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The Barkly Theatre originally opened as an independently operated cinema, but was taken over by Hoyts Theatres chain in 1926 and they continued to operate it through the rest of its cinematic life. Hoyts closed the Barkly Theatre on 20th January 1962. The floor in the stalls was re-aligned by leveling at the stage end and stepping towards the rear. Seating was retained in the balcony and it re-opened as the Fiesta Cabaret & Reception Room which continued until 1977.

From 1977 it operated as the Fiesta Bingo Club and this lasted until it was closed in 1989.

The building was shuttered awaiting a new use when it was severely damaged by a storm in 1991. The fly tower and practically the entire stage house collapsed, which left the building wide open to vandals, who wrecked the auditorium and foyer areas.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -