Theatre Royal

The original Nhill Theatre was built by the Kierse family in the late-1880’s with a seating capacity of 500. It was of simple design and constructed of timber framing and galvanized iron. The roof incorporated movable panels which slid back to allow improved ventilation. Audiences of the era liked the idea of watching movies under the stars. The building was also used for roller skating.

Films were the main business and for a short period of time were supplied by traveling Picture Show Men, such as Scott’s and Royal Pictures. On Thursday 12th April 1914 a great panic was caused when nitrate film owned by the Melba Picture Company seized in the film gate and burst into flames. The cry of fire went up as the flames leapt to the ceiling of the building. Mr Hunt(the operator) battled hard to subdue the outbreak, and in doing so was severely burnt about the body, arms and hands. As luck would have it the building was saved, and nobody was injured other than the operator.

It was after this that the Kierse family began screening pictures in their own right. It is believed the first film shown in Nhill was “Robbery Under Arms”.

On 1st November 1923, the Kierse family was approached by local showman Bob Scott, a popular figure in the district. Scott would purchase the theatre and run the business profitably for 10-months before the combination of his other theatre commitments, located in Port Fairy & Koroit became too much for him to handle. At that point it seemed opportune when local farmer and exhibitor Herber Victor Schultz came forward and made a reasonable offer for the theatre and business. Schultz became the owner of the building, and at the same time acquired the adjoining property to the theatre. The Schultz family were well experienced and also owned the Tivoli Theatre in Echuca, and had recently leased it to Messrs. Wearne and Roman who were using it chiefly for dancing.

Under the change of ownership, a new theatre was built on the land next door to the existing premises, retaining the name Theatre Royal. The opening night took place on 23rd January 1924 where Nhill patrons were treated to a performance of the Nhill Orchestra. Pictures were screened at the theatre on Wednesday and Saturday.

The new theatre was constructed of brick and steel at a cost of £11,000 and designed by the architectural firm Bohringer, Taylor and Johnson who specialized in movie theatres. Construction was by E.T. Garland.

The facade featured a full width cantilever verandah, while three pairs of doors were centrally placed at the front, with a shop each side lined with ceramic tiles.

This was the era of silent films while special extended seasons were arranged for major films such as “The Ten Commandments”. Management boasted that the latest player piano had been purchased for this purpose. The first of its kind in a country theatre.

The projection booth was equipped with two projectors, one a Hans Gertz model the other a Simplex, both had been transferred across from the old theatre.

The seating consisted of 741 in total, with 364-seats in the circle and 377-seats in the stalls. There were flip-up leather seats in the back of the stalls and in the dress circle. The proscenium was 28ft wide and the stage 11ft deep, with a roomy orchestra pit. Dressing rooms were located on both sides of the stage. The stage curtains were electrically operated. The original colour scheme included a rich cream to the walls which were trimmed with sepia and blue, while the curtains were a fawn colour.

The Theatre Royal was opened on Wednesday 27th May 1927 by Cr. A.B. Frost (President of the Lowen Shire). The opening night proceeds were split between Nhill hospital and the fire brigade. A double feature programme from Universal Pictures: Reginald Denny in “What Happened to Jones?” & Jack Holt in “The Blind Goddess”.

Sound was introduced in 1930 and a pair of Kalee projectors were installed which had been converted to sound on film. The first talkie programme was on 20th October 1930 with Maurice Chevalier in “The Love Parade”.

In 1938 a boiler house and piped hot water system was installed for heating the theatre. In 1942 a mechanical typhoon ventilation system was installed under the stage. In 1946 the Schultz family sold the theatre to O'Halloran Theatres of Swan Hill (a circuit consisting of 8-theatres). The Theatre Royal was then renamed Regent Theatre in line with other theatres in the O' Halloran chain.

Meanwhile a committee consisting of members of the local Nhill RSL & local Councillor’s were formed to provide a suitable memorial to the returned soldiers who served in World War II. The option favoured was to see if the Regent Theatre could be acquired to provide an appropriate building for the community. In early-1949 the committee approached Frank O'Halloran to see if he would sell the theatre. He agreed to do so for “20,0000 on the condition he was paid £10.00 per week to supply the theatre from his circuit. It reverted back to its original Theatre Royal name and was operated by the Memorial Hall Trustees.

CinemaScope came to Nhill in 1956 with the 20th Century Fox production “A Man Called Peter” starring Richard Todd. The proscenium had to be widened to accommodate the new 30ft wide screen at a cost of £2,000.00. It was also decided to increase the lamphouse amperage from 15 amps to 55 amps. The throw from the lense to the screen was 80ft.

In 1965 because of the impact of Television it was necessary to reduce screenings from Wednesday, Friday & Saturday to Saturday only. The last regular screening took place on 2nd June 1984 when “Jaws III starring Dennis Quaid was screened.

Some Nhill residents have had a long association with the theatre. Amongst those of special mention is Frank Davis who was a projectionist from 1939-1945 and then from 1946-1965. Long standing ushers at the time were Jack Fisher & Alan Clayton.

The original Theatre Royal was last used as a car showroom, however in March 2011, it was standing unused.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.