The Regent Theatre instals a replica curtain thanks for local support

REGENT 24 HOUR BOOK SALE HELPS PURCHASE A REPLICA OF THE THEATRE’S ORIGINAL CURTAIN

For immediate release Wednesday 22 August 2018

Dunedin: Proceeds from two Regent 24 Hour Book Sales coupled with local ingenuity have enabled the Regent Theatre Trust of Otago to purchase a replica of the theatre’s original waterfall curtain.

The 200 kg red velvet curtain, which took over a year to design, make, test and install is now in use – just in time for the NZ International Film Festival which is running at The Regent Theatre this month.

The Regent Theatre Director, Sarah Anderson said the curtain would not have been possible if it wasn't for local ingenuity. “We had very specific criteria to make this project work and needed an automated motor to open and close the curtain as well as having the option of being able to raise and lower it by hand. When we spoke to theatre suppliers the cost of such a mechanism nearly meant curtains to the whole project, as it was not affordable. Fortunately Dunedin’s Zeal Steel was able to make a bespoke mechanism.”

“We’re thankful to Gareth Pelvin and the Zeal Steel team, Bruce Calder and the team from Wilson Electro Services and our volunteers whose support has made such an undertaking a reality. The waterfall curtain is a beautiful and elegant addition to the theatre and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Dunedin community.”

Melbourne theatre curtain specialist Theatre Star designed the waterfall curtain using old black and white photos of the Regent Theatre in its heyday. Managing Director Rod Paton said a special dye run was required for 300 metres of the ultra-velvet fabric, to ensure it was the perfect intense deep red. Synthetic ultra-velvet fabric was chosen as it drapes beautifully and is flame retardant to the required New Zealand standard.

Rod Paton said making the waterfall curtain was a challenge, as these days very few theatre curtains are made to such a high standard. He said at close to 200kg the drape was very heavy and made the test hang in Melbourne’s Frankston Arts Centre difficult. However, he said all challenges with the project were rewarded with the quality and beauty of the finished curtain.

The Regent Theatre Trust of Otago, Chair Alison Cunningham said it was wonderful to have a replica of the waterfall curtain, which was the last outstanding historical feature the Trust had wanted to reinstate following the theatre’s multi-million upgrade in 2011.

She paid tribute to the volunteers who run the annual Regent 24 Hour Book Sale saying “we are fortunate to have a support of a dedicated team who donate thousands of hours running the book sales each year. Without their dedication we would not be able to have such a world-class facility for the people of Otago to enjoy.”

Waterfall curtains are a long standing tradition in theatres like The Regent which was originally a cinema.

ENDS.

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