The cherished gilded crown in Wellington's entertainment scene is officially back in business with the reopening tonight of the St James Theatre.
It has been closed since 2019 for earthquake strengthening, but finally life, light and music is returning to the 110-year-old venue.
Wellington City Council property manager Peter Brennan said it was "fantastic to return one of Wellington's favourite buildings ... it's looking fantastic".
"It's been almost four years since we've had a show and it's just very, very exciting for all of the people that have worked on the project but more importantly for the Wellington public and rate payer."
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The plaster-moulded cherubs have been lovingly redone in blushing pinks, the grand dome above the stage gilt in gold.
The seats have been refurbished, there's new airconditioning, wiring, lighting and stage systems.
And the huge hand-pulled rope rigging system which controls the curtains and lights has been pulled apart bolt by bolt, refurbished and re-installed.
The rigging features in some of the supernatural lore of the place.
There have been numerous reports of ghosts over the years including Yuri, a Russian performer who supposedly fell from the rigging - or was pushed - to his death.
"It's been almost four years since we've had a show and it's just very, very exciting for all of the people that have worked on the project but more importantly for the Wellington public and rate payer" - Peter Brennan
The spirit is credited with saving a projectionist's life on a number of occasions, while other spirits are said to be behind odd occurrences happening to female lead performers at the venue over the years.
Project manager Chris Kooge said his crew had not had any ghostly experiences during the project, but they did play the odd trick on each other for laughs.
"A couple of times we've had a couple of megaphones and some wailing music been playing and just watching people's reactions.
"A few lights on and off ... just to keep it light hearted, keep the boys in positive mood."
The refurbishment and earthquake strengthening cost $42 million.
Engineering firm Beca project manager Spencer Brown said large steel-reinforced concrete walls and other works in the ceiling provide the bulk of the new earthquake protection.
Almost all of it will be invisible to punters, but Brown was excited about the Nasa-developed shock absorbers you can see running across the foyer windows.
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
"Effectively there is a piston which moves back and forth [in an earthquake] so that basically takes out the the earthquake load, and takes [it] down to the foundations.
"We've put some new ground poles [in]."
Council venue organisation WellingtonNZ events and experiences general manager Warrick Dent said the St James opening again was invigorating for the city after a tough few years.
"There's a great program of events between now and Christmas, and a real variety.
"Teeks and the NZSO for the next three nights which is a fantastic way to open the venue, especially with Teeks being a young contemporary artist, and over Matariki which is really special."
Upcoming shows include Wellington Opera - La Traviata, The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella, Les Misérables and Macbeth.
There will be a public lighting display on 1 July and a series of celebrations the next day including tours of the theatre in the afternoon, as well as open days at other venues in the city.
There there will then be a performance parade to the St James, followed by a street party.