Curtain Call

AA Traveller writer, Anna Sarjeant, peeks behind the scenes at Auckland’s Civic.

James Manning is the kind of man who could present a tour of a toilet block, and make it so riveting you’ll beg for another look at the U-bend. Give him a venue as distinguished as Auckland’s historic Civic theatre and he’s in his element. With a seven-year tenure, rising from usher to FOH Supervisor in Charge and seasoned tour guide, James knows every nook of this playhouse, including its fascinating (and often salacious) past.

The hour-long backstage tour compels guests from the get-go, with the most delightful surprises often arising from unexpected places. Firstly, the stage is ten times larger than you could ever imagine, and secondly, those areas you first deem esteemed (such as the Green Room) are nowhere near as exciting as the secrets that James spills.

Nine decades of drama have played out in here, and not all of it on the stage.

From the original proprietor, Thomas O’Brien, who, in 1929 built the elaborate venue as a cinema, but later eloped to Australia with a bagful of cash and neither his wife nor kids in tow (his riches to rags misfortune concludes with him dying, down-and-out on a Melbourne park bench), to the infamous Freda Stark who wowed American WWII soldiers with her incredible dance moves – and much more besides. Nine decades of drama have played out in here, and not all of it on the stage. While The Civic itself can’t disclose any tales, James has that rare knack of divulging information in such a enthralling manner – with humour and panache combined – you’ll return home earnestly repeating what you’ve learned.

Every inch an Auckland dame, The Civic has aged with grace.

Backstage access allows you to feel fittingly VIP-like, especially as photography – usually associated with only the most sacrilegious theatregoer – is welcomed throughout. Every inch an Auckland dame, The Civic has aged with the grace and good looks of a starlet. Her labyrinth of ornamented corridors, glowing in their eclectic Africa-meetsIndia-meets-Asia aesthetics, will both amaze and distract. Lose sight of your group, of which there are never more than 16, and The Civic might swallow you up forever. Still, at least your disappearance will guarantee a mention in James’ sensational dialogue.