Vogue Theatre

The Vogue Theatre was built to the design and specifications of Mr. A. Laureston Crisp, of Hobart, for the Local Amusements Pty. Ltd. and was opened on 5th December 1936 with Shirley Temple in “Curly Top” playing for two performances. The theatre was packed for both performances, and hundreds were turned away.

Built on the site formerly occupied by a boarding house, with its frontage n Marino Terrace, the Vogue Theatres boasted the latest developments in theatre construction and furnishing. The old building lines have been renewed throughout, only three of its original four walls have been left intact. These however have been considerably strengthened by piers on both side, so that it is able to carry the additional weight and fittings of the dress circle.

A pleasing feature of the interior is the colour blending scheme, carried out in cream & green. The whole of the interior is painted cream, blended artistically with a delightful shade of green. On each of the two side-walls, running at right angles to the screen are six lights, which are constructed in such a manner as to reflect the rays upwards, instead of directly onto the audience. The light globes themselves are shielded by three ‘V’ sections of brown glazed glass.

The ceiling has been constructed entirely of Celotex, which has also been used extensively in the theatre, because of its excellent sound-proof qualities. Note:- “Celotex Insulating Lumber, the company’s first product, was a cellulose fibre board made from Bagasse or sugar cane fibre using a felting process”.

Everything possible in the construction of the theatre has been carried out in the form of a ‘V’. On both sides of the screen are two large ‘V’s’ artistically painted in cream and light brown, and finished off in green. The entrance doors when completed are to be of glass, these have been constructed in ‘V’ sections also, while all the glass work enclosing the reflected lighting system has been cut in ‘V’ sections.

A feature of the construction is the specially designed sloping floor, which enabled patrons to obtain a clear view of the screen from any direction in the theatre. The floor lopes in two directions, from the screen and then from the entrance doors. Most of the seating accommodations has been carried out with cushioned rubber seating, which give armchair comfort. Provision is made in the dress circle for seating 120 person, and 310 can be accommodated in the stalls. By 1939 it was operated by Star Theatres Property Ltd. who also operated the larger 1,000-seat Burnie Theatre in town. The capacity of the stalls was reduced by 10-seats in 1941.

Raycophone talkie equipment was initially installed in 1936, and the management advises that even when the talkie equipment is being operated within an empty theatre there is no sign of an echo. Although on Saturday during the opening the tone left a little to be desired. The management states that it will be several weeks before the reproduction can be regarded as perfect with intricate adjustments still to be effected, furthermore the equipment can only be brought up to its highest standards after it has been running some time. (Note) three years later in December 1939, with much drum rolling the sound apparatus was replaced with a RCA Photophone system. On the southern side of the theatre were two shops. Both of which had been leased for a number of years.

The Vogue Theatre was closed in 1955, pre-CinemaScope. It was generally regarded that the town of Burnie was over-furbished with theatres. Later used for the Police & Citizens Boys Club until 2007. The Cradle Coast Authority(shire offices?) were residents for a period. By early 2021 the building is being re-offered for office space.

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