Saraton Theatre 95 Prince Street, Grafton, NSW

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Uploaded on: March 24, 2021

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Saraton Theatre 95 Prince Street, Grafton, NSW

PHOTO - Stage Whispers

Statement of significance: The Saraton Theatre building is highly significant because of its integrity and rarity as an example of a picture theatre built in a small country city during the heyday of the development of, and high audience attendance for cinema (i.e. the first half of the 20th century). As an example of Greek immigrant interest in theatre construction in country NSW to supply entertainment to the majority Anglo-Celtic population, it has been owned by the Notaras family for the 73 years of its existence. As one of only 4 per cent of the country picture theatres built up to World War II, that are still operating in recognisable original condition, both its exterior 1920s style and interior late 1930s style of design provide a now rare insight into the setting of the major leisure activity of the period. (Thorne 1999)

Contributed by Greg Lynch -