It was constructed for a small local chain called Herberts Theatres, not for Hoyts.
“Film Weekly” is misleading as Liberty Theatres Property Ltd., was the property-holding arm of Hoyts, who operated most of the big city theatres and cinemas in central Newcastle at that time (Lyric – owned by the Masonic Lodge, the Strand – owned by the City Council, the Victoria – owned by the Victoria Theatre Company Ltd., the Civic – owned by the City Council; suburbs: the Regent (above), the Century at Broadmeadow (demolished after the 1989 earthquake), the Star at The Junction (renamed the Hunter after Hoyts sold it circa 1968 – demolished after the 1989 earthquake), the Savoy at New Lambton, Hoyts Mayfield Cinema, to the best of my knowledge.
No. Slightly incorrect. It was never known as the Playhouse Cinema, just “The Playhouse”. Building commenced in 1912 as a Music Hall. Throughout its life the stage facilities were in constant use at least once a month, earlier by touring companies, and latterly by variety groups and bands/orchestras and general concerts. The huge stage scenery doors open onto a quite extensive (and so rather handy) free car park at the rear.
Over the past 25 years no capital has been invested in the structure or in its essential maintenance. It was gloomy inside (in addition to appalling ‘modernisation’ circa 1970) and outside it appeared derilect. In the 1990s, somewhat amazingly, (and, even sadly) the twin Gaumont British carbon-burning arc projectors were discarded for a new ‘tower’ projector and some new sound equipment. But appearance is everything in show-business and neither the owner or the last lessee would (or had the capital to) do anything about it.
The Playhouse had great potential and it is tragic that the last big theatre (which until recently seated slightly over 1000) between Edinburgh and Newcastle-upon-Tyne has closed.
I had a copy of the sale particulars and there was no mention of the fittings and fixtures being sold separately. Tragically (again) the Palyhouse has been sold to a building developer.
I am pleased to be able to say that I have seen many films and numerous stage shows there.
Yes, I was there again in March 2005 and it was boarded up. In the contribution by John Adey, above, he is mistaken about the proscenium etc., when the 70mm screen was first installed in the single theatre. The proscenium was deemed totally inadequate and so they erected the new screen and all the associated gear (curtains etc) in front of the existing proscenium, and the screen arched round way over on both sides.
Mr.Adey also mentions the purchase in 1979 but then (obvious error) says that Hoyts closed it a decade later. Hoyts were long gone.
Its a shame because when it was constructed it had a full stage and stage facilities so that a screen could be ‘flown’ and the stage used, although given the almost fanatical popularity of films by the time it was opened I am not sure the stage there was ever put to use. New South Wales has lost some truly fabulous cinemas/theatres. People just don’t seem to appreciate fine buildings any more.
I am inclined to say that the seating capacity as shown on the header must be wrong. The Victoria was a very large theatre, larger than the Regent Theatre at Islington, which had a capacity of 1600.
I also failed to say that if one looks up towards the top of the facade, the full date of construction is given – in stone.
My understanding is that the upper balcony only was removed, and some tinkering only with the huge dress circle/lounge. That does not constitute a rebuild of the whole building. It is the original 1890 structure. I went to check it out in January 1992 and it was all boarded up and sad.
It was constructed for a small local chain called Herberts Theatres, not for Hoyts.
“Film Weekly” is misleading as Liberty Theatres Property Ltd., was the property-holding arm of Hoyts, who operated most of the big city theatres and cinemas in central Newcastle at that time (Lyric – owned by the Masonic Lodge, the Strand – owned by the City Council, the Victoria – owned by the Victoria Theatre Company Ltd., the Civic – owned by the City Council; suburbs: the Regent (above), the Century at Broadmeadow (demolished after the 1989 earthquake), the Star at The Junction (renamed the Hunter after Hoyts sold it circa 1968 – demolished after the 1989 earthquake), the Savoy at New Lambton, Hoyts Mayfield Cinema, to the best of my knowledge.
No. Slightly incorrect. It was never known as the Playhouse Cinema, just “The Playhouse”. Building commenced in 1912 as a Music Hall. Throughout its life the stage facilities were in constant use at least once a month, earlier by touring companies, and latterly by variety groups and bands/orchestras and general concerts. The huge stage scenery doors open onto a quite extensive (and so rather handy) free car park at the rear.
Over the past 25 years no capital has been invested in the structure or in its essential maintenance. It was gloomy inside (in addition to appalling ‘modernisation’ circa 1970) and outside it appeared derilect. In the 1990s, somewhat amazingly, (and, even sadly) the twin Gaumont British carbon-burning arc projectors were discarded for a new ‘tower’ projector and some new sound equipment. But appearance is everything in show-business and neither the owner or the last lessee would (or had the capital to) do anything about it.
The Playhouse had great potential and it is tragic that the last big theatre (which until recently seated slightly over 1000) between Edinburgh and Newcastle-upon-Tyne has closed.
I had a copy of the sale particulars and there was no mention of the fittings and fixtures being sold separately. Tragically (again) the Palyhouse has been sold to a building developer.
I am pleased to be able to say that I have seen many films and numerous stage shows there.
Yes, I was there again in March 2005 and it was boarded up. In the contribution by John Adey, above, he is mistaken about the proscenium etc., when the 70mm screen was first installed in the single theatre. The proscenium was deemed totally inadequate and so they erected the new screen and all the associated gear (curtains etc) in front of the existing proscenium, and the screen arched round way over on both sides.
Mr.Adey also mentions the purchase in 1979 but then (obvious error) says that Hoyts closed it a decade later. Hoyts were long gone.
Its a shame because when it was constructed it had a full stage and stage facilities so that a screen could be ‘flown’ and the stage used, although given the almost fanatical popularity of films by the time it was opened I am not sure the stage there was ever put to use. New South Wales has lost some truly fabulous cinemas/theatres. People just don’t seem to appreciate fine buildings any more.
I am inclined to say that the seating capacity as shown on the header must be wrong. The Victoria was a very large theatre, larger than the Regent Theatre at Islington, which had a capacity of 1600.
I also failed to say that if one looks up towards the top of the facade, the full date of construction is given – in stone.
My understanding is that the upper balcony only was removed, and some tinkering only with the huge dress circle/lounge. That does not constitute a rebuild of the whole building. It is the original 1890 structure. I went to check it out in January 1992 and it was all boarded up and sad.
PLEASE PLEASE remove this last paragraph! It is an open invitation for burglars! I will in the meantime put it into the bank.
Gregory Lauder-Frost.