New Plymouth Opera House/TSB Showplace (1924-25)

The New Plymouth Opera House was erected on Devon Street in 1924-25. It is a T.H. Bates design and was officially opened by Mayor F.E. Wilson on Saturday 28 November 1925 with a performance of the Irish comedy Molly Brawn.

Now renamed the TSB Showplace, the complex was upgraded and substantial additions made in 1997-98. The opening of the Showplace was celebrated with a gala weekend of events on 6 and 7 February 1999.

The Opera House was built on the site of the old Theatre Royal which, along with many other buildings on the block, was destroyed by fire on 22 July 1916.

A permit for the construction of a new Opera House was granted to Taranaki Amusements on 9 May 1924. J & T Julian were the contractors, with the estimated construction cost being £23,000.

Plans held by Puke Ariki (ARC2011-137).

Alterations and additions - 1997 plans (ARC2013-027)

Related documents:

New Opera House: Contract Let for Buildings (Taranaki Herald 12 March 1924)

Opening To-morrow: New Opera House (Taranaki Daily News 28 November 1925)

The First Night: Opera House Opened (Taranaki Daily News 30 November 1925)

Opera House for Sale (Taranaki Herald 11 December 1969)

Opera House Fate Hangs in Balance (Taranaki Herald 24 January 1970)

Standing room only (Daily News 20 December 1995)

Land deal for Opera House (Daily News 23 December 1995)

Trust Seeks $2M From Council For Theatre Revamp (Daily News13 February 1996)

Opera House passes earthquake test (Daily News 12 April 1996)