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33. NORTH EASTERN CINEMAS AND HALLS by Gerry Kennedy

On a Friday morning in May, 1993, Gerry Kennedy, Peter O'Reilly and Aaron Stroop set out on the following
journey. The idea of leaving on Friday morning was to get a start on the CATHS-V trip to Albury, and on the
way inspect as many purpose built cinemas and picture halls possible in the three days. Taking an alternate
route we planned to meet up with the group in Albury to inspect the magnificent Regent theatre.

This is a summary of our trip. Many of these cinemas have been written about already in CinemaRecord
and Kino, and some will be written up in the future with greater detail.

If anyone is doing a project, is about to start one, or has any further information on any of these cinemas,
please contact Gerry or Peter.

KILMORE - Astor:
The former Astor Theatre evolved from an old hall. This solid brick building was extended in matched
brickwork. A large basement extends under the length of the theatre. The theatre was two level and seated
300. The lobby space was small. An unusual feature of the theatre was the location of the bio box; this
was located in the right back corner of the stalls. Externally the building's facade suggests an art deco
treatment. Internally the theatre is largely unrecognizable due to its current use as Lee's Furniture store.
Films were screened until the ear1y 1960's. It is thought that films were shown in the hall before its conver-
sion to a permanent theatre.

SEYMOUR - Regent:
This building on the Yea Rd. appears to have begun life as a hall but has been extended at both the stage
and front entrance areas. The theatre was built by A. Munari and Sons and seated 41 0 on one level. The
solid brick building featured a gently curved ceiling in the main auditorium (which is still visible). The
entrance foyer with its attendant kiosks was quite large compared with the seating capacity. The bio box is
situated above the foyer area. The building is used as a carpet/ furniture showroom. The Seymour Shire
Hall screened films up to recent years and seated 717; this building is now demolished.

SEYMOUR -Sunset/Village Drive-In
Situated next to the Hume Freeway, at the Puckapunyal tum-off. It closed in late 1994.

NAGAMBIE - Mechanics Institute:
The Mechanics Institute consists of two halls, one behind the other. A bio box has been built into the rear
hall which was a corrugated iron building with external truss supports. Entry to this hall was via a Janeway to
the right hand side of the front building. Seating capacity was 212 and it is likely that films were screened
into the 1960's.

RUSHWORTH - Shire Hall:
This solid brick hall screened films as part of J.A. Walshe's circuit. A suspended bio box is built into a
room to the right, off the small entrance foyer. Seating capacity was 200 (approx.) and regular screenings
had ceased by the early 1960's.

KYABRAM - Plaza/Kyabram:
The Kyabram theatre is a solid brick two level theatre with a seating capacity of 934. The attractive facade
is of Spanish influence and features six fan shapped windows and three fan shapped french doors (for
ventilation purposes). The marquee is constructed in three sections. The entrance doors are deeply re-
cessed into the long sloped floor foyer. A candy bar formerly occupied the left hand shop whilst the right
hand shop is, and has always been, a dress shop. Stairs to the left and right of the stalls crush space lead to
the enormous upstairs foyer/ballroom. Pressed metal ceilings are used throughout the building. The audito-
rium is plainly decorated. The theatre is virtually two buildings the first being the entrance, shops, foyers
and bio box with the auditorium attached. The bio box is entered directly from the circle foyer.

The theatre is currently undergoing alterations, extensions and refurbishments. A large flytower, extended
stage dressing rooms, new proscenium etc. are being installed to convert the complex into an arts/cinema
centre. An exhibition space is being constructed under the former circle in the rear of the stalls. A steeply
raked single floor with 400 seats is being installed. Films are currently being shown on a temporary screen
mounted over the former stalls area; the circle only is in use. Air conditioning is being installed to replace
the former heating system.

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