Left Bank Theatre

In Thames, situated at the southwestern end of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island, planning work began in February 2023 on what was to become the Left Bank Theatre (advertised as “cinema & more”).

It was a dream project for David Mulholland. He had been based in Wellington as a policy advisor for government departments, but this avid film lover had been a member of the film society in Whanganui, where he was living. After moving to Thames in 2022, where the town’s previous cinema, the Embassy (see separate Cinema Treasures entry) had closed in 2021, he decided to bring the cinema experience back.

Construction work on this $600,000 project began in September 2023 and was undertaken by local builder Rudolf Turk. The cinema was named after its position alongside Karaka Stream. The modest building comprises foyer and auditorium, and there is an outdoor courtyard.

After a public ‘open day’, on 21st August 2024, the Left Bank Theatre presented its first screenings the following day. To emphasise its eclectic programming, the first films were the New Zealand documentary “Whetū Mārama” (“Bright Star”), the classic 1935 Hollywood musical “Top Hat” and the Japanese drama “Perfect Days”. An art exhibition was also staged, with works placed around the auditorium.

The seating is a quirkily pleasing mix of armchairs, two-person sofas and rather more conventional cinema seats (with cupholders). Two of the armchairs in the front row can be moved to make space for wheelchairs.

Shutters in one wall can be removed to let in natural light for non-cinema events.

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