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were a number of American troops stationed
in Ballarat and, rightly or wrongly, the fire
was blamed on them, as some were found to
be smoking in the dress circle, unaware that
smoking in theatres was prohibited. The
architectural firm of Cowper, Murphy and
Appleford was engaged by Hoyts to design
the new auditorium in a similar style to the
original. With the aid of the troops,
rebuilding took place at a great pace until, on
14 October 1943, nine months after the fire,
the new Regent opened its doors again to the
public with a Gala War Bond night, which
promoted a total of £70,000 for the Fourth
Liberty Loan.
The new Regent’s architectural features set
it apart as one of the best constructed and,
taking into account the shortage of materials,
unique buildings of modern times. The
interior decorative treatment closely
followed the classic form, with a modern
The usherettes lined up for pre-show inspection of their uniforms. Fresh flowers were used each day flavour which carried through to the foyers.
In the Argus newspaper of 16 January 1934: place of Mr. W.H. Matthew, who this week
took up the post of secretary to the hospital at From the glazed timber and brass street doors
“Appreciation was expressed by Councillor L. Hamilton. Mr. Luxton had a distinguished access to the foyer was via a double flight of
Lederman at the Ballarat Benevolent Home record in the Great War and held the rank of marble steps, then on carpet designed to suit
committee meeting on Monday night at the Lieut.-Colonel”. the scheme of the theatre. Foyer furnishings
action of Hoyts Ltd. in presenting, through the consisted of antique gold brocade couches
local Regent Theatre management, a moving From the above, it is evident that Hoyts and chairs, and tables of Tasmanian myrtle.
picture projector to the institution.” Regent was highly regarded as a part of the
Ballarat community, and not just a Melbourne A Venetian court adjoining the foyer marked
Also in the same newspaper of 13 January based company seeking to make a quick quid. a new standard in theatre appointments, no
1939: other theatre in Australia having such a
At 3.00 am on 15 January 1943, fire gutted facility. It was simply decorated with a night
“Mr. B.A. Luxton of Melbourne has been the auditorium, requiring external walls to be sky blue ceiling, and ivory pagoda timber
appointed by Hoyts Ltd. as manager of the reconstructed, but much of the foyer work and walls. Ornamental relief work was
Regent Theatre, Lydiard Street, Ballarat in remained intact. During the war years, there carried out in old ivory.

Below: Ground floor foyer with original marble staircase to upper foyer. Some scenes in recent “Dr. Blake Mysteries” episode were filmed on this staircase

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