Page 11 - CinemaRecord #11R.pdf

The roof above the apertures is removable, and these vents are designed to allow the air from them to circulate
throughout the building on hot nights. The ceiling is of artistic white metal work, and the walls are of white
plaster. The latest style of tip up seats, with blackwood frames and upholstered in m,oroccoline, have been
placed in the dress circle, each chair being 19 inches wide compared with the Board of Health's requirements
of 17 inches wide. On either side of the dress circle is constructed a private box, capable of seating nine people,
upholstered in fancy red plus and nicely railed off: The balcony front is constructed of fancy-designed fibrous
plaster.

A roomy side exit for dress circle patrons has been provided, leading out into Bath Lane. Immediately behind
the dress circle is a vestibule promenade 50 ft. long by 13ft. wide, with large mirrors at each end, where patrons
may come out and rest on nice lounges during interval. The ceiling is a fin head pattern in stamped steel,
subdivided into three compartments by two white grills. Off this is the ladies room 14ft. by 12ft., comfortably
furnished, with stamp steel ceiling and linoleum and carpet on the floor. This room leads into the ladies conven-
iences and lavatory. This is an innovation which should be greatly appreciated by the gentle sex, as hitherto
there has been no provision made at Bendigo Theatres for ladies in this respect. Abutting on the vestibule is a
fine large refreshment Kiosk, fitted with marble slabs and neatly furnished. It will be under the direction of
Messrs. Favaloro Bros.

A short passage between the Kiosk and Ladies room leads to the open air promenade and lounge, where a
splendid panoramic view of the city can be obtained. White marble top tables have been placed here so that
patrons can have their refreshments in comfort, while a large number of tree ferns add materially to the attrac-
tiveness of the surroundings.

The open air garden is certain to become popular with patrons. In the vestibule a telephone has been installed
for the convenience of patrons free of charge and nearby is the operating box which is 12 ft. square, and
constructed of absolutely fireproof material. The biograph box is considered to be of the most modern in the
State. The whole of the floors on this storey and the landing have been covered with plain green linoleum.
Entrance is obtained to the dress circle proper from the vestibule through four big mirrored doors. The walls of
the vestibule and other rooms have been tastefully lined with photographs of leading picture actors and ac-
tresses. The seating capacity of the dress circle is 500.

The thoroughness of detail which characterises the building upstairs is also noticeable on the ground floor.
Patrons entering through the front vestibule pass a neatly constructed half-moon shaped Kiosk, also under
Messrs. Favaloro Bros. control, and turning either to the right or left into the main auditorium through two large
doors. The height of the balcony over the ground floor ranges from 17 ft. to 30 ft., and those sitting even in the
very back seats have a clear view of the screen.

The total height of the walls, which are perforated with innumerable ventilation apertures is 45 ft. 6 inches,
carried out in white plaster. The floor area allows for the comfortable seating of 2000 people. Two hundred and
fifty tip-up seats have been placed in the front of the building, near the orchestral stand, which has been neatly
railed off, whilst roomy chairs furnish the remainder of the seating accommodation. The picture screen is 30ft.
by 28 ft. and is surrounded by a beautiful fancy proscenium of fibrous plaster, studded with electric lights. On
this floor also is a spacious gentlemen's convenience, whilst there are two large exists into Bath Lane.

The provision for the safety of patrons in the event of fire is striking, the escapes being numerous and of large
dimensions. The theatre erected under the direction of Mr. George Farnsworth, contractor of Melbourne, and
the electrical work performed by the theatres own electrician, Mr. J.L. Howard. The theatre's plaster work was
capably carried out by Mr. E. Searle of Camberwell and Mr. Huckle executed the paintings. The iron undergear
for the tip-up seats in the dress circle and ground floor was manufactured at Horsefield's & Dunn's foundries
respectively. The seats themselves were supplied and upholstered by Messrs. Morley Johnson & Co., while the
general furnishings were provided by Myers.

The whole of the work was carried out under the personal supervision of Mr. Michael G. Guidice, Managing
Director of the Company. Councillor J.H. Curnow performed the opening of the Lyric, which was stated in the
press as considered the most modern and commodious provincial theatre in the state, and referred to it as "a
veritable picture palace".
The star item on the opening night was the biograph presentation of Messrs. Meynell & Gunn's dramatic suc-
cess "The Midnight Wedding" (4000 ft), supported by "The Badminton Hunt". Also there were three Vitagraphs,
"Bunny At Sea", "Adventures Of Smelling Salts" and "Official Appointment". The music of the large orchestra
was greatly enjoyed. The full programme admission prices were, regular 1/- (10c) and 6d. (Sc).