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Nov 20
1925

As times and fortunes changed over the
years, the Lyceum would then be leased
to a number of operators, Kings Pictures In November 1926, Mr George Dean of Hobart, expressed
gave way to others and by March1917 an interest in expanding his theatrical interests to Brisbane
the theatre was being conducted by C. and entered into negotiations for an extended lease on the
F. Pugloise who appointed Mr William Elite Theatre. With a view to establishing as one of the finest
Grant as Manager. and most comfortable picture-theatres in Brisbane, he had
his contract in place by March 1927. He engaged Brisbane
In the early 1920s it was under the architect Mr. Richard Gailey to rejuvenate the 18-year-old
direction of Mr Allan Priora and traded building and work was commenced immediately.
for a nearly a decade as the Elite
Theatre fluctuating between film, The plans provided for the complete alteration and extension
but more frequently - complete live of the seating arrangements, reconstruction of the façade and
offerings from its stage. front entrance, including the erection of a modern cantilever
veranda – and the entire redecorating and refurnishing of
With stiff competition from larger the exterior and interior. These plans were expected to take
picture-palaces nearby, the 1920s some months to carry-out but the new seating arrangements
seemed to be a decade when the were far enough advanced to enable the commencement of
Elite shone best as the home of many business within a matter of weeks.
live performances- particularly of
the musical variety with numerous McWhirters Ltd were responsible for furnishings, and
recitals, concerts and eisteddfods keeping in mind the necessity for cool comfort even in the
taking place. Locals would frequently warmest weather, canvas lounge chairs were installed in the
still refer to the venue as the Lyceum dress-circle. With a partially completed face-lift, the theatre
– and by the late 20s it would return re-opened as a first-release house on Monday March 21,
to this original name. 1927 with continuous sessions from 11am showing Cecil
B.Demille’s Steel Preferred. On the same program was Fred
Thomson and his marvellous horse “Silver King” in the first
of their 1927 specials: The Two Gun Man.

From this time the “New” Lyceum programs would now run
continuously for a one week season before changing. As an
added feature, the evening sessions would feature “a musical
offering of a well selected orchestra of Brisbane artists”.
Live Vaudeville and specialty entertainers to augment the
film program continued to be popular draw-cards and in
November 1927 the Lyceum was applauded for the quality
act of “The Bronsons” (clean comedy, novelty dancing,
magnificent costumes) which accompanied the silent
Jan 27
1926 films The Unfair Sex and Women First. A complete and
full entertainment program was assured at the Lyceum!
March
1927
Photographs (Clockwise from Top left): Elite Ad November 1925;
Façade with new veranda; Re-opening ad, March 1927;
Elite ad from January 1926.

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