His Majesty's Theatre

Located on Queen Street at the corner of Durham Street in the city centre. His Majesty’s Theatre was opened on 26th December 1902 with the J.C Williamson production of “A Runaway Girl”. It was operated by Percy Reginald Dix and was one of the largest theatres to operate in Auckland. In 1916 it was taken over by J.C. Williamson Theatres Inc. Seating was provided in orchestra, dress circle, balcony levels, with two boxes on each side of the proscenium opening. It screened films during its earlier years of operation. In 1981 it was taken over by Kerridge-Odeon and stage shows continued,with successful runs of the musical “Hair” and “The Rocky Horror Show”. They decided not to refurbish the aging theatre and it closed on 21st December 1987 with Vince Carmen’s “Magic Show”. There were protests about its planned demolition, but contractors moved in overnight on 23rd-24th December 1987 hours before a preservation order could be actioned. The roof was removed on 3rd January 1988 and the stage went on 13th January 1988. And that was the end.

A modern retail building now stands on the site.

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