New Broadway Theatre and Gardens

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The Daily News (Perth, WA) Tue 15 Mar 1938 Page 9 reports –

THE NEW BROADWAY REFURBISHED THEATRE OPENS AGAIN TOMORR0W NIGHT (Wed 16 Mar 1938)

ONE of the most popular theatres in the suburbs, the Broadway Theatre, in Albany Road, Victoria Park, has been remodeled and will again open to the public tomorrow night. Having a seating capacity of about 1200, the Broadway theatre, for ten and more years, has been regarded by residents of the suburb, and by others, as a home for good moving picture entertainment. In keeping with the modern trend, both in the way of building construction as applied to theatres, and also the requirements of talkie entertainment, the management of the Broadway have left no stone un-turned to make it one of the most up-to-date of suburban theatres. Although the site of the theatre remains the same, the building and accommodation have undergone many changes, but it is still the Broadway — a name familiar to all most everyone, young and old, in Victoria Park.

In remodeling the Broadway attention has been devoted by the architect, Mr. W. G. Bennett, to every phase and feature, always preserving in view the main consideration — comfort and convenience of patrons. One of the principal alterations, structurally, was in the raising of the entire roof of the theatre. This has been raised eight feet above the old roof-level, and has made it possible for drastic alterations in the circle, lounge and stalls accommodation. The dress circle and lounge has been regraded to make possible a clear and uninterrupted view of the screen from every seat. Regrading of: the ground floor, with similar results in the stalls, has also been carried out throughout. The decorative features strike a distinctly modern note, light and color playing important roles in harmony, with each other.

The entrance to the theatre is made through simply designed and decorated plate glass doors. The floor of the entrance is carried out in terrazzo squares, blending light grays and greens in pleasing contrast. Textured dadoes and walls above treated in squares of soft hues flank the entrance to the theatre, from which rises an impressive staircase. The figured graining of walnut timber gives added charm and attractiveness to the staircase treatment. Figured walnut, in fact, plays a big part in the decoration of the theatre throughout.

The ticket box has been built into the wall to the right of the entrance. Excellent use of mirrors has also been made in the remodeling of the Broadway Theatre. A specially designed and handsome mirror adorns the first landing on the main stairway to the dress circle while another, a large circular panel, is included in the circle. While remodelling the interior of the theatre, particular attention was paid to the acoustic qualities of the auditorium. In the ceiling treatment, specially selected material was chosen to obtain the best possible results with the talkie equipment installed. The light fawn color of the ceiling blends splendidly with the other soft toning of the color scheme, while the architectural lines are modern and tastefully designed.

The scheme for the dress circle foyer is distinctive. Here the floor covering has been put down and the furnishings so arranged that the foyer may be used for dancing or other entertainment after the show, if a party of patrons so desires. Well lighted and ventilated, this foyer forms an ideal small hall for private parties.

BUILDER AND DECORATOR The builders responsible for the reconstruction of this Broadway Theatre were Totterdoll Brothers and the building is a memorial to the thoroughness of every phase of construction. One of the features of the work that calls for special mention is that of decorating carried out by Mr. W. J. Nicholls, painter and decorator, for whom Mr. Clem Kennedy directed the work. The painting and decorating is in keeping with the modern architecture featured throughout. The management’s policy to show only the pick of pictures coming to this State will be continued with the re-opening of the Broadway Theatre, the manager, Mr. J. R. Johnston says. ‘The main attraction for the re-opening will be ‘Green Light, this is one of the big pictures of the year. In selecting the programmes for the theatres under my control an endeavor is made to give only the best possible in the way of talkie entertainment.‘With regard to the new Broadway Theatre, Mr. Johnston said that programmes would be changed twice a week. Each Wednesday and Saturday. The theatre would be open every night of the week. In addition there will be matinees on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Mr. Johnston, who also controls the Amusu theatre and gardens and the Savoy Theatre, Victoria Park, said that the Broadway had always been very popular and he felt that the remodelling of the theatre would serve to increase this popularity - EXTRA NOTE: Green Light is a 1937 American film directed by Frank Borzage. The film is adapted from a novel written by Lloyd C. Douglas. The novel is closely related to Douglas' previous book, Magnificent Obsession, which was also adapted as a movie. Errol Flynn stars as Dr. Newell Paige, a surgeon whose refusal to name the real culprit in an operation gone fatally awry results in the ruin of his career - Contributed by Greg Lynch –