Rialto Theatre

45 Charles Street,
Kaiapoi 7630

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Additional Info

Architects: Colin C. Lamb

Styles: Art Deco

Nearby Theaters

Kaiapoi Rialto Cinema

The Rialto Theatre, designed by architect Colin C. Lamb was opened on December 17, 1935 with Shirley Temple in “The Little Colonel”. In 1951 it is listed with 204 seats and operated as an independent theatre by H.O. Hills.

After closing as a movie theatre the building was used as a community centre until 1997. The building then became home to a church. It suffered earthquake damage on 3rd September 2010, and in January 2011, awaited demolition. It was demolished in late-2011.

Contributed by Lost Memory

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

richardchchnz
richardchchnz on February 12, 2010 at 3:22 am

On 14 May 1989, after a 6-month refit by Nick Paris, Richard Porter & John Leonard in which the projectors, lenses, screen and circle seating were all replaced, the cinema re-opened for business with Scrooged (1988) starring Bill Murray. There was now a 28 feet CinemaScope screen but the original green curtain from 1935 was still there. From 21 April 1991 to March 1993 the cinema was operated by Richard & Marion Porter.
For further details on this cinema’s history, please e-mail:
richard_chchnz AT hotmail.com
Contributed by Richard Porter.

Bradley Knewstubb
Bradley Knewstubb on October 21, 2010 at 6:26 pm

Following the Christchurch earthquake of September 3, 2010, thuis cinema was damaged and as a result now faces demolision.

Bradley Knewstubb
Bradley Knewstubb on January 28, 2011 at 9:01 am

The Rialto is to be demolished by the Council. It has suffered badly with two large cracks up the front of the building.

Bradley Knewstubb
Bradley Knewstubb on February 2, 2012 at 10:38 am

Has since been demolished

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