A century of celebs remembered as TSB Showplace reopens after upgrade

Tom Cruise, Rowan Atkinson, Cilla Black, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Don McLean, Slash…. The TSB Showplace has seen its share of celebrities over the last century, but a hard-drinking, cigarette-chewing donkey was one of the most memorable.​

The New Plymouth Operatic Society production of the musical, Desert Song, in 1954, starred William the donkey, who needed beer “poured” into him before his scene and his legs buckled under his rider. “When he was led on, he was nothing short of a riot,” reported the Taranaki Daily News.​

When the Showplace reopens after a nine-month refurbishment to celebrate its centenary later this month, getting refreshments during the show will be easier than in William’s day.​

The larger bar and revamped Kandy Bar at the rear of the new foyer area are part of an upgrade that also includes more seating in the foyer, new and more accessible toilets, more energy-efficient lighting and ventilation, and earthquake-strengthening that saw 15 tonnes of steel beams installed.​

Some of the last century’s highlights will feature in The 100 – History Re-imagined, presented by New Plymouth Operatic Society in partnership with the TSB Showplace, which runs from 9 to 18 July.​

Reporting on the opening night on 28 November 1925, the Daily News proclaimed what was then the Opera House “would compare most favourably with any similar structures in the Dominion or places beyond”.​

The paper reported that theatre-goers ran out of words to praise it: “The vestibule, the lounge and the cloak rooms made such a strain on the vocabulary that when the auditorium was reached many found that perforce they had to repeat themselves in finding words which would convey their eulogies of the Opera House Company and the architect, Mr. Thomas H. Bates.” ​

“The TSB Showplace is the jewel in the crown of Taranaki’s entertainment venues and the refurbishment will make it a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, setting it up for the next hundred years of shows and events,” said NPDC Manager Venues and Events Chade Julie.​

“It was built by the people of Taranaki for the people of Taranaki and it’s always held cherished memories for so many people, either on stage or in the audience. We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with the New Plymouth Operatic Society and our audiences for years to come.”​

​At a glance

• William was not the first donkey to tread the boards at the Opera House – the Taranaki Daily News reported that the donkey in the 1938 production of Desert Song was “the climax, keeping the audience convulsed”.​
• The New Plymouth Opera House was built for about £23,000 raised through public subscription and shares in the Opera House Company.​
• It was pitched as “an important educational and social factor” and necessary to attract new residents. (Taranaki Daily News, 24 February 1923)​
• The Opera House also served as a cinema from its early days with “talkies” introduced in 1931 – until 1967​
• The venue has survived downturns with the Great Depression, World War 2, the advent of TV, but financial troubles saw it put up for sale in 1969 and almost demolished in 1970.​
• The Operatic Society gifted it to the people of New Plymouth in 1972 and it has been in public ownership ever since.​
• The main auditorium is the TSB Theatre – the original 1920s Opera House – which has a capacity of 957.​
• In 1998 the building was renovated and extended, adding a second auditorium, the Theatre Royal, and the Alexandra Room.​
• Hollywood star Tom Cruise took to the stage there to promote his 2003 blockbuster, The Last Samurai, which was partly filmed in New Plymouth.​
• Today the TSB Showplace is the region’s main theatre and conference and events venue.​
• Around 66,000 people go to the TSB Showplace each year to see comedy, musicals, plays, classical concerts and more.​
• Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga lists the Opera House as a Category 2 historic place.​
• Find out more about the Opera House here.​
• To be the first to know about event announcements, exclusive offers and discounts, sign up to the New Plymouth Event Venues database here.

Caption: New Plymouth Operatic Society, "My Fair Lady", 04 Feb 1974, Bernard Woods Studio, collection of Puke Ariki, New Plymouth.