Story: Theatres, cinemas and halls

In 1929 Devonport's Victoria Theatre was remodelled and enlarged in art deco style. It also incorporated the latest technology to accommodate the new 'talkie' films. It was later divided into two, then three cinemas to show art-house movies. It was the first cinema in New Zealand to be granted a liquor licence for a bar. During the 1990s and early 2000s the theatre sported a vibrant art deco colour scheme (shown here). In 2014 its facade was a more subdued white.