Page 12 - CinemaRecord #81

The auditorium ceiling displayed a dazzling
formation of hundreds of light globes in a criss-
cross pattern of moulded plaster curving at the
sides to disappear into a plaster trough that was
originally designed to house concealed lighting.

Auditorium ceiling and rendered walls were
painted grey-green in contrast to the orange-red
house curtain.
An unusual feature was the use of backlit
silhouetted signs in moulded plaster above each
exit door. Circular clusters of globes lit the rear
stalls.
Dolby Stereo speakers were attached to walls
at back of the stalls and in the Dress Circle.
Total seating on both levels was 1532. Two
exit doors on each side of the stalls opened into
passageways which allowed egress into Market
Street at the rear of the premises.

Each wall of the auditorium between the
balcony and the stage was adorned with a
mythological scene in moulded plaster. A plain
plaster trough surrounded the proscenium and
held concealed multi-coloured lights which
were later disconnected.
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enough to house the 32 by 19 feet screen with
adjustable masking and behind-screen speakers.
There were no facilities for live shows.

On each side of the stage opening at footlight
level was a small dais with stairs from stalls
level; a Hammond Electronic Organ stood
on one of these platforms in 1963 and 1964
for music supplier Palings to demonstrate a
cheaper alternative to the pipe organ proposed
by Wollongong Council for its renovated Town
Hall (former Town Hall/Civic Theatre). Council
was not convinced and chose the pipe organ.

12 2014 CINEMAREC ORD