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The Empress: The Old Tart in Williamstown

Les Tod

Whenever I spoke to Gerry Kennedy recently,
knowing that I was doing research into the
theatres of Williamstown, he would cheekily
ask me “how are you going with The Old
Tart?” Meaning, of course, the Empress
Theatre. Both he and I had discussed it many
times over the years, trying to establish if the
1954 building was a remodelling or a brand
new building. He was not happy that he had
gone to the local historical society to do a
presentation for CATHS several years ago
and was promised information and material,
which had not been forthcoming. So this
article on the Empress Theatre is dedicated
to Gerry Kennedy, a good friend to us all,
CATHS’ greatest supporter, and to The Old
Tart herself.

his building, now well over 100 years old,
Thas had a long and colourful career, but
much information has been printed about it
which is incorrect or misleading. It was only
one of seven venues used as cinemas in
Williamstown over the years.

The Empress Pavilion was built in 1905 as an
entertainment hall for the employees of Alfred The “Plain Jane” appearance of the Empress c. 1950
Gaunt’s woollen mills in Osborne Street. The
Empress itself was situated in Garden Street In December 1910, the town inspector
and was used initially for dancing and roller reported that: “The requirements of the open air with theatres, dance halls, skating rinks, beaches,
skating. It was a rare example of that era of an and pavilions, Williamstown was rapidly
theatres at the Empress Pavilion and Greeney’s becoming the St Kilda of the western side of the
employer building facilities for his staff’s Hall had been complied with”, indicating that
recreation. (1) bay.
an open air cinema was attached to the
Empress itself, the first such reference to an Mr Dark had apparently left as the proprietor of
It was first known as the Empress Pavilion. open air show at the Pavilion. (8)
As Williamstown was the base for the mooring the Empress, but returned in September 1914,
of ships of the Empress line, it is believed the By January 1911, the movies were taking when it was reported: “Empress Pavilion. Mr Dark
has pleasure in announcing to the Photoplay patrons
theatre was named after that line. It was not over: “Tonight at Empress Pavilion, and every of Williamstown that he has again assumed the
long before it was being used for films, and the Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, Complete management of the Empress Pavilion. Hoping for a
first projectionist was Mr Dark, who was one change of pictures every night. 10,000 feet Electric share of the patronage accorded him in the past, he
of Mr Gaunt’s employees, and later went on Biograph, comprising all the latest American will endeavour to give you clean, wholesome
to use the Empress as a full-time cinema. (2) Biograph Films, humorous and dramatic. entertainment. Opening night 2ⁿ� September.” (11)
J W Dark and A C Tinsdale, Props. Skating all other
In December 1906, it was advertised: “Dancing nights and Saturday afternoon.” (9) A year later, there was a new proprietor again,
in the Empress Pavilion, near Back Beach. Finest something the Empress would always be subject
hall on the sea coast, Amusements of the latest for In March 1911, it would seem that Mr Dark to - changes in proprietorship. The Advocate
old and young. For a real enjoyable day visit the and Mr Tinsdale had formed a partnership,
Empress Pavilion and Grounds, near Back Beach and and undertaken alterations to the Empress. reported: “Empress Pavilion. Leased to Mr Rupert
gardens, everything up-to-date.” In 1909, Foyle. Mr Rupert Foyle, who will be remembered as
(3)
former management of the Williamstown Theatre and
skating was advertised: “Skating at Williamstown The Chronicle reported: who has been managing the Armadale Theatre for the
Empress Pavilion, Fancy Dress Carnival.” In “DARK AND TINSDALE’S PICTURES past 12 months, enters upon a lengthy lease of the
(4)
November 1909, it was advertised that the Last Saturday night at the Empress Pavilion, as Empress Pavilion this evening. He intends opening
Empress Pavilion was under new usual the house was full. An appreciative audience every night except Friday, with a full programme of
management, but it did not say who the new applauded every item on the programme. Each the very latest pictures. A number of extensive
manager was. (5). week additional improvements are being made. alterations have been made to the Empress Pavilion
This week’s additions include a number of extra and the electric light plant considerably
By March 1910, films had arrived (if not forms from the Newport Hall, and a raised gallery strengthened.” (12) The opening night
earlier), advertised as: “Empress Pavilion, Back at the back has been built capable of seating 60 advertisement on the same day refers to it as:
(6)
Beach, Electric Biographs.” By the following persons on each side.” (10) This sounds Empress Pavilion, Foyle’s Pictures. (13)
month, April, it seems that movies had come suspiciously like what were referred to in the
to stay: “Skating at Empress Pavilion, every old days as “hen’s roosts”. The Empress was now one of three film venues
afternoon and evening, except Saturday (Tinsdale’s in the suburb, having not only the large purpose-
Concerts) Electric Biograph on Saturday and Sunday, But in February 1912, the new built Williamstown Theatre but also the
complete change of programme both nights.” Williamstown Theatre opened, giving the Mechanic’s Institute to compete against.
Mr Tinsdale would go on to become a well Empress a major competitor it would have Glances through the local newspapers reveal just
known Williamstown theatre entrepreneur. (7) for the rest of its cinematic life. But what how hard these three went at it, in terms of

16 CINEMARECORD # 91