The Royal Whanganui Opera House is a landmark cultural icon and the last remaining working Victorian theatre in the southern hemisphere.

Originating in the 1890's, the idea of an Opera House came about as citizens wanted more social amenities to prove that Whanganui was a progressive and sophisticated settlement. 

March 1897 -  The Wanganui Opera House Company published a prospectus in a local newspaper to raise funds for the buidling, but were unsuccessful.

June 1897 -  Wanganui Borough Councillor F.M. Spurdle proposed that Queen Victoria's "record reign" should be commemorated by the building of an opera house. The idea was supported by Mayor Alexander Hatrick, and a committee was established to decide what was possible. 

February 1898 - Ratepayers were polled to see if they would support the Council in raising a loan of £4000 to pay for the building.  The poll was met with resounding approval and Council agrees to move forward with the build.

September 1898 - A competition was launched for a building design.  

January 1899 - The successful architect - George Stevenson - was announced. His design was typical of English provincial theatres, including a large stage, fixed seating and a raked floor. However, he passed away in July 1899 before the foundation stone was laid.

February 1900 - The theatre was officially opened on the 9th of February by Premier Richard Seddon. Unusually for the period, it was lit from the beginning with electricity and gas.

 

 Other Important Dates

1937 - A fire in the Sweet Stall closes the theatre for several months. 

1938 - The Annex is added.

1978 - Fire in the Annex. 

1987 - New Steinway Grand piano purchased (and is still in use today!).

1989 - Friends of the Opera House steering committee was established and a membership drive for Friends of the Opera House volunteers began.

1995 - An arsonist started a fire in the basement. The newly installed sprinkler system saved the buidling.

1996 - The theatre receives a Historic Places Trust award gaining Category One historical grading.

1999 - Centennial celebrations begun and a Royal Title was given to the Opera House as part of these celebrations. 

2015 - Seismic strengthening upgrades begin to meet the Earthquake Commission requirements.

 

Three British Royals have honoured the Royal Whanganui Opera House with their presence. The first HRH The Prince of Wales in 1920, the second Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, in 1966 and the third, HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. 

 

The Royal Whanganui Opera House stands majestically to this day and is proudly managed by Whanganui Venues & Events.

 

Note: Information sourced from Penny Robinson's "Royal Wanganui Opera House - A Record Reign"