Tomatovine - To Be or Not to Be

Is Blenheim's theatre to be or not to be? | By Duncan Mackenzie


“We need a new theatre,” cry the yes lobby; “we can’t afford it,” or “it’s not what we want or where we want it,” is the counter cry. The claim and counter claim could go on forever, one thing is for sure, Marlborough’s proposed new performing arts venue has aroused passions on both sides of the debate.

My connection to the current theatre started on my first night resident in Marlborough, when I attended a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar by the Blenheim Operatic Society. Since that time I have taken my place on that stage for productions from Operatic and Repertory, compèred choral shows, performing arts competitions, and fashion awards and also applied my old craft as a sound technician for local productions.

I therefore confess to a sentimental attachment to an auditorium with marvelous sight lines, bony seats, great acoustics (for unamplified productions), and dressing rooms that ensure a close and intimate bond between those sharing said facilities.

The key to the issue from my perspective is politics. Simply put, Marlborough is currently blessed with a crop of local body politicians far-sighted enough to realise the value of a modern theatre complex to the community as a whole. They have put their money where their mouth is (a most unusual manoeuvre for politicians) and have voted a significant sum of money toward the development of a new theatre, including making the site available on a 99-year lease at a dollar a year.

The origins of the Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust lie in a political decision (in the early 1970s) that the community did not need a theatre, following the demolition of His Majesty’s Theatre due to earthquake risk.

The complex must meet multiple needs and will therefore be a compromise in certain aspects (not the least of which will be budgetary constraints). A purpose-built facility offers a major opportunity to the local groups which utilise it, and also to the community as a whole in the form of bigger/better/more attractive touring acts and national arts events to feed into the local economy as well as enriching the community it serves.