Bulldoze theatre over my dead body, says UK star

Sir Donald Sinden says people should gang together to preserve the St James. Photo / Getty Images

Top English actor Sir Donald Sinden has threatened to lie down in the path of demolishing bulldozers to save the historic St James Theatre.

The 86-year-old, who last visited Auckland eight years ago, said all civilised people should gang together to prevent such desecration.

"How dare they even think of pulling down the great St James Theatre. Philistines," wrote Sir Donald in a letter backing protection of the theatre.

The stage and screen actor, most recently known for his role in Judge John Deed, is one of many international and national arts luminaries who have called for the theatre to be saved.

Once one of Auckland's finest venues, the St James lapsed into decay following its 2007 closure after a fire.

Other actors who have lent their support include Sam Neill, Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen, multi-award winning actress Dame Judi Dench and Poirot's Sir David Suchet.

The theatre is included in The Edge's bid to the Government as part of a proposed national convention centre.

The Edge is one of five contenders for the proposed centre, which could cost between $200 million and $500 million.

Regardless of the success of the bid, the Herald is campaigning to save the St James, and prevent any compromising of its historic and artistic significance.

Auckland Council candidates, MPs and many actors and arts professionals are speaking out in support of saving the building.

New Zealand Opera director Donald Trott said it was regrettable it had fallen into disuse.

"It's an absolutely iconic building for Auckland."

The late English stage and film actor Corin Redgrave gave his support in an email this year. Redgrave, known for his In the Name of the Father appearance alongside Daniel Day-Lewis, said it was terrible that the "fine, wonderful old theatre" was at risk.

Baron Andrew Lloyd Webber said "yet another wonderful theatre [is] under threat".

New Zealand actress Ginette McDonald performed at the St James Royal Gala Performance in 1981, and says it would be a great shame if the building is lost.

"Every civilised city in the world needs its buildings of culture. Without an attachment to culture we become cyborgs."