Save Our St. James

Overview

An almost royal open home and mini-concert rolled into one. Held at an exclusive location and at an exclusive price, for free. But how do you get on the guest list?

For a while there the St James Theatre may have looked abandoned and somewhat neglected, but rest assured there are plans to restore this once glorious theatre back to the notable beauty of its heyday. However, these plans are just that, plans, and it remains unsure as to whether or not when the doors to the theatre close in March 2016 if they will remain closed or re-open. That’s where we, the people, can help (sound the heroic trumpets). Save Our St. James is an event for supporters and curious minds alike (ideally with hundreds of social media followers) to see and hear the low down on what’s really happening behind closed doors at the St James Theatre and the amount of TLC needed to re-open.

The event will consist of a showcase of homegrown performances from the likes of Voom, Tina Turntables, Hopetoun Brown, Tami Neilson, Lawrence Arabia with strings. Guests will be encouraged and maybe slightly persuaded (with free food and drink) to spread the word, build local support and put some much needed pressure on the government to leap on board, (or be dragged on board) with the restoration. The Auckland Council and the owners of the theatre have both made generous donations but it is the central government that has yet to jump on the bandwagon.

The St. James Theatre was built in 1928 giving it a Category I heritage status. After two fires in the same decade the theatre closed its curtains due to safety concerns. After an eight-year hiatus the doors opened in May of this year, with a regular program of entertainment in the schedule since. The foyer cafe is still there, which is nice but a sad occupant of the once proud Spanish-renaissance style interior and architecture.

With the future of the St James Theatre still undetermined, it is unclear whether Save our St. James will end up being a farewell celebration or an opening rally, but regardless, it’s probably still worth an attempt to figure out how to get onto the elusive guest list. Stay tuned to the event page for more information.