Commuting to put the show on

Nelson's new Theatre Royal manager, Guy Boyce, has only been in the job a few days, but he's already got his hands full, with a public open day of the theatre this weekend, ahead of its reopening on June 1.

Mr Boyce, who has run the Christchurch Arts Festival for the past 10 years, has taken on a six-month manager's contract to establish the theatre.

He's hopeful it may lead to a permanent position.

In the meantime he's commuting every two weeks to and from Christchurch, where his family remain.

Mr Boyce said the $4.4 million redevelopment of the theatre was an exciting project to be part of.

"The combination of contemporary modern facilities and a historically significant auditorium is outstanding."

Mr Boyce said he had joined the crew at the right time, with most of the hard work already done.

"The systems are already in place and now we have to work with the Nelson Historic Theatre Trust to create a vision for an outstanding set of performing arts in Nelson."

An open day will be held at the Theatre Royal in Rutherford St on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Members of the public will be able to take a tour through the site renovations and see the progress being made, including the new stage, dressing room, and rehearsal facilities.

More than 2000 turned up to the last open day in August, and Mr Boyce is expecting another large turnout.

He said that for the re-opening of the theatre, scheduled for June 1, he had a proposal before the theatre trust board for the opening act to be a variety show of Nelson performers, and some national performers.

"It's a community facility but it's capable of being able to present international quality work," Mr Boyce said.

- © Fairfax NZ News