Midland Town Hall

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Taken on: February 2, 2009

Uploaded on: July 29, 2019

Exposure: ISO 500

Camera: NIKON D90

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Midland Town Hall – Photo courtesy of THE CITY OF SWAN – The New Midland Town Hall – RE-FURBISHED

The New Midland Town Hall, holding approx 600, was opened on January 23, 1907. Beginning with regular Mon night screenings on 15 February 1909, conducted by King’s Pictures. These were managed by Mr Sudholz, then by a parade of managers who took over after his departure. At some point, these became separated from the parent company and independent of it, but the name ‘King’s Pictures’ continued to be used, screening from September 1910 in the Empire Hall. Meanwhile, West’s Touring Company had begun weekly screenings in the Midland Town Hall also, commencing during May 1909. These, carried on for several years screening Sat nights. So now Midland residents a choice of films, at least two nights per week.

Swan Pictures*

Swan Pictures took over from King’s, and from what we can gather, ( between 1914-1918 ) Empire Pictures took over both circuits. From 1916 to 1926 People’s Pictures screened here regularly, before building the Renown. There is no information as to who operated the venue after that. May Pilmoor recalls going to the movies in the Town Hall during 1936. Star Entertainment opened up in the Town Hall in 1943, and this was taken over soon after by V. C. Lucas who was the exhibitor till 1959.

Seating*

Through the 40’s until the 50’s, the seating on the level ground floor was on padded wooden benches, which could be moved to the side walls when it was used for dances or functions. Upstairs, the seats were more comfortable with better sight lines. Pictures were shown on Fri & Sat nights. Children were admitted at a lower admission rate through the side doors, limited to the roped-off front six rows of the stalls. Babies were left in prams & pushers in the foyer, usually in the care of management & usherettes – Information sourced from Cinema Web, courtesy of Ina Bertrand - Contributed by Greg Lynch –