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RANKING REGENTS: relationship to the interior of the
theatre, nor hints at the riches to be
An Architectural Critique, by an found inside.
Unqualified Critic. - Brian Pearson. Melbourne, on the other hand, has a
It would be safe to say that the restrained form which enhances the
majority of those who admire the already fine streetscape of Collins Street,
magnificent chain of theatres erected in and an inviting and most impressive
the mid to late 1920s by Hoyts Theatres ante-foyer which facilitates the approach
Ltd. have a particular fondness for the to the main foyer steps from the steeply-
one where they first experienced the sloping footpath outside.
magic and luxury of a true picture Sydney’s long and most impressive
palace, a magic enhanced by the music frontage deserved preservation as an
of a mighty WurliTzer pipe organ. I am ornament to George Street. The exterior
no exception. Two theatres hold a and the foyers should have been
particular place in my heart - Adelaide, retained as part of a new complex,
my first and still great love, and perhaps a luxury hotel, when the
Melbourne for its grandeur, and because theatre itself was demolished.
of the prolonged battle to save it from Finally Adelaide. The theatre was
the wreckers. unfortunately denied National Trust
I have often discussed the registration as a notable building, but Regent, Adelaide c.1938. The vertical
comparative architectural merits of the its facade to Rundle Street was neon, with space for announcing the film,
various theatres with which I am classified. It is arguably the finest was replaced in 1940.
acquainted, both as an enthusiast and as exterior in the street, and would not be When an arcade was put through
a long-time projectionist, and have out of place on any great European the theatre and extended to Grenfell
strong opinions about what constitutes boulevard.
Street, the excellence of the frontage
good theatre architecture. Many
was acknowledged by the fact that a
readers, perhaps most of you, will Hoyts’ Regent Theatres: simplified version of it was erected on
disagree with me, but at least the A Family Tree Grenfell Street.
resulting exchanges of opinion will be
Architect: Cedric Ballantyne:
interesting and fun for us all. Foyers
South Yarra 25 April 1925
I believe that the perfect theatre will Brisbane and Melbourne share what
Sydney 9 March 1928
have an auditorium with fine might be called Hollywood Gothic
Ballarat 7 April 1928
proportions and unobstructed sightlines. ornamentation - reminiscent of Gaudi's
Adelaide 29 June 1928
It will be richly but tastefullydecorated, Barcelona follies. Whereas in
provide excellent facilities for the Melbourne 15 March 1929 Melbourne the staircases disappear in a
comfort of its patrons, have a stage Architect: Charles Hollinshed: mysterious but inviting manner up each
which is adequate for live performances Fitzroy 30 March 1929 side of the foyer to re-appear at the
as part of the program, and present an Brisbane 8 November 1929 mezzanine balcony, the foyer in
imposing facade to the streetscape. Brisbane is just a large rectangular
Cedric Ballantyne, the doyen of
I propose to discuss four city space with a marble staircase that
Regent style, had opportunities to
Regents and those suburban and seems strangely diminished by the
work and re-work the form
country theatres in the chain which had ornamented balustrades. To my eyes,
(CinemaRecord 40). His rival in
particular features of note. Most of the plasterwork appears to have been
Regent skills was Charles
them are, or were, characterised by a applied in an unimaginative manner.
Hollinshed. Both men also designed
semi-circular proscenium arch of Brisbane has the further
Regent theatres in New Zealand.
perforated plaster modules that were to disadvantage of a narrow ante-foyer
Hollinshed’s Regent Fitzroy
be found at their finest in the Regent, and ticket lobby, and a mezzanine foyer
(CR43) departed from the Ballantyne
Sydney and Regent, Adelaide. which are quite fine in themselves and
model in its emphasis on a long, architecturally consistent, but with
Frontage vaulted foyer. His Regent Brisbane absolutely no relationship whatever to
The relatively narrow Brisbane and (CR 49) copied much of the Collins the main space.
Melbourne facades cannot compare Street foyer. As in Melbourne, the
with the impressive sweep of the Brisbane auditorium was influenced A break of style is true also of
Sydney and Adelaide versions. by American trends, though no one Melbourne, which was originally to
Brisbane's would be tasteful enough for has named a specific theatre as the have unity of decoration from street to
an office building, but it bears no inspiration. proscenium arch, but fell victim to the
whims of influential members of the
12 2006 CINEMARECORD