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Four Grande Old Ladies

© Philippa Jane Ballantine

With the opening this month of the Lord of the Rings, New Zealand has never been more visible to the outside world. Even so, it might come as a shock that Peter Jackson was not created in a vacuum. Right from the very beginning New Zealand has had a vibrant film history, catered to by some of the most magnificent theatres, some of which survive to this day. For at its peak in the early twentieth century Wellington was packed with independent theatres, built in high Edwardian style, dishing out spectacle into ordinary peoples lives. These were the days when film was something special, and going to places like the Embassy was a real event.

However with the coming of the latter part of the twentieth century, this had all changed, and the city was in danger of losing its theatres, both film and stage, to the wrecking ball. But perhaps Wellington learnt from other cities just in the nick of time. For while many did fall, thanks to the foresight of some citizens, others were saved.

So it is that on the 19th of December 2001 the Embassy theatre will be host to the Australasian premiere of the largest film every made in New Zealand (perhaps the world). And this magnificent theatre is getting a face-lift for the occasion. She is one of the remaining four grand old ladies from the age when going to the theatre was something really special. They inspire real love, and affection from the people of Wellington, so this month I thought it was pertinent to have a glimpse into their past.

The Saint James

Nestled, like all the other grand ladies, close to Courtney Place this theatre was built in 1912 in the Edwardian style with sweeping pillars and grand staircases. She was the first theatre in Australasia to use steel framed reinforced concrete, and her architect cantilevered the dress circle area so there would be no pillars to obscure the audiences view.

Considerable attention was also lavished on getting acoustics, the ventilation, and comforts for people watching the show just right. It is also heavily ornamented with beautiful plasterwork, both inside and out. All very impressive- considering that it was built in nine months. She seats 2344 people, and was in her time the largest theatre in Australasia.

She was opened with the name His Majesty's Theatre, but after being bought by Kerridge Odeon she was renamed the Saint James. More changes were made. Built for stage shows and vaudeville acts, she was now in the business of movies. People flooded to her to experience the new phenomena of the 'talkie' movie. Still she was finally closed in 1987, the projection room shut off, the crowds came no more. Then in a flurry in 1998 the Saint James was restored, but this time to go back to her origins. She has become once more a Mecca for live theatre, and the home of the New Zealand ballet.

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