Yau Ma Tei Theatre

The Yau Ma Tei Theatre was built in 1930 and is the oldest surviving pre-WWII theatre in Hong Kong. During its heyday, this was also the largest theatre house in Kowloon. It is a Grade II historical property that remained in operation until 1998 before being closed.

The historic theatre house was restored and reopened in 2012 and is now a venue where you can watch Cantonese opera performances. Tickets available through box office at the Yau Ma Tei Theatre or through the URBTIX website. The building is architecturally interesting from the outside. It includes a simple Art Deco facade, Dutch gable walls and two decorative columns fronting the theatre interest.

Visited the theater tonight (11/30/2019) to see the Cantonese Opera. The theater location is convenient, service is good, seats are clean. However, the air condition temperature in the auditorium is way too cold (freezing). Almost everyone in the auditorium are wearing jackets, some thick some thin. I had to inform the supervisor to lower the A/C temperature. I was from San Francisco and get used to cold temperature (2-10C degree) still can’t stand the temperature in the auditorium.

Very interesting experience. Helps one to better understand Chinese culture.

A tiny venue in today's view, the renovated theater was originally built 80+ years ago. It has a special atmosphere which is very different from the new venues built in recent years.

It was not much to look at but this historic building is the only surviving pre-war cinema building in the urban area of Hong Kong. We wandered around the small lobby and learnt that it has become a venue dedicated to Cantonese opera. We were told some of the theater's interior were original.