How about stepping back in time right here at the Mercury Theatre? This Auckland landmark whispers stories of Edwardian elegance and theatrical dreams. It all began in 1910.
The Mercury Theatre was originally known as the Kings Theatre. Designed by architect Edward Bartley, it stood as a beacon of entertainment. Imagine Aucklanders flocking here. They were eager for live performances in an Edwardian Baroque setting.
Fast forward to 1926. The Kings Theatre transformed into the Prince Edward Theatre. It became a cinema. A new entrance was added on Karangahape Road. That entrance is now the Norman Ng Building.
Kerridge-Odeon took over. It was renamed the Playhouse Theatre. But the curtains fell on its cinematic run in 1967.
A new chapter began in 1968. The Mercury Theatre Company made it their home. Professor John C Reid established the Auckland Theatre Trust in 1966. He raised funds to reopen the building as a professional theatre. The Mercury Theatre was reborn.
“The Admirable Crichton” by J.M. Barrie was its first production. For over two decades, the Mercury Theatre staged at least 12 productions annually. These ranged from children’s pantomimes to Shakespearean tragedies.
Pam Ferris and Michael Hurst graced this stage. So did Lee Grant and George Henare. Ian Mune and Roy Billing also performed here. Raymond Hawthorne became artistic director in 1985. He had joined the theatre in 1971. He worked as an actor, director, and tutor.
Despite its popularity, the Mercury Theatre faced financial challenges. Extravagant productions and high running costs led to its closure in 1992. The final curtain call came with “The Rose Tattoo”.
Symon Peters and David John Zam formed Mercury Playhouse Ltd. They acquired the theatre. They had plans to revitalise the property. Peters was a director of the City Wise group.
The Mercury Theatre’s records are preserved at Auckland Libraries. In the early 2000s, Equippers Church purchased the building.
In 2009, the church put the building up for sale. They asked for upwards of two million dollars. However, the church withdrew the theatre from the market in 2012.
The Mercury Theatre closed in April 2022. It closed for significant renovations. These renovations will strengthen and modernise the building. They aim to restore its original capacity. The Edwardian character will be maintained. The renovations are scheduled to be completed in 2024.
The Mercury Theatre stands as a testament to Auckland’s cultural history. It is a reminder of the city’s vibrant past. Soon, it will again entertain Aucklanders. It will bring new stories to life. It will continue its legacy.