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The Courier Mail reported on The architect was George Rae, a noted
the new Tivoli: Queensland theatre architect, who had also
worked on the remodelling of the St James and
“NEW TIVOLI THEATRE – several other theatres.
REMODELLED ON GRAND
DESIGN The Roof Garden Theatre was not affected by
Soft colours, delicately the renovation programme of the Tivoli, having
balanced and enhanced by undergone renovations itself in 1934. The
many artistic devices, will auditorium was now decorated in tonings of
create a new and delicious creams and greens, enhanced by a concealed,
environment for the Tivoli dimmable lighting system, and the street
Theatre, when the present awning and vestibule featured Carrara glass
A Tivoli promotion for a 1927 silent film on the side of a tram. scheme of alterations has been bordered with chromium plated steel. The
theatre also retained its orchestra pit for realised. Over the whole a softly shaded green proscenium was rebuilt in fibrous plaster with
vaudeville. The Tivoli was one of, if not light will be diffused day and night. To secure fine detail work.
Brisbane’s premier showcase, the Regent not this effect, experts took many leaps in the dark.
having yet been built. But at last they alighted on an enchanted place The Tivoli reopened on 26 December 1935.
where they discovered the method of giving a Both the Tivoli and its Roof Garden continued
The new Tivoli opened on Monday 2 May green glow to the interior of theatres. The to operate for Greater Union Theatres, now
1927. The Courier reported: atmosphere of the building will be dominated mainly used for film exhibition. Following
by an apple green hue, relieved with old ivory, World War II, some minor renovations were
“NEW TIVOLI – OFFICIAL OPENING a glow that will produce and sustain a made to both theatres to compensate for wear-
The new Tivoli Theatre was officially opened sensation of coolness. The whole of the and-tear, until 1955, when CinemaScope was
last night by the Mayor of Brisbane (Alderman proscenium has been changed and modern light installed in both theatres. The theatres could
W A Jolly) before a distinguished audience, fittings, grilles and decorative work have been also screen 3D and VistaVision. After 1955,
including the Lieutenant-Governor (Mr Wm incorporated in the transformation. both theatres remained the same structurally,
Lennon). The house was packed. The ceremony also some improved seating and projection
was very brief, and the pictures, the music, and equipment were introduced to keep both
the vaudeville act were in keeping with the updated in comfort and presentation.
memorable event. It was a first-class
entertainment and everyone was charmed by In 1964, the Roof Garden Theatre was subject
the comfort and elegance of the new theatre. to a new screening policy which saw operatic
Mr Edwin Geach, managing director of Union films, such as An Evening With the Royal Ballet
Theatres, who travelled especially from Sydney and Der Rosenkavalier screened on a four
to be present at the opening, welcomed the sessions a day policy. This format was soon
Mayor. altered again, but with different films playing
in the two theatres.
“The architecture of the new Tivoli is worthy
of our city and those who are responsible for The two theatres were sold to Brisbane City
the wonderful improvements that have been Council for extensions to King George Square,
made have shown a confidence in the future of and the Tivoli Theatre closed on 16 June 1965
the city and of the State of Queensland that is with The Sword of Ali Baba. The Roof Garden
quite flattering.” closed on the next day, 17 June, with The Guns
of August.
The Daily Standard added:
Both theatres were demolished soon after and
“THE NEW TIVOLI – OFFICIALLY OPENED a much loved part of Brisbane’s entertainment
LAST NIGHT – AUSPICIOUS FUNCTION history had passed into history. ★
A colour scheme of gold, pink, silver and white,
bathed in a flood of rich light, was the scene
that met the eye on entering the new ornate Credits:
Tivoli Theatre last night when the official
opening took place. The interior decorations Double Take. Hilary Russell, Dundurn Press, Toronto,
were a revelation and a striking testimony to Canada, 1989.
the high standard attained by architects, “The grilles on each side of the proscenium will Information from Roy Purves Scrapbook, copy Les
Tod collection.
builders and artisans in modern theatre extend for 25 feet and follow the contour of the Telegraph, Monday 17 May 1915 p5.
construction.” walls, and in the arch an embroidery of The Salon, August 1914, p17.
concealed lights will influence the comfort and
The Showman, December 15, 1963 p1.
In 1929, the Tivoli Theatre closed briefly peace of spectators. The wall lights are extra Information from Kath Murphy, former employee at
because of the depression, but reopened after modern. the Tivoli and correspondence of the Australasian
some months. Gradually the vaudeville part of Cinema journal.
its presentation was phased out in favour of “The theatre will be adorned with new carpets, The Patriot, 31 March 1918.
talking pictures. tapestry and drapes and the stage will be a Uncited newspaper.
glorious feature of the renovated building. The Everyone’s, trade journal, 1924.
Both theatres were recarpeted during February curtains will be made of a rare silk material Building, May 12, 1927.
1933. In 1934 the Roof Garden Theatre that will cast a pleasing glow into the The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 15 June 3
received some overdue redecorating, but this atmosphere of the theatre. A great dome light, 1927 p11.
was superficial. shaded by an exquisite glass shard, will be Brisbane Courier, Tuesday 3 May 1927 p18.
suspended from the centre of the ceiling. Pale Daily Standard, Tuesday 3 May 1927 p4.
In 1935, the Tivoli underwent further green chromium strips make the vestibule a The Film Weekly, 1933, 1935.
renovations. The 1930s were a period of change sparkling jewel in the setting and the box office Everyone’s, 1934.
for Brisbane city theatres, with remodelling of background will be a huge, shell shaped mirror, Courier Mail, Monday 23 December 1935 p19.
the St James, His Majesty’s, the Cremorne, tipped with chromium. The furniture about the Ibid. Tuesday 3 December 1935 p27.
and the opening of the new Metro Theatre in theatre will be of the streamline variety.”
1937.

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