Theatre Royal

lauderfrost on April 13, 2006 at 12:13 pm

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.

PAULB on January 4, 2004 at 11:24 pm

Now operated as some wacky church, it has structural issues and termites. I am not sure what came first and what caused what. The last time I was in there, was 1997 and only the downstairs was used to yell alot about Jesus. The upstairs was unused, in disrepair and had junk everywhere. I need to use the word ‘idiot’ but am not sure where in the above information it fits. A real mess. Also, the CBD of dear old newcastle is about to undergo a massive renovation and I would think that this area of town is a target. If the Royal can be shuttered and kept safely until commonsense and money can be applied, then there is an excellent chance for this perfectly usable building to re birth. BUT the whole street is so abandoned and depressed, it looks like a ghost town. Not to say it can’t all be fixed. Maybe we need some of our wealthy companies and personnes to speak up. After all, it is MONEY that is the answer and they have it. It is called Civic duty and pride. Anyone? .au