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 The King's Theatre | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Neo-Grec |
| Address | 213-215, Broadway (State Highway 3), Stratford |
| Town or city | Stratford, New Zealand |
| Year(s) built | 1917 |
| Opened | 31 December 1917 |
| Owner | Stratford District Theatre Trust |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Grierson and Aimer |
| Main contractor | Johns and Sons |
| Website | |
| www | |
| Heritage New Zealand – Category 1 | |
| Designated | 12 December 2023 |
| Reference no. | 9865 |
The King's Theatre is a historic theatre in Stratford, New Zealand, constructed in 1917 it was the first theatre in the Southern Hemisphere to showcase sound film. It is registered as category 1 building by Heritage New Zealand.
Description
The King's Theatre is the largest building on the main street of Stratford. The neo-Grec façade is painted burgundy, cream, and gold and is a prominent landmark. The interior is ornate with classical influences such as the decorated plaster mouldings. Refreshments were served from a marble bar.
History
Stratford Pictures and Amusements Ltd was formed in 1916 by a group of a businessmen. They got Grierson and Aimer to design a three-storey theatre. It was built in 1917 and opened on 31 December 1917. One of the earliest examples of a picture palace in New Zealand, the theatre showcased Phonofilm technology in 1925—the first screening of a sound film in the Southern hemisphere. It initially had seating for up to 700 people. By November 1929 it was regularly screening sound films and was a successful business. During the 1950s plaster was removed due to water damage. Further alterations would occur in the 1960s, under new management the auditorium had seating reduced and many decorative features removed. In 1988 the theatre closed due to financial pressure from television.
In 1991 a trust, the Stratford District Theatre Trust, was formed with the intent of purchasing the theatre and restoring it. The trust was formed following a successful Shakespeare Festival the year prior. Films were screened again in 1992 and continue to be shown. Many local organisations have provided sponsorships, grants, and materials to assist in the restoration work and operating costs. In 2024, the theatre was registered as a category 1 building by Heritage New Zealand.
Theatre is now a dual-purpose theatre screening both films and plays. The theatre plays host to a national secondary school Shakespeare competition.
References
- ^ Martin, Nicola (Summer 2024). Dunlop, Anna (ed.). "Work of art". Heritage New Zealand. No. 175. Heritage New Zealand. pp. 12–13. ISSN 1175-9615.
- ^ Wagstaff, Blyss (9 September 2023). "The King's Theatre". Heritage New Zealand.