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The Victoria Theatre, Perkins St, Newcastle, after the 1891 rebuild. The Victoria Theatre, as it appeared in 2016 before restoration.

The Victoria Theatre on Perkins Street opened in 1876 as a timber construction, but was rebuilt during 1890-91. The architect in charge of the 1890
rebuilding was Mr. James Henderson, who elaborately furnished the three-level auditorium in a neo-Grecian theme. A large stage house and a small,
first-class hotel were also incorporated as part of the rebuilding. However, the hotel closed during 1921 during extensive renovations to convert the
theatre to allow for both live performances and film screenings. Only the vestibule (lower foyer) and back stalls area had been subject to alteration
for retail purposes. The exterior above the awning is also intact, as it was after the 1921 alterations, with the former hotel windows “blinded” when
the auditorium was extended. In 1922, the theatre was sold to Sir Benjamin and John Fuller of Fuller’s Theatres Pty. Ltd. In 1929, sound films were
first screened. By 1933, Fuller’s had merged with the General Theatres Group, including Hoyts and Union Theatres, but General Theatres was
dissolved in 1936 and, in 1942, Hoyts took control of the theatre, installing CinemaScope in 1954. Hoyts relinquished its lease in November 1966
after screenings ceased on 30 March 1966, after which the building continued in use as various retail premises. In 2015, the Victoria Theatre, by now
owned by the Laundy Hotel Group, was put up for auction and was purchased by the Sydney based Century Venues in February 2016. Work is
currently underway to restore the theatre as an entertainment venue. As the oldest theatre still standing in New South Wales, it is included on the
Register of National Estate.

The Empire Theatre, Neil Street, Toowoomba c. 1930 The Empire Theatre as it appears today.
The Empire Theatre in Neil Street, Toowoomba is one of the largest performing arts precincts in regional Australia. It was originally built in 1911,
the Architect being Mr. George Lane and the Builder was Mr. Henry Andrews. Upgrading took place in 1928, and the theatre reopened in August
of that year. A fire on 22 February 1933 destroyed the building. It was then rebuilt in an art deco style, reopening on 27 November 1933. The Architect
for the rebuilding was T.R. Hall & Prentice, and the builder was Kell & Rigby. CinemaScope was installed in the mid 1950s, with no need for
proscenium alterations. Film screenings ceased on 1 April 1971. The building was later used as a Waltons department store, then later still for TAFE
education. Under the guidance of Hassell Architects, and constructed by Hutchinson Builders, the Empire Theatre was restored in 1997 as multi-use
venue, reopening on 28 June 1997.
The Empire Theatre has served as an entertainment hub for Toowoomba and the surrounding areas for over 100 years, playing an integral part in
the cultural development of the region. The heritage listed theatre is a building with rich history and fine architecture, including the grand proscenium
arch, decorative sconces, original brick walls in the foyers and art-deco style lighting. With modern seating for 1565 people, the theatre continues
to receive countless commendations from patrons and performers, and boasts several performance and function spaces. The heritage listed
theatre is the jewel of the Darling Downs and is wholly owned by Toowoomba Regional Council, managed on its behalf by Empire Theatres Pty
Ltd.

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