Page 9 - CinemaRecord Edition 3-2002 #37

The additional screens were
constructed next door in the 1970’s and
90’s. The original Regent seated 1286
but only the circle of 520 seats is used
as Cinema 1. Circle patrons were once
able to stroll out to a roof garden where
a waterfall disguised the cooling tower.
Most of the projectors are
Cinemaccancica, with a Bauer in
Cinema 2 (240 seats). Cinemas 3 –6
have 156 seats. A large screen has been
installed in front of the proscenium in
Cinema 1. Village Theatres now have
an interest in the locally owned
Cinema Centre.
In Wagga Wagga (population
43,000) the group visited the City
Council’s Civic Theatre. This
attractive building faces the
Murrumbidgee River. The Civic, built
in 1962, is of brick, concrete and
colourbond construction and features a
refurbished (in 2000) stadium style
auditorium. It is a multi purpose
performing arts venue.
The Forum Six Cinemas,in
Wagga Wagga opened in 1996. Box
Office Promotions also own cinemas in
Orange and Tamworth (NSW). A
feature of the complex is the large
columned portico entrance, at the rear
of a carpark. The sizes of the stadium
style auditoria are: 300 seats (2
cinemas), 188 seats (2 cinemas) and
156 seats (2 cinemas). All cinemas are
From top: equipped with Simplex projectors with
Civic Theatre Wagga digital surround sound.
Wagga; exterior and Day 3:
auditorium views.
A short journey west brought the
Roxy Leeton group to Leeton (population 6600)
Inside the Roxy; the where the famous Roxy Theatre,
‘boxes’ are like organ designed by the specialist theatre
chambers. architects Kaberry & Chard dominates
the roundabout in the main street.
Opened in 1930 this substantial
brick building is a two level theatre
with direct access to the circle from a
small main foyer. The auditorium is a
twenties design – extended balconies,
unusual boxes and a trellis lined
ceiling. The theatre seated 1091 but is
now configured for 880. In 1933
Gladys Moncrieff sang for a a special
five night season to inaugurate a new
stage and orchestra pit. The local
Shire Council purchased the theatre in
1977. It is managed by a community
committee that has developed the
theatre into a fine performing arts
centre/cinema. The refurbishment
principle has been to retain as much of
the original character as possible.

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