New Mentone Theatre -188 Nepean Highway, Mentone, Victoria - Photo Albert Lydford: Entrepreneur and Builder

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Photo – Albert Lydford: Entrepreneur and Builder of The New Picture Theatre at Mentone.

The Herald (Melbourne, Vic)– Wed 9 Nov 1927 reports —– Mentone’s new picture theatre is to be erected on a site, selected two years ago, at tho corner of Point Nepean road and Balcombe road. This block is a portion of a large acreage purchased by Mr A. E, Lydford, of Mentone, and on which he has already erected 20 homes. In addition there are to be many two-story brick shops, and dwellings fronting Point Nepean road, four of which have already been built. The erection of 60 more homes will begin before long. Mr Lydford proposes to fill the whole acreage. The building of shops in this vicinity has thus constituted a new shopping area for Mentone. The theatre Is to be constructed of brick, with a proposed seating capacity of 1291, consisting of 984 stalls and 407 dress circle seats. The interior of the theatre will be finished in fibrous plaster, enriched with intricate moldings, carried out in the latest American methods of modern picture theatre design.(Note - when opened the seating was 1306)

The entrance vestibule is spacious, with one 10ft flight of stairs leading up into a foyer overhead, and two flights leading into the dress circle. There is to be one shop In the theatre, which will be used as a confectionery and cool drinks shop, with the necessary buffet appointments In the foyer and entrance vestibule. Externally, the Iheatre will be finished in a classic design, and provided with flood lighting and standard lamps. A large awning will continue from Balcombe road along the full frontage of Point Nepean road. The lighting effects will be given special attention. The stage will be 60ft. in width by 24ft In depth, with dressing rooms adjacent, and provided with the latest lighting equipment suitable for the showing of any entertainments.

There will be a large parking area at the rear of tho building, free to theatro patrons. The architects who have been entrusted with tho design are Messrs. Bohrlnger, Taylor and Johnson, of 80 Swanston street, Melbourne. The builder is to be Mr A. E. Lydford. – Contributed by Greg Lynch –