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Other theatres in Launceston which
have disappeared over the years include
the Plaza (George Street) and the Tatler
which later became Cinema One in St
John Street. Cinema One closed when
the current multiplex opened in
Brisbane Street.
I also have fond memories of some
of the long-gone Hobart theatres. These
were the Avalon, Melville Street, Her
Majesty’s, Macquarie Street and the
Odeon Liverpool Street. The Odeon
was taken over by the ABC for the
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and
used for concerts and recording
purposes.
David Boag, Balaclava

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Theatre Anniversaries
The Centenary of His Majesty’s
Perth occurs on 24 December, while the
Capitol Melbourne celebrated 80 years
on 7 November.
His Majesty’s, corner of King and
Hay Streets Perth was designed by the
American-born William Woolf, who
trained in Germany, migrated to
Australia in 1877 and worked in
Melbourne and Sydney before setting
up practice in Perth.
He combined the horse-shoe
balconies favoured by Edwardian
architects with some European
influences to bring the audience closer
to the stage. The ability to see and hear
the performers better, and a sumptuous Top: His Majesty’s Perth c. 1970 Above: An indication of the Edwardian interior.
setting, endeared the building to Images: Theatre In Australia by John West.
generations of theatre-goers.
Originally seating 2,584 people,
The 80th Anniversary was Vaudeville in Bourke Street.
large even by Melbourne or Sydney
celebrated with tours of the building, an Vaudeville has returned to the
standards, a re-vamp of all facilities in
organ concert, the singer Robert historic Salvation Army City Hall at 69
1980 reduced the seating over its three
Dugdale and the Australian silent film Bourke Street, Melbourne. The hall was
levels to 1,200.
Kid Stakes. Two organists were built as a vaudeville theatre, although it
Capitol Melbourne featured on an Allen Digital Theatre has not been used for this purpose for
An international outlook also gave Organ: John Atwell played the concert more than 100 years.
Melbourne its finest cinema. The selections and David Johnston Shows are every Friday night at 7
Chicago-trained Walter Burley Griffin accompanied the film. pm. Tickets are $10, or $5 in the so-
and his wife Marion Mahoney An early birthday present for the called Peanut Gallery. Proceeds go to
contributed a building worthy of greater theatre was the announcement (27 the Salvation Army. Want more
care and respect than it has sometimes October) of a State Government information? Ring 0433 164 502.
received. restoration grant of $190,000.

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