Much ado about loss of SkyCity Theatre venue

Theatre users can book book the SkyCity Theatre until the end of the year. Photo / Peter Meecham

The SkyCity Theatre looks set to become a cabaret space or sports theatre, leaving a gaping hole in venues for the city's performing arts.

SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison said: "We are probably not into cultural space. People expect casinos to be a bit more sports and entertainment."

He said Sky City had made it clear that theatre users could book the theatre until the end of the year, but thereafter it could become a cabaret space with booths and tiered seating, or a sports theatre.

Some works, like Four Flat Whites, a light-hearted play about two couples holidaying in Italy, had worked well but not serious culture.

With an eye on doubling the number of days the theatre was used from 100 to 200, SkyCity was looking to more entertainers, singers, illusionists, magicians and celebrities.

Auckland Theatre Company general manager Lester McGrath said he understood SkyCity's business focus was changing, but losing access to the theatre would have serious implications for the region's flagship acting company.

He said the company used the 700-seat SkyCity Theatre twice a year for its more popular plays, staging more serious work at the 440-seat Maidment Theatre. There was no alternative mid-sized theatre in Central Auckland.

Auckland Festival chief executive David Inns said SkyCity was holding a booking for a dance and theatre work at next year's festival in March.

Mr Inns expected to know by August if it could use SkyCity Theatre. If not, it would have to move to a 1200-seat configuration at The Civic, which was already being used for other events.

An Auckland City Council report in 2008 identified the need for a 600-seat theatre. The $21 million flexi-form Q Theatre project, under way behind the Auckland Town Hall, has seating for 350 to 460 people.