Editorial: In future we need big-city theatre

Oamaru Opera House.

It's well deserved recognition for the staff at Baycourt to have their theatre named one of the country's premium arts venues, but for a city the size of Tauranga isn't our largest arts venue in the wrong category?

Baycourt was named a finalist in the Small Venue of the Year category at the inaugural Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand Venue Awards this week, alongside the opera house in the South Island town of Oamaru, with a population of about 13,000, and the boutique Q Theatre in Auckland.

While I don't want to take anything away from the staff at Baycourt, who I have always found to be well presented, professional and helpful, I do think the city is a long way off providing a premium venue for its size.

More than 10 years ago 530 of the most popular seats in the house were replaced, but I still find them jammed too close together leaving the audience fighting for arm room with the person next to them.

Built in 1983, Baycourt lacks the character and drama associated with a night at the theatre - not helped by the fact a lot of Tauranga residents think it's fine to attend a night show in shorts, a T-shirt and jandals.

I'm not expecting the beauty of Auckland's Civic, but something with a bit less polished wood and burgundy carpet would be nice. Also, a suitable bar with a relaxing place to sit and enjoy your glass of wine before the show or during half time, rather than standing in the busy foyer, should be a given at a big city theatre. Even better would be a restaurant or cafe where you could enjoy a meal before or after the show.

With a population of 114,000, it's time Tauranga had a more modern, city-style venue. I'm not sure this kind of venue is even on the radar for the new Tauranga City Council and understand tackling debt will come first. But, along with a museum, it would be nice to see a theatre that's able to hold its own in the large venue category offered to the next generation of residents.