Auckland's St James To Reopen

After eight years in darkness, Auckland’s St. James Theatre reopens May 2. First opening in 1928 and emerging as an important cultural venue where the likes of Lawrence Olivier and Vivien Leigh tread the boards, it later showcased hip hop, rock, musicals and cabaret.

Photo: Facebook

During refurbishment

It shuttered in 2007 due to safety concerns after an electrical fire. Suggestions that it could make way for high-rise apartments resulted in a vigorous social media campaign to keep it.

A 39-level 300-unit apartment block will now be build alongside the now-renovated theatre. The opening night is Weird Night Out, where acts including DJ/producers Weird Together, P-Money, hip-hop group The Peacekeepers and EDM acts High Hoops and Red Bull Sound Select will perform.