Page 9 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

The Opera Theatre seats 1547 and Opera and Ballet draw capacity houses. The cheapest seats have re-
stricted sight lines. the stage is not large and wing space is quite restricted. This problem was solved by
installing four hydraulic lifts at the back and props and scenery are stored in the basemeAt. the Ballet Company
bring in their own portable dance floor. Enlargement of the orchestra pit has restricted the use of the stage
revolve. No carpets are used in this auditorium for better acoustics.

The main Concert Hall seats 2690 and has been seen on television many times. Again, no carpets are appar-
ent. Recovering of seats and replacement of foyer carpets are part of ongoing maintenance. Outside, any
broken tiles are being renewed to ensure this landmark building is in top shape by the year 2000.

Over in North Sydney, an enthusiastic committee is restoring the INDEPENDENT THEATRE in Miller St. This
building, with its ornate rococo plaster facade dates from c. 1905 and is now considered to be Sydney's oldest
live theatre. Once known as Union Theatre's Colosseum, and once part of a much larger complex, it has seen
boxing, vaudeville, films and has even been a cable tram depot. Miss Doris Fitton opened it as the Independent
on 2 September 1939 with "French Without Tears~. presenting many plays and training many future stars here.
Doctor Rodney Seaborn escorted us personally through this historic hall. Further funds are sought to help with
new seats, carpets and fittings.

A short drive across the North Shore leads to the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne. Opened in
'1935 by the Virgona family and refurbished 10 years ago by Mike Walsh, the main Orpheum Cinema is an
outstanding example of restored Art - Deco.

With its WurliTzer organ, beautiful red stage curtains, red velvet chairs and changing light effects, it is a true
Picture Palace. Three smaller auditoriums have been added, one in a former ballroom, and we were able to
see two of the three. Great care has been taken to retain the period decoration theme in these new areas and
the whole complex is a credit to the owners.

Stage of Orpheum Theatre - by John MacCabe

Finally - a reminder to anyone visiting Tasmania.

Late last year I took Denzil Howson's advice (Cinema Record No. 13, August 1996) and paid a return visit to the
Theatre Royal Hobart. It is Australia's oldest theatre, and it remains the nearest thing architecturally to some of
London's older and smaller theatres, a style that has almost disappeared in this country.