Page 5 - CR

VICTORIA:
FITZROY: The former Lyric Theatre
building at 239 - 247 Johnston Street is
on the market as a commercial/residential
development site but is also currently
available for retail lease at $180,000 pa.
MELBOURNE: Curated by Dr Mimi
Colligan, The Royal Historical Society of
Victoria is presenting Melbourne Theatres
in Transition 1840s-1940s an exhibition of
photos and memorabilia of a period in which
theatrical entertainment gradually evolved to
meet the rise of cinema. The exhibition is now ST.KILDA EAST: With a 2015 expiration ELSTERNWICK: A new boutique
open 10am – 4pm weekdays until August 21 of lease of the Astor Theatre to long-time auditorium, (Cinema 6) is under construction
at the RHSV building in A'Beckett Street. operator George Florence, there is grave backstage at the rear of the original 100-year-
concern that no renewal has been offered to old Classic Cinema.
CHARLTON: After 14 months of closure him by neighbouring St.Michaels Grammar
due to damage from two floods, the School, owners of the building since 2007. WANGARATTA: The massive movie screen
community operated Rex Theatre finally The school has denied reports that it may at the former Village/Skyline/Wangaratta
re-opened on April 21 with a red carpet convert the building for school use and not Drive-In Theatre now lays face-down in a
event. The 1938 theatre has been beautifully allow the Astor to continue as a cinema, but is crumpled heap on the ground after standing tall
renovated throughout and was also upgraded now considering selling the property, leaving for over 50 years. For some years a recycling
to digital projection with an all new sound open the risk of developers converting the centre, the cutting torch is bound to make short
system and improved stage facilities interior for other non-cinema use. work of the valuable steelwork.
for live presentations.
SWAN HILL: Regular films screenings
have returned to the Swan Hill Town Hall-
once used as the town’s (original) Regent
Theatre and later as the Civic. The cinema
is being conducted by Twilight Cinemas Ltd
who also operate open-air screenings at the
Soundshell in Riverside Park, as well as
movies at the Memorial Hall in Kerang.

COBURG: On Sunday July 1, the Village 3 Photograph by Richard Grogan.
CARLTON: Friday April 20 saw the Drive-In Theatre was robbed of an amount
opening of a new venue with the Bouverie of money when three armed, masked men NORTHCOTE: A month of celebrations
th
Street Cinema. This cineclub will present forced their way into the ticket box. No one is underway to celebrate the 100 Birthday
monthly film screenings in a comfy, winey, was injured and police are investigating. of the former Northcote Theatre. Since
pizza-fuelled environment. Patrons are closure as a cinema in 1960, the 1912 venue
advised to BYO drinks, nibbles and seating/ MELBOURNE: The landlord of the historic has operated as an (often renamed) reception
cushion due to limited room. Palace Theatre in Bourke Street has placed centre, most recently as the Regal Ballroom.
the building on the market. Now operating as In an anniversary gesture, it has been
WARRNAMBOOL: The former 1891 a nightclub/concert venue, its activities will refurbished and reverted to the original The
Town Hall (Ritz) has been transformed continue as an operating business into the Northcote Theatre name and will present
into the 583-seat Lighthouse Theatre, a foreseeable future. As a matter of priority, live concerts as well as receptions and
modern Performing Arts Centre. The $9.2- the Palace will be working towards a lease events. A gala birthday concert was held on
million redevelopment opened on April extension with the new building owners if a June 27 and a week of movies were shown
21 and also provides improved access, sale eventuates. Tenders close July 27. on a portable screen from July 16.
amenities and theatre technology, and a
versatile boutique performance space for
grassroots theatre, all fronted by a striking
contemporary glass façade.

CINEM AREC ORD 2012 5