FORMER LAI CHUN YUEN, 36 SMITH STREET

We had a hard time finding Lai Chu Yuen, 36 Smith Street because there were construction works along Smith Road! But we managed to find our way with the help of our IPads and Smartphones! Phew!

Smith Street was once known as Hei Yuen Kai, or Theatre Street, because of the renowned opera theatre Lai Chun Yuen in the late nineteenth – century. It was built in 1887 and housed in a three – storey building at 36 Smith Street. The reputation of Lai Chun Yuen was considerably successful that Temple Street, which is directly parallel to Smith Road, was known in Chinese as Street Behind the Theatre.

The theatre imitated the concept of a Chinese teahouse. It allowed patrons to sit around in small tables, nibbling on snacks and sipping tea whilst watching the performance put up by famous opera singers. The interior of the theatre “had high – ceilinged rooms with wooden balconies, decorated with painted ornaments and dimly – lit lanterns.” These rooms were frequented by wealthy patrons who enjoyed the personal services provided by the girls who worked at the brothels on Smith Street.