SPANISH THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 457, 12 September 1928, Page 13

SPANISH THEATRE

OPENING AT PAPATOETOE HANDSOME BUILDING , ! Adapted from the Spanish style of architecture and presenting a colour harmony of white plaster and red tiling, the new Central Theatre at Papatoetoe is one of the most handsome of modern picture houses. The theatre is to be opened this evening by All*. E. D. AicLennan. AI.P. , Speeches will also be made by Air. A. W. Hall, chairman of the Town Board, and the chairman of the Manukau County Council, Mr. F. AI. Waters. The opening entertainment will include “A Thief in the Dark,” a thrilling film, and vaudeville. The building, designed by Air. J. AY. Rough and built by Air. J. R. Simpson for Air. Ronald Corbett, of Papatoetoe. will seat 600 people on one floor, the seats being arranged, in accord with modern design, in one tier, with the correct slope. The frontage is decidedly Spanish, with its white plaster and red tiles. On the ground floor are two modern shops. A handsome clock surmounts the facade. Through wide swing doors one enters the main hall, which is beautifully panelled with dark wood and has Terrazzo flooring. The ceilings are of fibrous plaster and the electrical fittings are of finest design. All the seats are of the latest tip-up design, and handsomely upholstered. Plaster work has been carried out in toning shades, and the curtain will be lighted with combinations of colours. The proscenium is well-conceived and the large stage may be used for pictures or for vaudeville. The projecting room is unusually large and well appointed. Ventilation has been excellently planned and on the hottest night the theatre should he cool and pleasant. /The entrance hall is decorated and furnished- in good taste, and it leads in two passages to the middle of the hall. A women’s rest room is provided.