Loss of SkyCity Theatre venue
Taken from the HZ Herald article by Bernard Orsman.
The SkyCity Theatre looks set to become a cabaret space or sports theatre, leaving a gaping hole in venues for the city's performing arts. SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison said: "We are probably not into cultural space. People expect casinos to be a bit more sports and entertainment."
He said SkyCity had made it clear that theatre users could book the theatre until the end of the year, but thereafter it could become a cabaret space with booths and tiered seating, or a sports theatre. Some works, like Four Flat Whites, a light-hearted play about two couples holidaying in Italy, had worked well but not serious culture. With an eye on doubling the number of days the theatre was used from 100 to 200, SkyCity was looking to more entertainers, singers, illusionists, magicians and celebrities.
Auckland Theatre Company general manager Lester McGrath said he understood SkyCity's business focus was changing, but losing access to the theatre would have serious implications for the region's flagship acting company...
Read the full article here.