The Gisborne War Memorial Theatre with its Field of Poppies ceiling lights is celebrating 10 years since its refurbishment.
As the Gisborne War Memorial Theatre celebrates 10 years since its refurbishment, it continues to be a source of pride for the city and its people.
From last month’s Les Misérables to a Bee Gees tribute concert in August and with shows already booked for 2026, the theatre provides a first-class venue for local and international productions.
Gisborne Herald reporter Kim Parkinson looks back with locals on the building’s history, the changes it has gone through and what it provides for the community.
The airy foyer of the Gisborne War Memorial Theatre, with the Field of Poppies ceiling, makes an impressive statement to visitors.
“Walking into the Gisborne War Memorial Theatre is always an awe-inspiring experience – no matter how many times you’ve crossed its threshold,” Gisborne District Council cultural activities manager Pene Walsh said.
Walsh described the theatre as a “fantastic community asset” that has had more than 110 booking days per year since it reopened in 2015.
Pat Seymour, chair of the War Memorial Theatre Trust, said former Mayor Meng Foon got the refurbishment project off the ground 10 years ago.
“He personally selected trustees from within the arts and philanthropic local community,” Seymour said.
The building dates back to 1957 when the War Memorial Building included the War Memorial Hall and was part of the RSA complex.
The hall was a hive of activity from the late 50s to the early 70s. In 1974, an appeal led by then Gisborne Herald editor Geoffrey Muir, raised funds for the War Memorial Hall to be upgraded to a theatre.
Fiddler on the Roof, by the Gisborne Operatic Society, was the first show to take the stage at the new theatre, opening on October 30, 1975.
The season of 11 performances was a huge success, capturing the heart of the community. The War Memorial Theatre was born.
Fast forward 37 years to 2012 and the venue was starting to look tired. While its walls echoed with wonderful showtime memories and the boards had been trodden by many a performer, it was faded, threadbare and had a leaky roof.
Because of this, and anticipating support from the community, the War Memorial Theatre Trust was formed. Dame Bronwen Holdsworth, Pat Seymour (chair), Anne Muir, Rehette Stoltz, Gavin Maclean, John Logan, Shona Egan and Tina Karaitiana got to work, and the community support materialised.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa accepted a nomination as patron and Gisborne people and businesses dug deep. Within a year, the project to refurbish the building was underway.
The trust raised $5.5 million, which was helped by a $3m donation from Trust Tairāwhiti. Local people supported a seat donation and all 500 seats were sold and named for their donors.
Experienced theatre architects Shand Shelton were selected to design the new theatre. The Field of Poppies ceiling and lighting feature reminds visitors of the significance of the space for maumahara (remembrance).
Gavin Maclean organised a number of variety concerts showcasing the talent of Gisborne while raising money for the theatre upgrade.
He directed the opening night production of The Armed Man, which was officially opened by Foon on Anzac Day, April 25, 2015.
More than 80 singers from various Gisborne choirs performed Karl Jenkins’ modern mass to peace. A new era in the life of the theatre began.
The new theatre has a capacity of 500 seats and a proscenium arch structure was created to house the stage, wings and fly system. Backstage areas were fully upgraded and new sound, lighting and curtains were added.
Today, the theatre is a fine example of entertainment venue excellence in provincial New Zealand, said Seymour.
The War Memorial Theatre regularly hosts top touring shows and provides local theatre companies, dance groups and schools a place to shine bright.
Musical Theatre Gisborne vice-president Peter Grealish said it had been a wonderful 10 years at the refurbished venue.
“I think the biggest buzz was just how modern it all was – especially the stage fly tower,” Grealish said.
“The technical capabilities are incredible. It certainly is a great asset for Gisborne.”
Musical Theatre Gisborne has produced nine shows at the War Memorial Theatre over the past 10 years: Hairspray, Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast, Footrot Flats, Mamma Mia, Chicago, School of Rock, Priscilla and Les Misérables.
“Our latest production Les Misérables certainly put theatre technician Tim McAneney to task with a national consortium set arriving at the theatre.
“It was a massive undertaking and the biggest production to be staged at the theatre or in Gisborne. We look forward to future productions at WMT.”
Some of the War Memorial Theatre’s proudest moments of the past decade have been hosting top NZ music acts such as Six60, Sir Dave Dobbyn and Marlon Williams. Other notable touring shows have been the NZ Symphony Orchestra, Royal NZ Ballet, Moscow Ballet, Cirque Africa, Black Grace, Cats and a wide range of children’s shows and tribute concerts.
Popular local productions have included Whakapaupakihi, Grease, Mamma Mia, Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, School of Rock and the recently concluded season of Les Misérables.
Major charity events held at the theatre have included Dancing for Life Education and Hospice Night of Laughs. Regular annual events include Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival, Smokefree Rockquest, Dancefit Studios, Country Music Awards, Gisborne Competitions Society and Braemar Dance competitions.
It’s also the venue for annual graduation ceremonies for the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT Tairāwhiti) and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Whirikoka Campus.
Since its refurbishment, the War Memorial Theatre has consistently booked over 110 days per year, even during the Covid-19 pandemic when it was used as a testing centre.
About 85% of booked days were local, with the remainder from out of town, Walsh said.
“This shows how well the venue is serving the Gisborne community. The theatre’s hire rates remain among the lowest in the country when compared to similar venues.”