The Regent Theatre (1935). What a find for a rainy day, visit a historic theatre with its 1930’s ambiance and savour the interior. The carpet was sourced locally from a Christchurch department store, Ballantynes. The theatre was part of the portfolio of JC Williamson Picture Corporation chain of theatres in NZ. The latest building materials, steel and reinforced concrete were touted as earthquake resistant. The interior of the buildings exuded the opulence that was expected of a trip to the theatre. Today the massive swags of plush rich velvet curtains and deluxe seating has been lost with the gutting of the theatre in the 1970’s. Today the premises is largely a cinema with occasional concerts. Enjoy the original exterior and the latest movie release.
INTERESTING FACT
Many locals had permanent reserves, that is the same seat in the same row every Friday and Saturday night for years. In the 1950’s and 1960’s dances were held after the movies. Movies were even shown on Sunday after 8.30pm after church services were over
Source: Regent Theatre ‘Our History’.
