TOWN THEATRES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2787, 3 June 1916, Page 11

TOWN THEATRES

AN ENTERPRISING COMPANY

There is 110 raovo progressive company in the town of New Plymouth than tho Titramiki Amusements, Ltd. They own tho Theatro Itoyal, which has a largo capacity, and control tho Empire Theatre, 'flie former has in tho past been used by •travelling companies, etc., and run as a picture theatre on oft' nights, but it is intended to convert it into an up-to-ikite picture palace. Tho Empress Theatro is devoted entirely to pictures. The 10m. piro is, about to be renovate! ami reseated throughout with tho latest seats.

But tho company is striking out. Ita directors know that New Plymouth is on the eve of a big development, and some months back bought one of the best Modes in Devon Street, aiougsido the Criterion Hotel, and running tack to Powderliam Street. . Here it is building what is described as olio of the latest and best-ap-l>ointed palaces in tho Dominion. A glance at tho plans show that New Plymouth folk have a genuino surprise m store. Tho building will really be the last word in theatres. The directors engaged Mr. H. Grierson, of Auckland, to design the building, and a splendid job he has made of it. Our representative had a chat with Mr.,Grierson., Ho said:—

"The directors instructed mo to preoaro plans for the best theatro that could 'be designed, and I have tried to follow out that idea. Tho building will be a modern adaptation of tho classical Grecian style, which is.simple, yet bold and dignified. Tho intermediate lounge will havo Grecian lonic collonades, open to the upper part of the foyer. The lighting of this part will bo artistically arranged, the latest semi-opaque pendants being used, whilst the auditorium,, which will possess a handsome dome, will be illuminated by the modern theatro system of indirect lights. ' Tho entrance passage from Devon Street will be a' feature. Tho width is 15ft., and this will he treated in a way to harmonise with tho foyer and auditorium. Access .to tho dress circle will .be by wide and easy (■.taw-ays from each side of the foyer. "The building has been designed to givo a maximum of comfort, ventilation and safety, and the seating will be so arranged as to givo each patron an uninterrupted view of tho pictures. Tho ventilation has received overy consideration, ample inlets and outlets being arranged in such a' manner as to ensure a liberal supply, of fresh air. The domes in tho foyer and 'auditorium have boon designed to induce tho outflow of vitiated air, whilst the roof will be constructed to'open completely when tho weather permits.

"Tho height of the building from tho 'ground line to the top of the roof is GO feet, whilst the height of tho walls to tho top of the parapet .will be 52 feet. Tho teight of the auditorium will he il feet and of the foyer 25| feet. The body of the theatro will bo 90 feet by -10 feet i inches, whilst the distance from .the back of the dress circle, which will ho as spacious as it wilbbe convenient, will ho }20 feet from the orchestral well.. These figures will convey an idea of the size of tlie theatre, which when completed will bo one of tlio finest in the Dominion, As tilings are going tho building should be finished by tho end of July, "I almost forgot to mention tho scats, which will bo tho best that can bo procured. and are already under construction.'"

The new theatro will be open about August, and the fact that the New Zealand Pictures Supply, Ltd., is supplying the films, that a. largo orchestra will be engaged, that the appointments will lie the last word in comfort and convenience, aro warrants that the theatro will bo successful from tho start..

The company also Tuns pictures at AYaitara, and purposes to commence building an up-to-date theatro .tliero in tho course of «. few weeks.