The Royal Exchange Building, Cathedral Square, Christchurch, near completion
The Royal Exchange Building, Cathedral Square, Christchurch, near completion
[1905]
To the left is the chief post office and opposite is the AMP Society building The Royal Exchange buildings originally housed a selection of merchants, general doctors and solicitors, accountants. In 1930, however, the main function of this attractive building was somewhat different. The grand opening of the Regent Theatre was announced and the first screening was a presentation of musical comedy Paramount on Parade on Sat. 16 Aug. 1930. The spectacular theatre, designed with a distinctive Spanish flavour, had foyers boasting picturesque towers and porticos, ornate mirrors, stucco walls, Spanish chairs and chesterfields, set off with parlour palms and shaded light. The most outstanding feature was the theatre interior itself. Above, the dome shaped ceiling gave the illusion of an open sky, darkened by black myriads of shining stars. Fleecy clouds passed overhead and a bright sun with rays sprawling donned the lavish drapings of the proscenium. The Regent remained largely unchanged for almost fifty years until a suspicious fire gutted the auditorium on November 5 (Guy Fawkes Day) 1979. The last film to screen at the old theatre. as "Rocky II", starring Sylvestor Stallone. It was re-opened on November 18, 1981, with the exterior authentically rebuilt. This time its debut screening was a local film, "Race For the Yankee Zephyr". Press, 6.11.1979 Press, 18.11.1981 Press, 16.8.1930
File Reference CCL-KPCD05-0092
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