Old Capitol Theatre
One of the first atmospheric style theatres built in South Africa was the Capitol Theatre found in Parliament Street, Pretoria. The Italian Renaissance design of the theatre was done by P. Rogers Cooke, a well-known architect of that time. The actual building of the theatre started on 14 December 1930 only after P. Roger Cooke returned from England.
It was gracefully opened by Prime Minister General J.B.M. Hertzog ( who was the prime minister of South Africa at that time) on 8 September 1931 with a golden key and 1500 Members of the public present.
A remarkable feature was the Entrance Foyer and the Grand Foyer. These also gave access to the Orchestra stalls.
These Foyers stood 200 feet tall in length.
The Grand staircase led from the Foyer to the wide promenade for use during intermissions for the serving of refreshments. The Aisle dividing the loge seats of the dress circle and the upper circle could be access from the two corridors of the mezzanine promenade.
Another stunning feature of the Capitol Theatre was the Wurlitzer Organ that was controlled from inside the orchestra pit and set behind latticed screens on both sides of the proscenium arch.
in 1950 it was discussed to demolish the theatre to make room for a larger auditorium. On 1 March 1955 the Theatre was sold to Transvaal Province Administration.
The government considered demolishing it to make way for skyscrapers which would then form the western facade of church square. The Admin offices was built next to the theatre giving it the modern facade.
Part of the Capitol property was sold to the De Nederlandsche Bank for $200 circa 1960. Sadly, when Multiplex (movie theater) cinemas were starting to be implemented in the late 1970s, the Capitol Theatre was then closed-off to the public. On 26 October 1974, 2242 Seats, 14 Statues and projecting equipment was auctioned of by Volks Auctioneers.
"Die Burger" wrote an article stating that it has then become a drive-inn theatre. In 1985 it became a museum. in Jan 1987 restorations began on the facade of the building and on 17 August 1988 the theatre lived once again for one night only.
In 1994 the theatre was considered a location for parliament and in December 2007 it was converted into a restaurant and gay nightclub, called Legends.
What is left of this historical building was converted into a parking garage several years ago. Much of the building is still intact and serves as a nostalgic reminder of the beautiful events held at this Atmospheric style cinema.
References and More Reading
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