A two-part Spectrum documentary.
Former staff share memories of the St James cinema-theatre now newly renovated and restored (a two part programme). Jack Perkins talks to founding member of 'Save the St James' Campaign, Peter Freighter, Project Director Roger Shand and former managers, projectionists and stage hands. Roger Shand talks about the building's restoration, acoustics and relationship between performer and patron. The rejuvenated St James is now Wellington's centrepiece of theatre culture.
The St. James hosted many stars including Gladys Moncrief, Laurence Olivier, Viven Leigh, Old Vic Company, Sir Ralph Richardson, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Norman Kirk. Reminiscences include stories of ghosts, getting stuck on the roof, ceiling leaks, basement/orchestra pit floods, ushering and audience dress codes.
Spectrum 994 begins with excerpt from the New Zealand Opera 'A Unicorn for Christmas'. Roger, Peter, Jim and Jackie continue the tour and tell tales of cinema romances, gossiip, the payroll ghost, dressing room and toilets, overseas stars, seat maintenance, pre-show build up, daytime movie to evening theatre conversion, interval snacks, theatre horse stables and generational employees.