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While ongoing improvements and
other work associated with the theatre
at times seems never ending, there is
also a lot of fun to be had, as well as
gaining satisfaction from the obvious
enjoyment people are having in the
theatre. At the same time, little bits of
quite a number of theatres live on and
are remembered in this theatre. There
are marble steps, assorted plasterwork,
and curtain remnants from the Regent
Adelaide. There are gold act drop
curtains and lounge seats from the
Metro Adelaide. From Victoria there
are things like a leadlight window and
wall bracket, marble caps, and plaster
"R"s from the Regent South Yarra, as
well as plasterwork from the Regent
Fitzroy, and Victory St Kilda.
More recently, enthusiastic visitors
have donated a showcase from a San
Francisco movie palace, and a session
time clock from an English theatre. All
of these items contribute to creating an
authentic atmosphere of the movie
palace era and in particular of the
Regents around Australia, which I hope
will continue to give pleasure to both
friends and visitors for many years to
come. ★

Images are by John Thiele except one,
which is credited

Top: Ms Phyl Gorden, former head usherette at the Regent Adelaide in the forties,
reprises her role at the Balmoral Regent in June 2002. Centre: The auditorium with the
organ pipes on view. Above: A distinguished audience brings out the House Full sign -
CATHS on tour Saturday 11 October 2003.

CINEMARECORD 2004 25