Page 7 - CinemaRecord Edition 3-2002 #37

A meeting under the auspices of Two Big Birthdays
Port Phillip City Council in late 2002
resulted in support for a feasibility
study to promote the building as a
multi-purpose Arts Centre.
Cosmopolitan St. Kilda seems an ideal
location for this purpose.
Time has not been kind to the
‘Memo’ and much needs to be done.
Natural daylight is provided by high
set windows and temporary lighting
has been installed.
The ground floor was cleaned and
opened to the public with a display of
council art treasures. The area is now
in use as a public meeting place.
The small stage and balcony are
still there and reopening of the
original lobby and ceiling repairs are
included in the restoration plans.
CATHS–V congratulates the trustees
on their initiative to reopen this
historic hall.
(See also The Memorial St Kilda
by Peter Fogarty, CinemaRecord No.
5 October 1994.)
Brian Miller.
Forum Fears
The National Trust of Victoria is
concerned about the neglected
appearance of the Forum Theatre in
Flinders Street. The glittering, albeit
controversial, Federation Square has
heightened fears that the Forum has
become an entertainment outcast.
Marriner Theatre’s General
Manager, Mr. Jason Marriner
acknowledges the problem. He
contrasts the Victorian Government’s
$500million contribution towards
Federation Square with its detachment
from and apparent indifference
towards Melbourne’s historic theatres.
Marriner Theatres has invested
significant capital into the Forum.
Mr. Marriner concedes that the
likelihood of this continuing remains
clouded while the Forum struggles in The Theatre Royal as sketched by the architect Warburton Pierre Knight.
the contemporary entertainment
marketplace. The theatre has found a The Comedy Theatre Exhibition The Comedy opened 28 April
measure of support from the youth Street Melbourne and the Theatre 1928 with Our Betters by W. Somerset
market interested in stand-up comedy, Royal Camperdown both turn 75 this Maugham. It was designed by Charles
fringe theatre and Bollywood. But the month. The Theatre Royal opened on N. Hollinshed and Albion H. Walkley
sorrowful mien of the building, not 11 April 1928 and has been integral to for J. C. Williamson Theatres. The
helped by the narrow footpath which the cultural scene in Camperdown stylish interior and moderate size
contributes to the battering of the ever since. Celebrations included a re- made the Comedy the favourite
verandah by high vehicles, probably showing of The Volga Boatman, the playhouse for discerning audiences.
reflects the real situation. Cecil B. DeMille adventure that Now a Marriner Theatre, the Comedy
Cameron Hall. opened the theatre as soon as it had will live again in June with a revival
completed its season at The Capitol of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off.
Melbourne. Fred Page.

CINEMARECORD 2002 7