Page 12 - CR

The Auditorium was a mixture
of fancy plaster-work and ornate
grills, described as being of
Moorish style. There were two large
columns on each side of the proscenium,
separated by attractive plaster panels
and a beautiful set of stage curtains with
a hanging curtain pendant at the top.

A small orchestra pit the width of the
stage was provided and the back-stage
area was constructed with dressing rooms
and a high fly-tower so as to be capable
of presenting live stage shows.

Another feature of the auditorium was an
ornate "Roman Temple" located on the
right side of the dress-circle. In the circle
foyer were huge columns (with cushioned
seating around them) that supported the In preparation for the opening,
large balcony above. extensive advertising was laid before
the surrounding district: 500 one-sheeter
All of the seats in Western Suburbs poster boards, 24-sheet posters on the
Cinemas were of a distinct design - I do railway stations and other vantage
not recall seeing them in other theatres. points, as well as local newspaper
The seats were manufactured by W. announcements.
Simpson of Strathfield and were mounted
on standards manufactured by the Milton On opening night crowds began to The first organist to play the Wurlitzer
Foundry of Granville. congregate at 5.30 pm. The official pipe-organ (located on the left side of
opening ceremony was performed by the the auditorium) was Mr. Barrie Brettoner
An application for a licence was Mayor of Auburn. who had moved over from the Palatial
submitted and approval duly granted, so Theatre at Burwood. Then from June
the opening date was set for the 13th of Mr. A.J. Bezant was commended for his 23rd, Mr. Knight Barnett was organist
February 1934. A special programme enterprise, and also circuit manager Vic (also from the Palatial).
was arranged which consisted of RKO’s Pearson for his supervision of the entire
Double Harness starring William construction. The theatre would be managed In later years it was Miss Ruby Coulson
Powell and Ann Harding, supported by by Mr. Reg Bisley and there would be a who became very popular playing the
The Song You Gave Me starring Bebe twice-daily screening policy. The seating organ - a much respected lady who
Daniels from British Empire Films. capacity was registered as 2271. worked for charities and the RSL.
Highly commended, she was awarded
the British Empire Medal. The Wurlitzer
instrument was supplied by W.A. Crowle
of Sydney.

Some features at the Civic included:
afternoon-tea served to the patrons of
the dress-circle at week day matinees.
At the evening sessions, patrons were
not only entertained by the Wurlitzer,
but also often by various live artists
on stage. Some of these came directly
from the stage interludes at Sydney’s
Prince Edward or other major
city theatres.

Some of the many acts who appeared on
the Civic stage included: The Dancing
Middies; The Sydney Caledonian Band;
Janetaki Trio; The Rolling Rollos; The
Orlandos; Uncle Herman and Billie and
The Flying Warrens etc..

Photos this page - 1947

12 2012 CINEMAREC ORD