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bar and recently refurbished candy from the Capri Theatre is the original
bar, stage follow spot, overhead and Goodwood Star Theatre, built for the
wall-mounted stage lighting, and a Greater Wondergraph Company. It opened in
grand piano on stage (August 1920 and was operated, under lease, by
Forster). These facilities enable the Clifford Theatres until 1941, when they
theatre to be used for organ concerts opened the New Goodwood Star Theatre
and other live shows in addition to (which ultimately became the Capri
regular film sessions. The Capri is Theatre).Then, in 1941, Watermans' Ozone
available for hire by groups and Group took over the operation of the former
organisations. Catering can be Goodwood Star Theatre and re-named it the
arranged. Goodwood Ozone Theatre. In July 1955,
Clifford Theatres purchased the building and
The next project to be undertaken is operated the theatre until September 1955. It
the re-painting of the exterior of the was then leased to Robert Kapferer and Alec
building as it approaches its 75th Regan and re-named as the Cinema Curzon
birthday. The National Trust of until its closure in 1964. The building is still
South Australia is assisting with an standing and the interior has been adapted to
appeal for funds to finance this work. provide both office and retail spaces for the
Goodwood area.
The suburb of Goodwood has a
strong, but somewhat complicated Michael Cant is more than happy to provide
cinema history. An unusual factor is guided tours of the Capri Theatre and can be
Volunteer, Michael Cant at the controls. the deep involvement of a South contacted on 08 8431 8141. You will be made
Australian theatrical entrepreneur, most welcome and I am sure you will enjoy
seating are features of both upstairs and Dan Clifford (1887-1942), and his associated the tour as much as we did. ¬
downstairs foyers. The impressive glass and organisations with both theatre buildings.
chrome ticket boxes remain. Also confusing is the similarity of names * More colour images back cover.
belonging to both theatres. A few doors away
In 2012, the Capri Theatre
upgraded its technology and The Art Deco influenced ticket box
purchased a new digital projector.
This was made possible by
assistance from a South Australian
Government grant and a
significant, interest free loan from
Unley Council. Both levels of
government recognised the
importance of supporting the
Capri Theatre in its need to
upgrade its equipment in a rapidly
changing industry.
Another modern feature of the
Capri is the Dolby digital sound
system. Other facilities include a
public address system, cinema
(35 mm and 16 mm), slide and
video projection, recording
facilities, stage for bands and
choirs etc., large foyer spaces both
upstairs and downstairs, licensed
Below: The original Goodwood Star Theatre nearby - now office and retail.

Acknowledgements:

Many thanks to Michael Cant and Peter Hosking
for the most informative guided tour of the Capri
Theatre.

Information from Theatre Organ Society of
Australia (South Australia Division) Inc.
Thanks for the Memory by John Thiele and Ross
Lange.

Architectsdatabase.unisa.edu.au
CATHS’ archive.
Images:

Brian Hunt.
Bruce Richmond.
TOSA (SA) Inc. / Capri.
Rear page images: Ross Lange.

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