Page 36 - CinemaRecord #77C

Projection room in 2000.

Two near new projectors were purchased
from St. Patricks College in Sale (Vic) and
installed. These feature Universal lamp
houses, Simplex 35 film heads with an Eprad
Starlet sound system.

A new ducted air extraction system was also
installed in the projection room at this time.
Modern speakers were installed in the theatre
Basket shaped, inverted light fittings were Decorative wrought iron armrests were
used in the auditorium and foyers (some are fitted to the end of each row of seats in and behind the mobile CinemaScope screen.
still in use). the circle. The stalls seats were mounted
on timber skids to enable easy removal. The theatre is cooled by means of a large fan
The shape of the proscenium is unusual in Many of the current circle seats have mounted in the commodious ceiling space in
that it appears to be higher than its width been sourced from other theatres such as front of the bio box. Air is drawn through
(approximately 9 metres). This proved to be the Regent in Colac (Vic) and Savoy in the latticed ceiling at this point. The ceiling
a controversial point with live performers. Cooma (NSW). space was insulated with seaweed (Yarram is
12 km from the coast).
As was common at the time, the theatre was
built as a multi purpose venue. The stalls Originally, the Regent screened on
jarrah floor is flat to allow for dancing, sports Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and
and exhibitions. The stage area provided some the venue was used for dances and other
compromised facilities for live theatre such as entertainments on the other nights. The
limited wing space, two small dressing rooms screening frequency declined with the
on the back wall, and several rows of curtains. introduction of television (from 1956).
Scenery access was via large doors on the two Balcony seats. Screenings were reduced until they were
sidewalls of the stage. suspended in 1984.
On checking the Health Department records, A large projection room (bio box) with its In 1958 the Shire of Alberton (Yarram)
it appears that the theatre was constantly adjoining film rewinding and storerooms is purchased the theatre for 34,000 pounds
being taken to task about toilet issues (or located across the full width of the theatre at ($68,000) and continued to maintain it as a
lack of sewered facilities); these “facilities” the back of the circle. This area is accessed multi-purpose facility. With Council subsidy
were located at the rear of the building. from each aisle. and management, films were screened
twenty-six times per year.
The owners skilfully "fielded" the issues In 1931 the theatre was reported as being
claiming improvements would be made equipped with Raycophone sound equipment. An annual travelling film festival visited
when the town was sewered (proposed for The Gaumont Kalee projectors, installed in the theatre for many years. The Regent is
1939). The problem was not addressed until 1950, were sold in 1991 to the owners of also used for eisteddfods, balls, live theatre
the 1960's when Yarram was finally sewered. Cooma's Savoy for $1500. performances, weddings etc.
The owners were also directed to install
heating in 1946 but the oil fired ducted
heating system does not appear to have been
installed until the 1960’s.

Over the years the theatre was licenced
to seat between 650 and 1000 seats.

The circle contained 322 fixed seats and
the balance of moveable seats in the stalls
depended on the vagaries of the lessee. A
common style of seat was used throughout
the theatre. The original black upholstered
seats were of the usual hard back, flip up
sprung seats with wooden armrests.

36 2013 CINEM AREC ORD