Memories of 'a magical realm'

Diana Fenwick's with her autograph book, and Vivien Leigh's letter from 1948 (right). Photos / Sarah Ivey

Lifelong Auckland resident Diana Fenwick still remembers that childhood feeling that she was entering a magical realm every time she visited the St James.

On one occasion, she saw screen legend Vivien Leigh - visiting New Zealand between her two Academy Awards, one for Gone With the Wind and the other for A Streetcar Named Desire.

On another, celebrated English comedian Stanley Holloway entranced her with an unforgettable performance that filled the intimate, domed auditorium.

Ms Fenwick's memories have been stored in a book of autographs and letters that have inspired her for life.

But seeing the St James in its present state of disrepair gives her a sinking feeling - and makes her wish her young granddaughter could see what she saw as a youngster.

Ms Fenwick backs a Herald campaign to save the St James Theatre, which has been shut since a fire in 2007.

The theatre could be restored as Auckland's main theatre, opera and ballet venue - over the Aotea Centre - if Auckland City Council's The Edge succeeds in its bid to become a national convention and exhibition centre.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks and his main Super City election rival, Manukau Mayor Len Brown, support saving the landmark.

"It needs to be restored to its former grandeur as part of our great entertainment heritage," Mr Banks said last week.

He has put the cost of renovation at more than $50 million.

A number of actors have lent their weight to saving the historic venue, among them veteran British thespians Sir Donald Sinden and David Suchet.

Other international names include Sam Neill, Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench.

Ms Fenwick said the possibility of resurrecting the St James had stirred up excitement, and revisiting the memories had been quite emotional.

"The grand theatre to a very small child was something very special.

"I have such an affinity with it."

One of Ms Fenwick's "very, very first memories" is picking flowers for Vivien Leigh, who thanked her with a typed and signed letter dated September 21, 1948.

Ms Fenwick, who later became chairwoman of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, said the St James had been an inspiration.

"It can give young actors and actresses something to aspire to and fulfil their dreams."

Restoring the theatre, however, would require peeling back layers of change.

Ms Fenwick knew the St James before the fire that shut it down, before it was turned into a nightclub, before rock 'n' roll, and before its beautiful facade was covered up with concrete in 1957.

She went into the theatre just a few years ago and was saddened to see it neglected.

"It was criminal. There was tape all over the floor and plastic chairs," Ms Fenwick said.

"I would love to think that many people can get enjoyment out of it as they have in the past."