The design of the complex boasted some innovative features such as a large room in the basement wintergarden from which the main cinema screen above was viewable, the second largest wurlitzer organ in the southern hemisphere and a large orchestra pit that could be elevated up onto. The civic theatre was built in 1929 and was designed as a palace to movies with the advent of the talkies, which were replacing the silent movie era. The book of mormon, broadways smash hit musical written by trey parker, matt stone and robert lopez, is coming to new zealand next year. With supreme confidence in the future of auckland, and with gratitude to those who have toiled with me in this great endeavour, i present to my fellow citizens the consumation of an ideal the creating of a place of entertainment symbolising the progressive spirit of our beautiful city. The civic adopted indianinspired motifs for its public foyer, including seated buddhas. From 1968 to 1991 it was the premises of the mercury theatre company. The first production initiated by the theatre was the admirable crichton by j. First opened on 20 december 1929, it was reopened in 2000 after a major renovation and conservation effort. Auckland civic theatre auckland, new zealand performance art.
Auckland theatre events theatre events in auckland nz. Some language collections move around the different libraries. The civic theatre is a large heritage combination performingarts theatre, live music venue, and cinema seating 2,378 people in auckland, new zealand. The cambridge illustrated history of british theatre. The first purposebuilt theatre was wellingtons royal victoria, which opened in 1843. Auckland civic theatre paranormal nz haunted auckland. A rich history suffuses auckland s most spectacular and prestigious music theatre and function venue. Gareth shute talks to the big names in new zealand hip hop in this history of what has become one of the biggest and most popular cultural movements in modern new zealand. Your donation will go a long way toward ensuring the survival of civic theatre. Aug 06, 2010 take a look at the grandeur of an old time theatre, the ceiling is set with lights to imitate the southern night sky, which only come on when the theatre lights are dimmed. The civic theatre, in auckland, new zealand is an atmospheric picture palace designed by one of australias leading picture palace. All of us are constantly monitoring the everchanging situation with regard to covid19.
Atc presents a season of main stage plays each year as well as running a highly regarded creative learning programme. Over the decades many more towns got theatres, opera halls and choral houses. The remaining season of the book of mormon at auckland s civic theatre has been cancelled the new zealand leg of the satirical musical was due to run from march 6 until april 26. Auckland city council has many economic, safe and convenient car parks strategically placed throughout the cbd. This is a dynamic and unprecedented situation we are currently facing in canada, therefore it is uncertain when we will be reopening. Auckland live and the producers of the book of mormon sincerely regret to advise that all performances of the book of mormon at the civic in read more. The civic, auckland auckland tickets, schedule, seating. Auckland is home to some wonderful theatre venues, from the historic to the modern, the soulless to the characterful. It is the only prevailing atmospheric theatre in the southern hemisphere out of a total of seven in the world that still endures. This site is item number 85 on the history of new zealand in 100 places list. Located in the aotea arts quarter, it is a 15minute walk or a short bus ride from britomart transport centre, or a 30minute drive from the auckland airport. Download the seating map, or take a 3d tour of the theatre.
In addition, the civic theatre is the new zealand home of largescale international musicals matilda the musical, aladdin and mary poppins etc. The civic theatre is a new zealand heritage category a listed building. Visit our tickets and seating page for more information. The civic turns 90, new zealands most spectacular theatre, the civic, is turning 90 this month. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple faq for additional information. In 1966 the auckland theatre trust was established by professor john c reid. Auckland live, councils venue management arm, has opened up the civic for behindthescenes tours.
The theatre is a local landmark, positioned on the corner of wellesley and queen street, in the heart of downtown auckland. Combining authoritative writing with superb illustration, the cambridge illustrated history of british theatre is a fascinating exploration of the development of the live performing arts in britain from the earliest times to the present day. Matilda the musical official site auckland new zealand. Your donation will go a long way toward ensuring the survival of civic theatre during this tumultuous time. Its not a slight upon any of them to say that matilda the musical is the best ive seen, a level above, perhaps than any import to come to auckland in that time. The auckland civic theatre see inside 360 degree interactive. Small town venues like the murchison theatre continued to host cultural performances but also screened movies. The musical, script by dennis kelly, music and lyrics by tim minchin, based on the book by roald dahl, civic theatre, auckland, september 28, 2017. Theatres, cinemas and halls te ara encyclopedia of new zealand. Civic theatre waipukurau movie times, book tickets.
Built in 1929, the civic was an outstanding example of the atmospheric cinema with a unique softtop design that floats above the auditorium, allowing the famed stars effect the effect is a recreation of the actual southern hemisphere skyscape. Theatre nz event guide to new zealand theatre eventfinda. Ive seen a lot of touring musical shows play the citys imposing old civic theatre in the past five years. Auckland civic theatre in auckland, new zealand the late 1920s and early 1930s was the era of grand movie palaces worldwide. Civic theatre, auckland must see the civic theatre is one of aucklands bestloved cultural landmarks.
The book of mormon new zealand tickets musicals show times. Auckland city nzhistory, new zealand history online. Find out as the team gets special backstage access to this landmark of aucklands cultural history. The civic occupies colonial auckland s old marketplace, replaced by shops in 1918. View civic theatre seating plans, parking and upcoming events at auckland live. Jason isbell and the 400 unit with hiss golden messenger. You can do so by using this link or calling the box office at 317 8433800. The civic theatre, auckland, new zealand by wells, peter.
Civic theatre, auckland nzhistory, new zealand history online. Contact ticketmaster on 09 970 9711 or email customer. Bnz theatre at vodafone events centre, manukau city, auckland. Auckland s immense lowdensity suburbs have long been the first choice of residence for overseas migrants, and the city is now the countrys largest urban centre. Civic theatre, auckland nzhistory, new zealand history. Atmospheric cinemas aimed to heighten a sense of escape for the early moviegoer by providing a fantastical environment. Find times and book tickets for civic theatre waipukurau, hawkes bay. It was founded in 1992 following the bankruptcy of mercury theatre, auckland s original professional theatre company which had been the largest subsidised company in the country. Across our libraries we have language collections, consisting of books, music cds, and magazines in more than 30 languages.
The design of the complex boasted some innovative features such as a large room in the basement wintergarden from which the main cinema screen above was viewable, the second largest wurlitzer organ in the southern hemisphere and a large orchestra pit that could be elevated up onto the main stage. The civic theatre exhibits elegance, ancestry, and artistry all at once. The civic theatre is a large heritage combination performingarts theatre, livemusic venue, and cinema seating 2,378 people in auckland, new zealand. Eventfinda takes the health and welfare of our customers very seriously. The jets gang lounge around like the they own the city. Auckland musicals guide to musicals events in auckland. Seating map the civic auckland philharmonia orchestra. The civic theatre was built in 1929 as the largest atmospheric picture house in australasia.
The civic box office is to the right of the main entrance on the corner of queen street and wellesley street as you come into the building. The civic, auckland aucklandthe book of mormon new zealandcancelled. Search for academic staff, doctoral candidates and a selection of professional staff at classics and ancient history. Book just four tickets to our concerts and become a subscriber. Civic theatre auckland new zealand timings, entry fee. These in turn came down a mere seven years later, victims of the councils latest grandiose plans for a civic centre. Civic theatre, auckland, history, photos and videos. The parking buildings are staffed during opening hours. The 2,750seat capacity civic theatre opened on 20 december 1929 on the site of the former auckland city market. Our trained tour guides will share the stories of the civics fascinating history. Although the capital was shifted to wellington in 1865, auckland remained a major gateway to new zealand, and grew into a prosperous port city. Live performances chicagoturabian referencing guide. Leonie norton official history fb page friends of the civic.
It is also one of ten regional amenities considered an essential contributor to the well being of residents in the auckland region and necessary to make the region a vibrant and attractive place to live in. Stuff takes a look back at its colourful history, the facelifts its has had over the years and why its become. Artz on show frozen theatre events raye freedman arts centre, epsom, auckland from tuesday 14 april 2020 to friday 17 april 2020 artz on show have successfully operated performing arts workshops in auckland cbd, east auckland, the north shore and hamilton since 2003. Albert park, auckland domain, auckland harbour bridge, auckland war memorial museum, auckland zoo, cenotaph, civic theatre, devonport, ellerslie, ferry building, northcote wharf, grafton bridge, mission bay, mt eden, one tree hill, pardingtons mill, queen street, queens wharf, rangitoto island. Auckland theatre company is auckland s premier professional theatre company established in 1992. The civic is located on the corner of queen street and 269287 wellesley street west in auckland s cbd. Auckland theatre company is one creative new zealands arts leadership organisations. Laying the foundation stone for the royal victoria theatre on manners st, wellington, alderman william lyon welcomed the new amenity a theatre was a necessary concomitant of an advanced state of civilization.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Auckland civic theatre in auckland, new zealand encircle photos. The friends of the civic auckland, a charitable trust set up to maintain and promote the civic theatre an historical atmopheric. Albert park, auckland domain, auckland harbour bridge, auckland war memorial museum, auckland zoo, cenotaph, civic theatre, devonport, ellerslie, ferry building, northcote wharf, grafton bridge, mission bay, mt eden, one tree hill, pardingtons mill, queen street, queens wharf, rangitoto island, railway station, the town hall, university of.
Tamatha paul accuses fellow wellington councillor diane calvert of bullying and petty behaviour wellingtons celebrity cat inspiring portraits by lockeddown creatives worldwide petition for ece and schools to stay shut in level 3 gains traction stuff supporter programme. Proprietor thomas obrien had a vision of building the grandest in australasia australia and new zealand. The anzac theatre, dargaville is a 64seat testament to community spirit. The civic was originally built as a picture theatre for the people of auckland and was the pride of auckland for many years. This theatre is a stunner and is the venue for the annual movie festival in auckland, new zealand. If you dont find what youre looking for at an individual library, check the. The civic, one of the atmospheric theatres in the world, was built in 1929 and has become a muchloved auckland landmark and entertainment venue. The mighty civic tour patron our trained tour guides will share the stories of the civics fascinating history. I have just modified one external link on auckland civic theatre. Greedy cat by joy cowley theatre events the pumphouse theatre, takapuna, auckland today to sunday 26 april 2020 tim bray theatre company presents greedy cat by by joy cowley, adapted by tim bray, music by christine white. The civic was first opened on 20 december 1929 and is one of only seven surviving atmospheric theatres in the world. This site was really built with you in mind and we hope you will find it useful.
Waipukuraus fully licensed, single screen cinema showing the latest blockbusters and quality films. Meet the organisations supporting auckland theatre company. It opens 90 minutes before the start of performances. Best musical ever the book of mormon set to wow new. Auckland civic theatre auckland, new zealand performance. Auckland s civic theatre is an important heritage building that has enchanted patrons since it opened in 1929. Conducted by enthusiastic insiders, like former projectionist. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Early in 2000 it emerged from a major councilfunded facelift, our last proper atmospheric theatre the regents interior was burnt out in 1979 and dunedins fell before adaptive reuse in 1997. Our team is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates right here on our website, through facebook and instagram.
The civic is one of the last remaining atmospheric theatres. First opened on 20 december 1929, it underwent a major renovation and twoyear conservation effort in the late 1990s, and was reopened on 20 december 1999 its 70th birthday. In 1841 new zealands first theatre the albert theatre was set up in the back room of an auckland hotel. Tim bray theatre company presents greedy cat by joy cowley, adapted by tim bray, music by christine white. It was obvious that the policy of moving the annual general meeting around the country was a popular one with many societies offering to host it. The cinema was renovated in 1959, and with 300 less seats, it was equipped for 3strip cinerama screenings from 5th november 1959 to 28th november 1964 on the giant 65ft x 25ft 146 degree screen.
Tamaki makauraus the civic is one of the seven remaining atmospheric theatres in the world which basically means its really beautiful and is decorated with. Find the civic, auckland venue concert and event schedules, venue information, directions, and seating charts. Civic theatre 1929 new zealand s greatest atmospheric cinema. Musical theatre new zealand incorporated is a registered charitable entity in terms of the charities act 2005, registration number cc27461 musical theatre new zealand incorporated is a registered incorporated society, registration number 216848. Its essential that the artist can determine the various forms of voice over scripts as a way to approach them in a creative and intelligent fashion, and satisfy the requirements of the customer. Those lucky enough to secure a ticket will hear the stories of the buildings history, design and construction. The closest option is the civic car park, located directly below aotea centre, with internal access to aotea centre and over 1,000 car park spaces available. As places i visit most weeks theyre familiar and reassuring spaces, reimagined by every show to contain for an hour or two a new world in miniature.
The atmosphere inside, with twinkling stars that replicate those of the southern sky creates a buzz in the audience before the movie this place is one of the most loved landmarks. The auckland civic theatre see inside 360 degree interactive images. While some cinemas, like aucklands kings later mercury theatre, could host live performances, the reverse scenario was more common. Search the list civic theatre building heritage new. Critics have called it the best musical ever and now the cast of the book of mormon are preparing to visit new zealand in march next year. The restoration provided the opportunity to convert the venue to live theatre capacity and upgrade to modern movie technology. It is new zealands premier lyric theatre situated in auckland central. Once the pride of the countrys movie palaces, it is now part of the edge entertainment complex. Please consider returning your ticket to the theatre as a donation in honor of the company of a few good men and matilda. The mighty civic theatre stands at the corner of queen street and wellesley street, auckland, new zealand. Wellingtons st james theatre and christchurchs theatre royal both had periods as cinemas. Auckland central theatre events theatre events in auckland.
Originally built for the new talking movies to be played for captivated audiences, it opened in 1929 and was the first purposebuilt movie palace in new zealand. It continues to do so after restoration in the late 20th century involving specially tailored engineering solutions. The annual general meeting in auckland was one of the largest in the federations history, with 48 societies represented, some with quite large delegations. Your contribution helps power local journalism creative builders bring wellington landmarks to life in miniature. Auckland theatre company atc is auckland s premier professional theatre company and is one of the leading theatre companies in new zealand. It raised finance to open the building as a professional theatre in 1968. The civic in auckland does show movies, though not every week. The auckland civic theatre is a large heritage theatre seating 2,378 people in central auckland, new zealand. The 45minute guided visits, accommodating up to 30, will run on weekends when the theatre is. They were usually built by entrepreneurs or arts organisations. Installed in an old library building, a group of volunteers led by former kaipara mayor graeme ramsey began with a bank.