History and Development

Founders Theatre

Hamilton's iconic Founders Theatre was designed by eminent local firm White, De Lisle and Jenkins and the building officially opened on 4 March 1961. Significant improvement projects include the Restaurant Showtime! Dressing room and loading dock extensions in 2000 and the Foyer entrance atrium in 2001

Ralph Hotere mural in Founders foyer

In 1973 a major piece by one of New Zealand's most significant artists Ralph Hotere was commissioned to grace the entranceway of Founders Theatre. The work's horizontal lines reference the Waikato River whilst vertical lines refer to the activities in the theatre and the circles represent 7 heavens. Although it wasn't accepted immediately, indeed Geoff Fairburn the local art critic at the time compared the effect of the mural "to a trendy undertaker's parlour" it is an integral part of the venue and a work of national significance.

Clarence St Theatre

This building was originally developed over many years by Hamilton Operatic Society and the original building was known as the Drury Lane Theatre. The current theatre was completed in 1987 by the Society and was acquired by HCC in 1997.

Mural in Clarence St foyer

In 2006 the auditorium was refurbished with new seating and foyer redevelopment has provided easier access for patrons, and improved ticketing facilities. A large mural paying tribute to the history of performances in the venue is now a feature of the foyer.

The Meteor

After being initially built and developed as a soft drink manufacturing plant for the Innes family's well-known Innes Tartan brand in the early 1950s, this building has subsequently been used as an indoor roller skating rink and used car auction house.

Proposed Plans for The Meteor (Courtesy of APA)

In 1995 the Hamilton Community Arts Council began developing the interior as a 'black box' theatre and the venue developed a small but significant reputation in this context.

Subsequently Hamilton City Council commenced a major four-year refurbishment in 2007. The first stage of this process has addressed structural issues, seen the roof replaced and development of the interior commence. It also provides facilities on the 1st Floor, suitable for start-up businesses in the creative sector. This Creative Industries Hub known as Soda Inc is an exciting initiative in the cultural development area undertaken by Hamilton City Council in conjunction with Wintec.

Further planned development will see significant upgrades to the foyer areas and the completion of dressing rooms and other backstage facilities, cementing The Meteor's place as one of New Zealand's pre-eminent performance and creative facilities.