Opera House, Wellington: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Proscenium theatre venue in Wellington, New Zealand}} |
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{{Infobox Theatre |
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{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}} |
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|name = The Opera House |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} |
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|image = Opera-House-Wellington-2008.JPG |
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{{Infobox venue |
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|caption = |
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| name = The Opera House |
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|address = 111–113 Manners Street |
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| image = The Opera House, Wellington.jpg |
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| caption = The Opera House on Manners Street, Wellington. |
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|country = [[New Zealand]] |
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| address = 111–113 Manners Street |
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|designation = NZHPT classification I |
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| city = [[Wellington]] |
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|latitude = -41.2915 |
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| country = [[New Zealand]] |
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|longitude = 174.7778 |
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| designation = NZHPT classification I |
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|architect = [[William Pitt (architect)|William Pitt]] |
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| coordinates = {{coord|-41.2915|174.7778|type:landmark|display=inline}} |
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|owner = |
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| architect = [[William Pitt (architect)|William Pitt]] |
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|capacity = 1361 |
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| owner = |
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|type = Opera House |
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| capacity = 1,381 |
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|opened = 1914 |
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| type = Opera House |
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|yearsactive = |
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| opened = 1914 |
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|rebuilt = |
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| yearsactive = |
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|closed = |
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| rebuilt = |
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|othernames = State Opera House |
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| |
| closed = |
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| othernames = Previously: State Opera House, The Grand Opera House |
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|currentuse = |
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| production = |
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|website = www.pwv.co.nz |
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| currentuse = |
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| website = [https://www.wellingtonnz.com/venues-wellington/our-venues/the-opera-house Venues Wellington: The Opera House] |
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| embedded = {{designation list|embed=yes|designation1=NZ Category I|designation1_number=1432|designation1_date=27 June 1985}} |
| embedded = {{designation list|embed=yes|designation1=NZ Category I|designation1_number=1432|designation1_date=27 June 1985}} |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Opera House''' is a [[proscenium theatre]] in [[Wellington]], [[New Zealand]], located on Manners Street opposite Te Aro Park |
The '''Opera House''' is a [[proscenium]] [[theater (structure)|theatre]] in [[Wellington]], [[New Zealand]], located on Manners Street opposite Te Aro Park. |
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== History == |
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Construction work on the building, originally known as the "Grand Opera House", began in 1911. It is a brick building, with wooden floors. In 1977, it was restored by the State Insurance company, and for many years it was known as the ''State Opera House''. Today, it is simply 'The Opera House'. |
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The present Opera House replaced earlier buildings on Manners Street. The Imperial Opera House opened in 1878, but burnt down a year later.<ref name="townnews">{{cite news |
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| title = Town News |
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| work= New Zealand Mail | via = [[Papers Past]] |
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| date = 4 May 1878 | issue = 315 | page = 13 |
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| url = https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZMAIL18780504.2.28 |
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| access-date = 14 September 2019 |
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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |
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| title = Great fire in the city |
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| work= Evening Post | via = [[Papers Past]] |
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| date = 21 June 1879 | volume = XVII | issue = 542 | page = 5 |
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| url = https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18790621.2.42 |
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| access-date = 14 September 2019 |
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}}</ref> |
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[[File:The Opera House is awaiting the masses.jpg|alt=image of interior of Opera House|left|thumb|Interior of the Opera House]] |
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The Opera House has three levels: stalls, circle and grand circle. It has fine moldings and an ornate dome. On either side of the proscenium arch are two boxes - arranged on top of each other. |
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Construction work on the present building began in 1911. It was named ''The Grand Opera House'' in May 1913 with a plan to open early on Boxing Night that year.<ref name="nzpp-newname">{{cite news |
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| title = New Theatre Named |
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| work= Dominion | via = [[Papers Past]] |
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| date = 20 May 1913 | volume = 6 | issue = 1754 |
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| url = https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19130520.2.25 |
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| access-date = 21 December 2018 |
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}}</ref> The principal architect [[William Pitt (architect)|William Pitt]] was based in [[Melbourne]], Australia, and much of the work was overseen by Wellington architect Albert Liddy.<ref>{{cite news |
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| title = Grand Opera House |
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| work= Evening Post | via = [[Papers Past]] |
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| date = 13 March 1914 | volume = 87 | issue = 61 |
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| url = https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19140313.2.23 |
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| access-date = 21 December 2018 |
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}}</ref> The opera house finally opened on Easter Saturday of 12 April 1914 to an evening performance by the American Burlesque Company, with a full seating capacity of 2141 in three levels of stalls, dress circle and gallery, including 50 box seats.<ref>{{cite news |
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| title = The Stage |
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| work= Wairarapa Daily Times | via = [[Papers Past]] |
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| date = 14 March 1914 | volume = 66 | issue = 11927 |
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| url = https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WDT19140314.2.3 |
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| access-date = 21 December 2018 |
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}}</ref> The original seating upholstery was made and installed by the Wellington company [[Kirkcaldie & Stains]], and the interior features fine plaster mouldings and an ornate dome.<ref name="nzpp-newname" /> The building was designed with brick masonry outer walls with wooden floors and a timber-framed roof. It is registered by [[Heritage New Zealand]] as a [[List of historic places in Wellington|Category 1 Historic Place]].<ref name=hnz>{{cite web | title = Opera House| url = https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/1432| website = Heritage New Zealand | access-date = 28 July 2024}}</ref> |
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A photo hanging in the dress circle foyer alcove is of Phyllis Porter a dancer in the [[J. C. Williamson's|J.C. Williamson]] Peep Show Company in 1923 who died in [[Wellington Hospital, New Zealand|Wellington Hospital]] after her costume caught fire.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chumko |first=Andre |date=30 December 2023 |title=The Phantom of the Opera House |work=The Press |url=https://www.thepress.co.nz/culture/350090499/phantom-opera-house |access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref> |
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In recent years, The Opera House was operated by the same Trust which did operate the [[St. James Theatre (Wellington)|St James Theatre]] - 'just up the road'. |
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In 1977 it was restored with funding from the New Zealand insurance company [[State Insurance]], and for many years it was known as the ''State Opera House''.<ref name="stuff-lane">{{Cite news |
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The Opera House was used for the theater scenes in [[Peter Jackson]]'s 2005 Film [[King_Kong_(2005_film)|King Kong]]. |
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| title = Opera House Lane's dark days |
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| author-last = McConnell |
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| author-first = Rhiannon |
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| work= The Wellingtonian |
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| date = 10 February 2016 |
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| url = https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/76615888/null |
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| access-date = 21 December 2018 |
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}}</ref> |
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[[File:The Opera House, Wellington, interior.jpg|thumb|The original interior plasterwork in the upper foyer, restored in 2016.|left]] |
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In July 2011 Positively Wellington Venues, an integration between the Wellington Convention Centre and the St James Theatre Trust, began managing this theatre along with five other venues in the capital city. |
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In the 1990s and early 2000s the building was operated by the St James Theatre Trust, which ran the nearby [[St. James Theatre (Wellington)|St James Theatre]]. In July 2011 Positively Wellington Venues, an integration between the Wellington Convention Centre and the St James Theatre Trust, began managing the theatre under the new name of ''The Opera House'' along with five other venues in the capital city. In October 2012 it was announced that the Opera House was an earthquake risk and would possibly have to close.<ref name="2012-closure">{{cite news |
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| url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/the-wellingtonian/7800357/Opera-House-may-close |
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| title = Opera House may close |
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| author-last = Jackman |
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| author-first = Amy |
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| date = 11 October 2012 |
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| publisher = [[Fairfax Media]] |
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| work = The Wellingtonian |
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| access-date = 2018-06-26 |
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}}</ref> By the end of 2016, funding from Wellington City Council and the Performing Arts Foundation of Wellington enabled the building to be strengthened and restored to sufficient code to continue to be open to the public.<ref name="2014-upgrade">{{Cite news |
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| title = Quake risk building's $1m upgrade |
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| author-last = Jackman |
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| author-first = Amy |
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| work= The Wellingtonian |
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| date = 23 October 2014 |
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| url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/the-wellingtonian/10651612/Quake-risk-buildings-1m-upgrade |
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| access-date = 21 December 2018 |
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}}</ref> The refit also included an award-winning restoration of its original interior features, by a local architect and 14 painters and artists.<ref name="2016-award">{{Cite web |
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| title = Wellington Opera House restoration recognised with award for its use of colour |
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| author-first = Brad |
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| author-last = Flahive |
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| work = Stuff |
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| date = 10 October 2016 |
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| url = https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/stage-and-theatre/84966771/wellington-opera-house-restoration-recognised-with-award-for-its-use-of-colour |
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| access-date = 21 December 2018 |
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}}</ref> |
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The Opera House was used for the theatre scenes in [[Peter Jackson]]'s 2005 film ''[[King Kong (2005 film)|King Kong]]''.<ref name="kingkong">{{Cite web |
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In October 2012 it was announced that the Opera House is below 34% of the earthquake code and may have to close for strengthening [http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/the-wellingtonian/7800357/Opera-House-may-close]. |
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| title = King Kong – where versatility was key |
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| author = Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency |
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| work = wellingtonnz.com |
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| access-date = 2018-06-26 |
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| url = https://www.wellingtonnz.com/screen/case-studies/king-kong/ |
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}}</ref> |
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==References== |
== References == |
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* Kernohoran, David, ''Wellington's Old Buildings'', Victoria University Press, 1994, {{ISBN|0-86473-267-8}} (page 131) |
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{{Commons category|Opera House, Wellington}} |
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* Kernohoran, David, ''Wellington's Old Buildings'', Victoria University Press, 1994, ISBN 0-86473-267-8 (page 131) |
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* {{NZHPT|1432|Opera House}} |
* {{NZHPT|1432|Opera House}} |
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{{reflist}} |
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== External links == |
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[[Category:Theatres in Wellington City]] |
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{{Commons category-inline|Opera House, Wellington}} |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1914]] |
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*{{official website|https://venueswellington.com/venues/the-opera-house/}} |
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[[Category:NZHPT Category I listings in the Wellington Region]] |
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{{authority control}} |
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[[Category:Theatres in Wellington City]] |
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{{NewZealand-struct-stub}} |
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[[Category:Theatres completed in 1914]] |
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{{theatre-struct-stub}} |
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[[Category:Heritage New Zealand Category 1 historic places in the Wellington Region]] |
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[[Category:Opera houses in New Zealand]] |
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[[Category:1910s architecture in New Zealand]] |
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Latest revision as of 05:06, 2 August 2024
Previously: State Opera House, The Grand Opera House | |
 The Opera House on Manners Street, Wellington. | |
 | |
| Address | 111–113 Manners Street Wellington New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°17′29″S 174°46′40″E / 41.2915°S 174.7778°E |
| Designation | NZHPT classification I |
| Type | Opera House |
| Capacity | 1,381 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1914 |
| Architect | William Pitt |
| Website | |
| Venues Wellington: The Opera House | |
| Designated | 27 June 1985 |
| Reference no. | 1432 |
The Opera House is a proscenium theatre in Wellington, New Zealand, located on Manners Street opposite Te Aro Park.
History
[edit]The present Opera House replaced earlier buildings on Manners Street. The Imperial Opera House opened in 1878, but burnt down a year later.[1][2]
Construction work on the present building began in 1911. It was named The Grand Opera House in May 1913 with a plan to open early on Boxing Night that year.[3] The principal architect William Pitt was based in Melbourne, Australia, and much of the work was overseen by Wellington architect Albert Liddy.[4] The opera house finally opened on Easter Saturday of 12 April 1914 to an evening performance by the American Burlesque Company, with a full seating capacity of 2141 in three levels of stalls, dress circle and gallery, including 50 box seats.[5] The original seating upholstery was made and installed by the Wellington company Kirkcaldie & Stains, and the interior features fine plaster mouldings and an ornate dome.[3] The building was designed with brick masonry outer walls with wooden floors and a timber-framed roof. It is registered by Heritage New Zealand as a Category 1 Historic Place.[6]
A photo hanging in the dress circle foyer alcove is of Phyllis Porter a dancer in the J.C. Williamson Peep Show Company in 1923 who died in Wellington Hospital after her costume caught fire.[7]
In 1977 it was restored with funding from the New Zealand insurance company State Insurance, and for many years it was known as the State Opera House.[8]
In the 1990s and early 2000s the building was operated by the St James Theatre Trust, which ran the nearby St James Theatre. In July 2011 Positively Wellington Venues, an integration between the Wellington Convention Centre and the St James Theatre Trust, began managing the theatre under the new name of The Opera House along with five other venues in the capital city. In October 2012 it was announced that the Opera House was an earthquake risk and would possibly have to close.[9] By the end of 2016, funding from Wellington City Council and the Performing Arts Foundation of Wellington enabled the building to be strengthened and restored to sufficient code to continue to be open to the public.[10] The refit also included an award-winning restoration of its original interior features, by a local architect and 14 painters and artists.[11]
The Opera House was used for the theatre scenes in Peter Jackson's 2005 film King Kong.[12]
References
[edit]- Kernohoran, David, Wellington's Old Buildings, Victoria University Press, 1994, ISBN 0-86473-267-8 (page 131)
- "Opera House". New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Heritage New Zealand.
- ^ "Town News". New Zealand Mail. No. 315. 4 May 1878. p. 13. Retrieved 14 September 2019 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "Great fire in the city". Evening Post. Vol. XVII, no. 542. 21 June 1879. p. 5. Retrieved 14 September 2019 – via Papers Past.
- ^ a b "New Theatre Named". Dominion. Vol. 6, no. 1754. 20 May 1913. Retrieved 21 December 2018 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "Grand Opera House". Evening Post. Vol. 87, no. 61. 13 March 1914. Retrieved 21 December 2018 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "The Stage". Wairarapa Daily Times. Vol. 66, no. 11927. 14 March 1914. Retrieved 21 December 2018 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "Opera House". Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
- ^ Chumko, Andre (30 December 2023). "The Phantom of the Opera House". The Press. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ^ McConnell, Rhiannon (10 February 2016). "Opera House Lane's dark days". The Wellingtonian. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
- ^ Jackman, Amy (11 October 2012). "Opera House may close". The Wellingtonian. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
- ^ Jackman, Amy (23 October 2014). "Quake risk building's $1m upgrade". The Wellingtonian. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
- ^ Flahive, Brad (10 October 2016). "Wellington Opera House restoration recognised with award for its use of colour". Stuff. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
- ^ Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency. "King Kong – where versatility was key". wellingtonnz.com. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Opera House, Wellington at Wikimedia Commons
