The University of Otago Theatre Studies hall has served as the heart and soul of theatre in Dunedin for 100 years next weekend.
In that time it has produced a wealth of theatrical talent and hosted all manner of people - from Sir Laurence Olivier, who spoke there in 1948, to Gwyneth Paltrow, who was filmed there in 2003 for the movie Sylvia.
Former students, tutors and others who have used the building over the years will have their own stories to tell during the three-day centenary celebration, which starts on Friday.
Long-serving (33 years) theatre studies associate professor Lisa Warrington has written a book encapsulating the history of the well-known building that will be launched during the weekend.
Her book includes how many students had mentioned the legendary ghost of Allen Hall over the years.
Another abiding memory in the book is of a cast member falling off the stage in a blackout, climbing back up and picking up the cue without missing a beat.
He reportedly gave the performance of his life and it wasn't until he was taken to hospital after the show that it was discovered that he had a dislocated elbow.
Another time a person rigging the lights was left dangling from the rafters when his ladder collapsed under him.
Everyone else was out in the kitchen having coffee and it took a while for them to hear his increasingly desperate cries.
Part-time theatre studies tutor and lecturer at Allen Hall Clare Adams recounted her memories for The Star from her time as a student in the 1980s.
She said lunchtime theatre had been a springboard for many big names in the New Zealand theatre.
People could - and still can - simply book a time at the theatre and put on their performance to anyone who came along.
"It was an experience of learning that I was very, very grateful for. Sometimes we devised quite absurdist pieces. People knew writers were trying out their writing and there was a real mix . . .it still has [that] today.''
The hall was originally built as the Student Union headquarters and cafeteria and was used for graduation ceremonies before becoming the performing arts base in the 1920s. It was converted to a theatre in 1974.
It was named in honour of Sir James Allen who was the university's vice-chancellor and chancellor during the first decade of the 20th century.
- Jonathan Chilton-Towle
