A MODERN THEATRE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 292, 13 June 1929, Page 2

A MODERN THEATRE.

STARS’ PRIVATE BATHROOMS. “One of. the finest theatres in the country ’’ was the verdict of experts who had the opportunity tc attend the new Empire Theatre, at Southampton, England, Special trains v°ok a large party of people well known in leading theatrical cireles from and back to London 1 to see ■ xnis spurn aid- aonse. widen is a fresh link in .the chain of b-g provin eial theatres, the Moss Empros (LUi.) now provide. Close to the docks the Southampton Empire has been built at a cQSt a;f £150,000. Lt seats 2365 people, i'T> proximately a thousand more than docs the London Hippodrome, it can taivo about £4OO a performance at prices ranging front Is 2d to 6s 6d, and rhe stage is made lor the presentation ot big shows. It is a new Drury Lane for the provinces. A feature .of the theatre is the novel provision of “etaudij.u room.’’ Against the walls of the three floors—stalls, circle, and; gallery —there are seatless * c boxes ’ ’ in which those who cannot find seats may stand. Behiii'd the ‘curtain the 'Southampton' Empire hr one of the most up-to-date theatres in Britain.

Leading off the “star’’ dressingrooms there are private hot and eolu baths; on each floor there are common bathrooms for the use of the chorus or small-part artists; and there is even a laundry for the convenience of those who arc playing in the . theatre. The' “back stage” accommodation of all the theatres in the West End of London is put completely "into the shade by Southampton’s new thoFor the public there is a. -ar park which held more than a hundred cars on the opening night. ’ The .opening play was “Winosa, a musical version of “White Eagle.’ which had much popuiaritv -m a

“ straight ” piav. Miss Wrn.iiu ivietville hnd Mr Derek Oldham were the principals.