Page 9 - CinemaRecord Edition 3-2003 #41

Exterior c.1940. State Library of Victoria collection - used with permission.

The original plans show this was to The main foyer comprised the ticket In what appeared to be straight out of
be a quality theatre, seating was to be - box, manager's office, toilets and the the publicity brochure, the Geelong
Stalls 844, Circle 458, totaling 1302, plus cloakroom (this was later converted Advertiser described the auditorium thus:
an additional eight seats in the crying into a candy bar). The terrazzo floor “The auditorium has been treated in a
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room - a new innovation for Geelong. contained two elongated ovals crossing restrained modern manner, which
The premises was built for Pivot at mid point, these motifs were in combines intimacy with dignity, achieved
Buildings Pty Ltd by Hanson and subdued red, yellow and green colors by generous scale in the decorative
Yuncken Pty Ltd at a cost of contrasting against the neutral scheme. The proscenium and sidewall
approximately 40,000 pounds (approx. background of the floor. To the left was treatment has been carried out in a series
$3 million in today's money *) and the carpeted main staircase leading to of recessed vertical planes running up to
leased to Corio Theatres Pty Ltd under the spacious upper foyer and the lounge a fine band against the ceiling. In the
the directorship of Mr. M.G. Sloman and dress circle. forward section of the sidewalls a metal
and Mr. V.N. Moggs. The theatre was The upper foyer was well furnished and glass grille adds interest to the stage.
to be managed by Mr. Leslie Raphael. with plush lounge seating and a candy The main ceiling has been stepped down
The company Sloman and Moggs bar. to follow the lines of sight to the
ran a small chain of cinemas, which Entry to the cinema was via a pair proscenium, and in the centre a large
included the Regent in Colac and the of double doors and eight steps leading fitting of metal, glass and plaster provides
Albany in Collins Street Melbourne. to the lounge and dress circle areas. general illumination to the theatre”.
Pivot Buildings Pty Ltd’s registered
address was shown as Comedy Theatre
Building, Exhibition Street Melbourne,
which suggests some involvement in
the project by J.C. Williamsons/Hoyts.
Mr. M.G. Sloman was also a Hoyts
executive.
The design of the theatre was in the
moderne or art deco style. As the
Geelong Advertiser reported, “The
exterior elevation has been designed in
a modern manner, but has been kept
free from extraneous ornaments which
tend towards the garish and bizarre.. the
entrance is dominated by a tall, well
proportioned tower which carries the
moving neon sign, and has given the
building a dignity and importance that
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are most impressive ”. Auditorium 1982. Photo: Lex De Vries

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