Page 16 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

49. Treading The Boards In Tassie by Denzil Howson

In cartographic circles, Tasmania is sometimes referred to as the little bit at the bottom, and sometimes it is left
off maps altogether. But "that little bit at the bottom", apart from being a treasuretrove of magnificent scenery,
is full of historic highlights and memorabilia, especially so in the story of "theatre" in Tasmania. What is claimed
to be the oldest theatre in Australia, with its first performance in 1837, is in Hobart.

Hobart's Theatre Royal has had a long and tempestuous life. In 1987, the then Premier of Tasmania, RobinGray
wrote this about the Royal. "Since its first performance in 1837, no other theatre in the Southern Hemisphere
can boast a record of illustrious international performers that have graced the boards of the Theatre Royal". In
architectural terms, the Royal is the last remaining Victorian style "bijou" type theatre in Australia.
Wander through its crimson and gilt interior today and the ghosts of the past will crowd your thoughts - familiar
faces and voices now departed the world stage. Gladys Moncrieff, Roy Rene, Jack Davey, Jessie Mathews,
Max Oldaker, Susanne Steels, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Leonard Teale and Sybil Thorndike. The list
goes on and one, as the theatre itself has gone on for more than a century and a half, and will continue to
entertain the theatre-goers of Tasmania for years to come.

Theatre Royal, Hobart - "A Dream Of A Theatre" (Noel Coward)

LAUNCESTON
Tasmania's second city, Launceston boasts a magnificent Jive venue in the Princess Theatre, in the heart of the
City. The "Princess" was built in 1911. It was used as a cinema until 1969, and was the second last cinema to
close in Launceston. After its' closure as a cinema, it was converted to a live theatre, with staging facilities
capable of accomodating many of the modern productions of today.

THE ALBERT HALL.
From the "Princess", it is a short walk up the hill and around the corner into Cameron Street to the impressive
and historic Albert Hall. Why should we include the Albert Hall in a survey of Tasmanian theatres? Because this
massive hall built from 3/4 million locally made bricks and completed in 1891 is a multi-purpose venue. It has
been used to show films, as a concert venue where Clara Butt, Nellie Melba, Peter Dawson and Lawrence
Tibbett have graced its stage, it currently hosts exhibitions and meetings, and before facilities were completed
at the Launceston Showground, it doubled as a pavillion for cattle, sheep and poultry. Dare we say that's why
it was easy for some of the lesser artists performing there to "get the bird"!