St. James Theatre

312 Queen Street,
Auckland

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Kerridge-Odeon

Architects: Henry Eli White

Styles: Spanish Baroque

Nearby Theaters

St. James Theatre

This is a beautiful three tiered seating cinema/theatre was opened in 1928, and is situated on Queen Street in Auckland, New Zealand.

Once operated by Kerridge-Odeon chain, it was last used as a live performance venue and nightclub.

Sadly it was closed in October 2008, due to earthquake precautions.

Contributed by John Watson

Recent comments (view all 11 comments)

atmos
atmos on December 10, 2004 at 10:31 pm

The St James opened on 5 Jul 1928 and is listed in a book I have as Spanish Renaissance style.The theatre was originally operated by cinema chain,Fullers,and in 1945 taken over by Kerridge Odeon.
atmos.

mrt1924
mrt1924 on April 7, 2005 at 7:58 pm

Henry Eli White Designed this theatre and he designed the St James Theatre in Wellington. (The Wellington St James Theatre is a beautiful baroque Theatre built in 1912 – now it is home to The Royal New Zealand Ballet) Dick Hubbard wants to turn Auckland’s St James Theatre into an Opera House.

mrt1924
mrt1924 on April 10, 2005 at 7:01 pm

This theatre is tragically wasted being used as a nightclub. I hope the Auckland City Council turn it into an Opera House. I think it could rival Wellington’s 1913 Opera House.

deleted user
[Deleted] on April 27, 2005 at 4:38 pm

I have heard recently that the Auckland Philharmonia will use this theatre as a concert venue in the future as well as the Civic accross the road and the (1911) Auckland Town Hall further down Queen Street.

mrt1924
mrt1924 on August 25, 2005 at 12:13 pm

Is this theatre under refurbishment at the moment?

Bradley Knewstubb
Bradley Knewstubb on October 15, 2008 at 7:18 am

The St James was closed down in October 2008, due to it being an earthquake risk, and its electrical equipment not up to current standards. No plans have been forth coming.

markn
markn on July 25, 2009 at 9:22 pm

Historic Register lisitng for building:

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Views of auditorium
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markn
markn on July 25, 2009 at 9:24 pm

Apartment development but St James getting mothballed :(

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Mark747
Mark747 on September 26, 2010 at 4:03 pm

NZ Herald today has opened a campaign to save the St James:
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Here is a link to 9 photos of the St James including the original facade that has been hidden all of these years:
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Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on March 7, 2011 at 7:21 pm

Any news on how many theatres were lost during that Horrible earthquake.

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