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Majestic Theatre Wellington 1979. View from the rear of the Dress-Circle looking down to the stage.
Note the very few people waiting for the session to start. Photographer: Jim Smith. Photograph; David Lascelles collection

The proscenium arch extended well Included were a comfortable, richly browns, reds and blues were mingled in
forward into the theatre; the sidewalls carpeted and cosily furnished salon, jazz disorder, gave an effect that was
in that enclosure were gracefully with well-fitted dressing rooms for altogether arresting and enlivening - a
ornamented with old gold fluted ladies and gentlemen (one on each new idea in carpet design.
Corinthian pillars, surrounded capitals side), a sweet stall and a telephone For fire prevention the projection
that were characteristic of their beauty. room for use by patrons. Smokers were room was situated outside the back
The sweep of the proscenium, the provided with a special lounge halfway wall, well into the theatre, with a long
pillars and balustrade of the circle were between the dress circle and stalls on outdoor staircase to enter it.
gilt and stood out against the stippled the Boulcott side, accessible to all Wellington’s largest picture theatre
biscuit-buff tone of the main walls in patrons and not too far away from the and a jewel in the crown of Fuller-
pleasant harmony. There were cloakrooms. From this foyer there was Hayward was opened by the Mayor of
ornamental grilles of old gold on each an exit almost directly into Boulcott Wellington Mr G.A. Troup on 13 May
side between the pillars, finished off in Street.
1929; also present was Chief Justice the
the manner of bronzed imitation boxes. Seating was the most comfortable: Hon M. Myers.
Being built solely for motion pictures, well sprung with polished wooden
there were no boxes to accommodate arms, upholstered in bronze leatherette Prime Minister Joseph Ward was
patrons. and blue, while half the stalls and dress absent but sent a message wishing the
theatre every success.
The orchestral well was 10ft in depth circle were provided with the most
and if required could accommodate forty luxurious seats which were as A theatre may be pleasing to the eye
musicians. The stage depth was 27ft, comfortable as air-cushioned armchairs. but unpopular if it is not pleasing to the
enabling it to be used for purposes other Extra width was provided between person; this, no doubt was in Henry
than screenings if necessary. Rear of, rows, allowing ample room for Hayward’s mind as guests took their
and partly underneath the spacious dress everyone. Elaborate carpeting of the seats for commencement of the
circle, was a grand foyer for patrons. latest futuristic design in which bright programme.

24 2010 CINEMARECORD