Every inch of the Force Entertainment Centre atrium in Queen St was filled last night as 1300 people crammed in to celebrate the opening of the country's largest cinema centre.
But half an hour before the celebrities and guests started arriving, workers were frantically nailing down a temporary dancefloorand bringing out kerosene lamps to replace a heating system not yet working.
As Austin Powers and Charlie Chaplin lookalikes entertained in the foyer, workers in hard-hats enjoyed a bird's-eye view.
Force Corporation joint managing director Peter Garner admitted that despite 500 workers labouring around the clock, the centre was not as complete as hoped, but was safe and would open to the public today.
"It's a big job, and very complicated. But the show will go on."
Owners hope the futuristic stainless steel and glass complex - which includes a 12-theatre multiplex, giant Imax screen, Planet Hollywood restaurant and a foodcourt - will bring in three million visitors a year.
Prime Minister Jenny Shipley opened the centre before pop group TrueBliss entertained with their hit single Tonight. Guests then tested the new theatres with a premiere screening of the Runaway Bride, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
The event raised almost $50,000, which will buy a new bus for 43 disabled students of Rosehill School in Papakura.
Mrs Shipley's husband, Burton, said he had been to an Imax cinema in the United States.
The experience was so real that two children in front of him dived under their seats when a train appeared to be bearing down on them.
