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The original auditorium, shown here set up in concert mode. The new drapes shown were installed as part of the refurbishment for CinemaScope in 1950s.
sets of door leading into a lower foyer that The compact auditorium featured a raked stalls renovated the foyer, installed bars and a
contained a candy bar (on the right hand side) area and a lounge/circle supported by two kitchen and obtained a 24-hour liquor licence.
and a half round ticket box. The manager's pillars. The narrow auditorium seated 747, A stage was built and the seats in the stalls
office was behind the ticket box. A second including 299 in the circle. The projection were attached to skids so that they could be
foyer was located up six steps, through another room was built outside the auditorium at the quickly removed as required.
set of glass doors. The two stalls entrances back of the circle. A full width, curved
were off an alcove at the rear of the second CinemaScope screen was installed together The Embassy screened once again when BDL
foyer. On the left hand side of the inner foyer with a full stereophonic sound system. New ran a season of Sing-a Long Sound of Music,
was a staircase leading to a small upstairs maroon wall-to-wall curtains were installed the projection and sound equipment being
foyer. This foyer was probably part of the 1954 that extended a few metres along each refurbished for the event. BDL operated the
renovations and is outside the auditorium sidewall. The Westrex projectors with Peerless venue for one-off live functions until October
walls. This foyer contains toilet facilities and carbon arc lamp houses are still in the theatre. 2004.The theatre was often used as a band
the side entrance to the dress circle at the cross venue, for fashion parades, CD launches,
aisle. The stairway to the projection room was After the closure of the Embassy, the Van corporate functions and TV specials, with the
also located in this foyer. deVoourn family purchased the building. movie screen being frequently utilised as part
Various parts have of these presentations. The building now
been rented for retail houses BDL’s offices, warehouse and
use, and an workshop. ★
unsuccessful attempt
was made to operate The above article was researched and written
an Art house cinema by the late Gerry Kennedy in 2005. The
as well. building is now occupied by the City Impact
Church.
Brendans DJ's,
trading as BDL Audio Credits:
& Lighting, (a sound,
lighting and audio Historic notes supplied by Lesley Ericson of BDL
visual production Audio & Lighting.
company), leased the
former Embassy in "The Last Picture Show" - Southland Times 29 May
1999. This Company 1993
Images:
The stylish ticket box, Mike Trickett
blends in with the
surrounding features Gerry Kennedy

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