Odeon Theatre, Christchurch
| Odeon Theatre | |
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The Odeon Theatre in Tuam Street, Christchurch (October 2010)
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 Location within the Christchurch Central City
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| Former names |
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| General information | |
| Type | Former theatre |
| Architectural style | Italianate architecture with Venetian Gothic elements |
| Location | Christchurch Central City |
| Address | 214 Tuam Street |
| Town or city | Christchurch |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 43°32′8″S 172°38′21″E / 43.53556°S 172.63917°ECoordinates: 43°32′8″S 172°38′21″E / 43.53556°S 172.63917°E |
| Completed | 1883 |
| Inaugurated | 20 July 1883 |
| Renovated | 1927 |
| Demolished | September 2012 |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Unreinforced masonry |
| Floor count | two |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Thomas Stoddart Lambert |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect | Sidney Luttrell |
| Designated | 26 November 1981 |
| Reference no. | 3140 |
| References | |
| "Odeon Theatre". Register of Historic Places. Heritage New Zealand. | |
The Odeon Theatre in Christchurch was the oldest masonry theatre in New Zealand, and one of only three remaining purpose-built 19th-century theatres in the country. The building has had different names over the years, and was put to many different uses. It was damaged beyond repair in the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake and partially demolished in September 2012. The theatre was recognised as a Category I heritage building by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, with registration number 3140. One of its most notable aspects was its use as a public meeting venue of Kate Sheppard during her women's suffrage campaign.
A syndicate of citizens formed the Public Hall Company Ltd and through this commissioned the building. The theatre, located in 214 Tuam Street, was built in 1883 to a design by Thomas Stoddart Lambert (1840–1915). It had a capacity of 2,200 people, 600 of whom fitted into the gallery. The stage was initially 60 feet (18 m) wide and 40 feet (12 m) deep. The building was opened on 20 July 1883, with the Mayor of Christchurch, George Ruddenklau, presiding.
The building's original name was Tuam Street Hall or Tuam Street Theatre. The building had a variety of rather diverse uses: public meeting place, entertainment, exhibitions, roller skate rink, and other activities. In 1893, it was used by Kate Sheppard for women's suffrage. After the 1893 Electoral Act was passed on 19 September 1893, which meant that New Zealand women were the first in the world to be granted the right to vote, an enrolment meeting was held by Sheppard at Tuam Street Hall on 26 September in preparation for the 1893 election in late November. Despite rather unfavourable weather, 600 women were enrolled that day.
In 1894, the name changed to Opera House. Vaudeville was the main form of entertainment around the turn of the century, and John Fuller's son Benjamin started their theatre company's involvement with the building in 1903.
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