Defining another facet of The Octagon is the Regent Theatre. It was created in 1928 as an extension of the Ross Building dating from 1876. This magnificent cinema was built at the height of the worldwide era for constructing movie houses and opulent picture palaces. Regent Theaters were once common in major cities in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Few remain today. This Category 1 Historic Building is now a venue for live concerts, plays and ballets. The fan-shaped auditorium accommodates 1,617 people.
