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The current CinemaScope screen is
38 feet (11.4 metre) wide, and the
throw from projection box to screen is
100 feet (30.5 metre) Slowly as funds
came to hand other work and upgrading
of facilities took place.
As the hub of Dunedin’s theatrical
and social life the theatre is much in
demand for charity functions, book
launches and the annual Book Sale,
where all money raised goes to the on-
going restoration fund.
An inspection of the theatre by the
Dunedin City Council found damage
that could result in ‘significant
structural failure’ unless expensive
repairs were undertaken urgently. The
estimated cost of repairs was $NZ
280,000, but a more detailed inspection
showed this to be a serious
underestimate. Top: A true-blue Regent; concentric waves of plaster filigree roll out from the
proscenium. (Otago Theatre Trust)
In January 2006 the council agreed
to a $NZ 2.25 million total Above: The arches define the curve of the proscenium and link the auditorium to the
redevelopment of the theatre after the stage.
Otago Theatre Trust could not fund
repairs on the scale needed.
While the council owns this Historic
Places Category 1 building, day-to-day
operations and most capital expenditure
have been a Trust responsibility.

20 2007 CINEMARECORD