Ernest Nordon, born in 1869, was a prominent New Zealand sports administrator, secretary and theatrical promoter.
In the 1920s, Ernest set about establishing a new theatre in Takaka township. However, the Town Board refused permission for him to build a second theatre within the town boundaries.
Undeterred, he purchased a section at the top of town from Mr Reilly, just outside the boundary, and applied for a building permit through the Golden Bay County Council.
Described as large and lofty, Everybody’s Theatre was completed in 1926. Access from Commercial Street was provided by a long wooden bridge that crossed a flowing stream.
The theatre officially opened with a Monster Plain and Fancy-Dress Carnival Ball on Friday, 17 September, 1926. It was billed as “Absolutely the Greatest Joy Carnival ever offered the public of Takaka”.
The evening featured numerous novelties, streamers, balloons and confetti. Patrons were also promised “novelty lights”, music from the Nelson Empire Orchestra and xylophone and bell solos by Grant Borman.
The new building featured a street frontage with a balcony and large vestibule. Its interior was designed to function both as a theatre and a ballroom.
The main floor measured about 100ft by 40ft, while the stage featured a proscenium opening measuring 24ft wide and 20ft deep. The proscenium was the architectural frame or arch separating the stage from the audience seating area.
A 40ft supper room was fitted with modern appliances. Cloakrooms, dressing rooms, restrooms and a club room completed the facility. Electrical installations created special lighting effects, while scenery sets were hand-painted by Mr De Lacy.
The theatre quickly became a venue for celebrations, political meetings, entertainment and motion pictures screened by Ernest.
Events held at the theatre included a performance by celebrated Danish tenor Signor Preboni Hanson in November 1926, The Show Ball in February 1927, and a Sacred Concert in April 1927 featuring the Takaka Citizens’ Band and the Kentucky Four.
It also hosted annual sports club balls, a Passion Play depicting the life of Christ in March 1931, and “A Show of All Shows” – the Radio Revue by Miss B Aydon and the T Preece Revue Company in July 1933.
The first meeting of the Takaka Women’s Institute was held there in May 1934.
The Takaka Miniature Rifle Club staged a shoot inside the theatre, with further weekly shoots held during June 1936. A newly formed badminton club also used the venue for regular evenings in May 1937.
Despite its busy calendar, the theatre struggled financially and eventually closed.
In October 1937, the Golden Bay Masonic Lodge, established in June 1887, purchased the disused Everybody’s Theatre. The contents and chattels were included in the sale for an additional £10.
