November 1910
Kings Theatre opened on 28th November 1910.
August 1926
Kings Theatre renamed Prince Edward Theatre
September 1947
Prince Edward Theatre renamed The Playhouse
June 1956
Karangahape Road entrance is
sold off.
July 1967
Playhouse Theatre is sold to The Auckland Theatre Trust Board.
May 1968
Playhouse Theatre is renamed to Mercury Theatre.
March 1970
Garrick Bar opens.
May 1989
Renovations stopped due to collapsed funding
December 1990
Theatre gets registered as
a Category C Building
October 1992
Liquidators move in and sell the Theatre.
February 1993
Symon Peters and John Zam purchase the Theatre.
November 1994
The Mercury Theatre is purchased by Auckland City Church.
April 2022
Mercury Theatre closes for Redevelopment and earthquake strengthening Project.
2025
Anticipated re-opening of the Mercury Theatre.
Want to learn more?
View a detailed account of the Theatres History from the DPA Conservation Plan.
READ HISTORY