Everybody's Theatre - Auditorium (1916)

The Everybody's Theatre Auditorium, commissioned by the local company Taranaki Amusements Ltd, in Devon Street West was built in 1916. Newly-arrived in town, architect Thomas Bates' first job was supervising the construction the theatre on behalf of Auckland architects, Grierson and Aimer's. The contractors were Messrs Chappell & Woolley, also from Auckland. A permit for the theatre was issued on 8 February 1916 and the estimated cost was £5,283. Plans in the Puke Ariki collection - ARC2004-645.

The theatre opened on 14 December 1916 and the day prior the Taranaki Daily News provided a detailed description of the building, calling it "one of the finest (if not the finest) picture palaces in New Zealand".

Everybody's Theatre eventually became the Mayfair Theatre and Bates was also responsible for designing the present Devon Street facade and new entrance foyer in 1937. (See Mayfair Theatre and Facade story)