Some Like it Hot at the Civic

From City Scene, published on 2 September, 2007

These bach communities on Rangitoto Island were built in the 1930s Depression.

Visit our 'atmospheric theatre' - Some Like it Hot (1959) will be showing at the Civic Theatre for the Classic Film Evening on Friday, 28 September.

Relive the Civic Theatre glory years at the Classic Film Evening on Friday, 28 September. Some Like it Hot (1959) will be showing at the grand old picture-palace. Built in 1929, the Civic was designed as an "atmospheric theatre". The illusory sky (or soft-top) was part of the design and added to the ambience of the theatre experience. In its early years, the Civic would sometimes feature spectacular live performances during intervals. The Wurlitzer organ would play and an ornate Venetian gondola would rise out of the orchestra pit with a band or dancers. Six years ago, Auckland City Council spent $42 million restoring the Civic, and its atmospheric soft-top is one of only a handful in the world to be fully restored. Learn more about this building's history during the Auckland Heritage Festival Civic Theatre open days on 21, 22 and 23 September.