallboard from John Burns and Company. The plaster work was done by T. Hatherley, the glazing by Andrew Lees,

Ltd , and the plumbing, heating and ventilation by A. and T. Bait Ltd The timber was supplied by it T Otley. The chromium plating work was done by Armstrong and Farr Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd tha management of the new Mayfefr Theatre, now controls 61 picturt houses in all parts of the Dominion! '