Anyone who’s strolled through the Auckland CBD will have wondered about the cavernous building sitting off Lorne Street – what it was and what’s inside.
The answer is the iconic St James Theatre and last week, Auckland Council’s Principal Heritage Adviser George Farrant provided a rare glimpse inside the looming doors.
For Archaeology Week, George took NZ Herald’s Chris Schulz and twelve other history enthusiasts on an exclusive tour of the theatre.
Entertaining Aucklanders by the thousands
A staple of the Auckland landscape since 1928, St James Theatre entertained Aucklanders by the thousands, playing host to bands, singers, comedians, operas, films and more for almost 80 years.
Now, as George will tell you, the theatre remains a beloved heritage site. While renovations are still incomplete, the foyer, stages, stalls, moulded ceiling and statues are brimming with history to be discovered.
