Kings Cross Theatre
 | |
  Kings Cross Theatre Location in central Sydney | |
| Address | Victoria and Darlinghurst Road |
|---|---|
| Location | Sydney |
| Coordinates | 33°52′28″S 151°13′21″E / 33.8744°S 151.2225°E |
| Owner | Waddingtons |
| Type | Movie theatre |
| Opened | 14 April 1916 |
| Closed | 1966 |
The Kings Cross Theatre was located at the corner of Darlinghurst Road and Victoria Street, Sydney, between 1916 and 1966.
History
[edit]The Kings Cross Theatre and opened on Friday 14 April 1916.[1] The Theatre was managed by Waddigton's and boasted 2000 seats, a new ventilation system and beautifully decorated stage.[2][3] The Secret Orchard starring Blanche Sweet was chosen for the opening night and within a few weeks its nightly showings became a popular venue for Sydneysiders.[4]
In August 1928 the theatre was renovated to increase its seating capacity and install a Wurlitzer orchestral organ. The total amount for the alterations and additions to the theatre was £15.000.[5] The addition of the Grand Wurlitzer was of some importance at the time as Waddington's engaged Joseph Wayne from America to play the organ augmented with an orchestra.[6] The theatre underwent further renovations in 1935 to extend the seating and redecorate the interior.[7]
In 1963 the theatre was closed and the Proclamation published in the Government Gazette of 20 April 1916 was revoked.[8] Between 1963 and 1966 the site was occupied by John Harrigan's Surf City. The building was demolished in 1966 and replaced by the Crest Hotel.[9]
Not far on same side along Darlighurst Road to the north was the Kings Cross News Reel. Contrary to its name, in the 1950s this 298-seat upstairs joint, managed by K F E Cook, showed feature films of the vintage variety.
Gallery
[edit]-
King's Cross Theatre (night time), Darlinghurst Road, Sydney, 1939 -
Entrance foyer and stairs Kings Cross Theatre, Sydney, July 1940
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References
[edit]- ^ KING'S CROSS PICTURE THEATRE. (15 April 1916). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 6. Retrieved 12 September 2021
- ^ BLANCHE SWEET TRANSFERRED. (16 April 1916). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 19. Retrieved 12 September 2021
- ^ WADDINGTON'S NEW THEATRE (2 April 1916). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved 12 September 2021
- ^ KING'S CROSS THEATRE (30 April 1916). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved 12 September 2021
- ^ KING'S CROSS THEATRE (12 August 1928). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved 12 September 2021
- ^ KING'S CROSS THEATRE. The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954) 13 August 1928: 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Web. 12 Sep 2021.
- ^ CITY ENTERTAINS SUBURBS (10 March 1935). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 22 (COUNTRY EDITION). Retrieved 12 September 2021
- ^ THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS ACT, 1908, AS AMENDED.—PROCLAMATION (13 December 1963). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3665. Retrieved 12 September 2021
- ^ Kings Cross Theatre Dictionary of Sydney