THE NEW KING'S THEATRE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 754, 1 March 1910, Page 3

THE NEW KING'S THEATRE.

The now King's Theatre, erected jointly by tho West's Picture Proprietary and tho Royal Picture Syndicate (Stessrs. Linley and Donovan) is rapidly taking on tho outward form and appearance that betokens early completion. So forward is the finishing work in the interior that the management has decided to formally open the new theatre in Tarauaki Place on Wednesday, March 10. The big auditorium, which is to seat between 1500 and 1600 people, is a great hive of industry. Away up in the plastered ceiling the experts or the Carrara Ceiling Company are fixing little groups of chubby cupids, who are to smile down on the "house." Plasterers are smoothing off the whiteplasterad walls, and others are putting a line, face on the rougher concrete, work, which is a characteristic of this absolutely fire-proof building. The whole of the gallery, or dress circle, which is to seat 350 persons, is of reinforced concrete, which material is also used for the grand entrance and stairway, the operator's room, the foyer, and tho management's offices. With great consideration, largo cloak-rooms, etc., have been provided for ladies and gentlemen, and there is a nice littlo balcony (where the glow of cigarettetips will be seen during tho interval) entering outwards from the foyer. The ventilation will be as nearly perfect as possible, and every provision has been made for fire exits, both upstairs and on the ground floor. Huge-cases of chairs are now being unpacked—comfortable to sit on, and of pleasing dosigu. The proscenium is to bo handsomely decorated by Mr. "Victor Beck, artist, whoso design includes portraits of His Majesty and Queen Alexandra on each'side, and the Crown in the centre, Hie whole being joined by a charming fresco' of cupids enchained. The auditorium is so arranged that a clear view of tho pictures will bo obtained from .every scat in the theatre. The King's Theatre has been built by Messrs. Meyiir and Illiiigwqrth, from th'e designs of Jlr. James Bonnie, architect.