Secrets revealed behind the scenes
Civic Theatre
The grand old lady of Auckland’s Queen St: the Civic Theatre, which was built in 1929, offers visitors the chance to get to know her better.
Conducted by enthusiastic insiders, like former projectionist Bryce, a 45-minute tour of the theatre takes you behind the scenes, under the stage, into the Green Room and to other places that only performers and stagehands normally see. You’ll hear the stories of the building’s history, design and construction, as well as the secrets and gossip. And you’ll notice, perhaps for the first time, the fabulous details of the theatre’s ornate interior.
Why go?
The Civic is all about exotic splendour, from the elephant frieze in the entrance floor to the buddhas in the niches over the grand staircase, the Abyssinian panthers beside the stage and the stars in the ceiling. Originally built as a cinema, it’s one of only seven surviving atmospheric theatres in the world, designed to make its patrons feel like royalty.
None of it is real – the marble is plywood and plaster, the gold is fake – but considering it was built, by hand, in a mere 33 weeks, it’s truly a marvel. Threatened with demolition in 1993, the Civic was saved by a campaign led by Peter Wells, and a two-year renovation completed in 2000 at a cost of $42 million has restored the theatre’s sparkle, from the chandeliers to the salamanders.
The opulence of the foyer, red and gold and crystal, prepares the audience for the Moorish decor of the theatre, with its minarets and turrets beneath a night sky sparkling with stars and occasionally shot by comets. It’s all very different from the functional bareness of the Green Room’s Formica and vinyl, and the dressing rooms that have all the ambience of a public toilet.
Beneath the stage the Traps Room is all heavy timber, hinges and temporary trapdoors. There are many flights of steep stairs that performers have to negotiate in their costumes to get to the seven-storey stage, where scenery backdrops hang overhead and the tiered seats rise up intimidatingly – all 2378 of them.
Insider tip
Don’t bother trying to count the elephants – you’ll never do it. Take it from someone who has that the total is 414. And be prepared for the tour to take longer than the official 45 minutes.
On the way/nearby
Named after exotic dancer Freda Stark, Stark’s Cafe and Bar is next door and ideal for post-tour refreshments: tea in a vintage cup and saucer, a light lunch or a pre-show cocktail.
How much?
Tickets cost $29.95 each. Under-3s are not permitted and children should be at least 14. There are 300 stairs to climb.
Best time to go
Tours are only a few times a year, on ‘‘dark weekends’’ when the theatre is not being used. Tickets are already selling fast for just four weekends in late April and early May.
– Pamela Wade
❚ See aucklandlive.co.nz/show/thecivic-tours