SainT urbexers
I'm not originally from Auckland, so I knew almost nothing about the St James Theatre until a forum post back in 2010. A fellow explorer mentioned a huge disused theatre on the main street of Auckland, with not much other information I was keen to find out why this place wasn't being used ( or explored ). My obsession is mainly hospitals but this particular theatre changed this. My determination to get inside this place only grew more as research showed up no information on the future of the building, nor even its current status. The only knowledge to be had was a 2007 fire which extended to a theatre within the complex, shutting the entire complex down.
With no prior knowledge of explorers to say they had cracked it, no hints at security measures or frequency of patrols (whether there was even any). It seemed pretty secure, not to mention main street frontage.
One evening after several missions scoping the place out, we decided tonight was the night. We "discovered" an entry point (Don't ask any questions and you'll hear no lies) then hung back to see what would happen before we stepped into the unknown. Suddenly, the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo turned up out of a side street and parked right next to the spot. As a few teenagers fell out, drinks in hand my heart sunk as I realised it wouldnt take long for them to notice the entry and get in before us! We nodded to each other then blasted in behind them.
They didnt speak the greatest English, I think the guy may have been Russian, but I think they mentioned something about it being abandoned as we let them know security was probably just round the corner and they didnt want the hassle so they left before their van attracted unwanted attention.
We hid just inside for a few minutes to make sure it was all clear outside, then ventured further into the decaying darkness.
1983
St James in the 1940's
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History:
The theatre was built for travelling vaudeville acts in 1927 after the Fullers Opera House burnt down on Wellesley Street. It was named the "New Opera House" and continued a tradition of comic entertainment and musicals that Fullers had developed in NZ. Vaudeville was popular with working class audiences in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth, but was surpassed by the arrival of talking pictures. The theatre was built just before this change occurred so was modified the following year with provisions for projection. It was continued to be used for a multitude of acts as diverse as the Russian Bolshoi Ballet. The building has an unusual blend of traditional theatre and American picture house design. Traditional elements include the three steep tiers of seating, boxes and high quality acoustics in the main auditorium, while the influence of modern cinemas can be seen in the elegant entrance tower on Queen Street (now concealed) and large foyers for public congregation. The ornate Spanish Colonial style interiors include statuettes, marble steps and elaborate lighting, which was a way of transporting the audience away from their everyday lives. 1945 saw the return of stage shows, including international acts after a change in ownership to Kerridge Theatres from Fuller. The large seating capacity has made it economic to bring large shows to Auckland for the past 50 years. Of all the Queen street theatres, St James is the only one remaining. The purpose built cinemas Odeon, West End and Regent were added to the original structure in 1957, 1966 and 1982 respectively, the additions having heritage value of their own. Shops were included along the main frontage at this time, similar to the nearby Civic Theatre and are now populated with 24 hour dairies, kebab shops and pizza bars. By the 90's the complex was used as a film cinema, as well as a studio for recording TV shows. By the mid 2000's the Theatre was well known for holding raves and international music acts. The theatre complex finally closed in 2007 due to fire in one of the adjoining theatres. As of October 2014 there are plans to restore the original St James Theatre and build a 39 storey apartment complex with parking and amenities for 300 residents... |
There are so many great memories I have, mostly of being a pain in the neck for security. While we were harmless (we aren't into stripping scrap metal/valuables) it was a matter of having to stay one step ahead of them once an alarm was set off and either getting out of dodge or hiding until the alarm had gone off.
I feel like I'm giving away all my deep dark secrets, but now the place has been sold and the new owners have real intentions of restoring the grand old place, so our good times have come to and end.
A few favourite memories include watching peoples jaws drop as the big switches are flipped and the entire theatre lights up. No matter how many times I saw this, it never got old. We took a playstation up to the top projection room on a Saturday night after a few drinks on the roof, and we brought a projector in for Halloween and watched Nightmare before Christmas projected onto the metal curtain on the main stage. I kissed one of my ex's for the first time in the dressing room not long before we dated. We sat on the roof enjoying the best possible view of the Christmas parade one year. We would even replace the bulbs in the ornate roof as they blew to keep the magic alive. There were many post exploration sessions with Burger King in hand speculating on the history. It's funny what brings people together but St James was one of those places for us.
Thank you to the person who first explored this place with me if it wasn't for you I believe I wouldn't have ever got inside so I mark the St J as your find. Also to the many other great people who shared and appreciated the time in this unique location (you know who you are), I don't believe there will ever be another. I feel I grow a little after every great location.
I really hope they do her justice upon restoration, façade and all. It was an honour for me to spend time in the
St J while it was hidden away. I'm pleased we took advantage of the situation or I would have never discovered the beauty and history within this derelict time capsule.
- Nathan.
I feel like I'm giving away all my deep dark secrets, but now the place has been sold and the new owners have real intentions of restoring the grand old place, so our good times have come to and end.
A few favourite memories include watching peoples jaws drop as the big switches are flipped and the entire theatre lights up. No matter how many times I saw this, it never got old. We took a playstation up to the top projection room on a Saturday night after a few drinks on the roof, and we brought a projector in for Halloween and watched Nightmare before Christmas projected onto the metal curtain on the main stage. I kissed one of my ex's for the first time in the dressing room not long before we dated. We sat on the roof enjoying the best possible view of the Christmas parade one year. We would even replace the bulbs in the ornate roof as they blew to keep the magic alive. There were many post exploration sessions with Burger King in hand speculating on the history. It's funny what brings people together but St James was one of those places for us.
Thank you to the person who first explored this place with me if it wasn't for you I believe I wouldn't have ever got inside so I mark the St J as your find. Also to the many other great people who shared and appreciated the time in this unique location (you know who you are), I don't believe there will ever be another. I feel I grow a little after every great location.
I really hope they do her justice upon restoration, façade and all. It was an honour for me to spend time in the
St J while it was hidden away. I'm pleased we took advantage of the situation or I would have never discovered the beauty and history within this derelict time capsule.
- Nathan.
