index

Motion Picture Theatres in Essendon

 

 

    History at a Glance

History of theatres in Melbourne begins with the Royal Victoria Theatre, originally named the Royal Pavilion Saloon. It opened to the public on April 12, 1841. This wooden theatre came to an end just four years later on April 24, 1845 after a short-lived history. Despite the fact that the Royal Victoria could not compete with competition once it had arrived; it had encountered problems before. For instance, Mr. Hodge (its proprietor) was denied the right to hold a theatrical license by Sir George Gipps of Sydney. Thomas Hodge ignored Mr. Gipps’ warning and held two concerts illegally, which led to a fine of £50 or 6 months imprisonment. However, The Royal Victoria had its “good moments” as well, such as renovations in August 1842. Its pinnacle came when amateur permission (under G. Buckingham’s management) was granted to help raise funds for the hospital. 

 

Thus, the Royal Victoria was the pioneer and led to other developments in the metropolitan area. Soon  other theatres were built, like the Queen’s Theatre, which opened on April 21, 1845. This time the theatre was made out of bricks and was built by John Thomas Smith. The Royal Amphitheatre followed in 1854 and was located on the corner of Lt Bourke and Spring Streets.

 

   Theatres arrive in Essendon

In the City of Essendon (now referred to as Moonee Valley), pictures films began during the 1896 Melbourne Cup. So, in the early 1900's, theatres were also blossoming in the western suburbs, such as Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale and Essendon. Silent pictures were shown in places like the Masonic Hall, near Queens Park, Sangstons Theatre in Maribyrnong Road and the Moonee Ponds Theatre in Puckle Street.  

 

The roaring 20's was a period that would unleash the development of not only theatres, and other buildings, but also the industrial growth of Essendon. Thus, The New Ascot Theatre in Union Road first opened on October 16,1924. Designed by architect Mr. V. G. Cook, the theatre seated 1,600 and cost £13,000 to build. Five years later, however, in 1929, the theatre screened its first “talkie”. The film was received with great interest as it marked a new era in the development of films. The main full-length film was “The Ghost Talks". It was widely accepted by everyone as it eliminated the need for sub-titles. People enamored of the theatre were first enchanted by the National Anthem. Other theatres were also screening sound-pictures.

 

Mr. Bill Evans was made projectionist in 1929 and since then, carried on with his job until he took over control in 1960. Mr. Evans had a partner, Mr. Jim Joyce, who they managed the theatre together for only two years because Mr. Joyce died in 1962. The New Ascot theatre however, carried on for another five years. Then, on April 12, 1967 the theatre announced that it was closing down. During the mid1970’s the theatre lacked facilities and hence closed down towards the end of the decade. However, more than 20 years, the New Ascot Theatre, still stands and it now serves as a reception center known as Happy Receptions.

 

 In 1925, three more theatres were officially opened. The Waratah and Southern Cross Theatres  were opened by Essendon's Mayor, Cr. G. A. Mitchell on June 24 and November 26 respectively. The Waratah was located on the corner of Mt. Alexander and Ormond Roads (Ascot Vale), costing £27,000 with a capacity to hold up to1,750 people. Mr. Geoffrey Shepherd was appointed manager and the theatre came to an end in 1960 (after its demolition). Godfreys, an electrical store, now occupies the site. The Southern Cross found in Essendon, on the cnr. of Lincoln and Buckley Streets. The film "Sally" made its debut on the opening night of the Southern Cross (later known as the Regal). But like the Waratah, it faced the same fate. Unfortunately, the Southern Cross was also torn down. 

 

The New Essendon Theatre or The Circle (as it was later renamed) was officially declared opened by Mayor Cr. A. A. Thomas on October 29, 1925. It cost 20,000 pounds to build and it seated 1,000 people on ground floor and a further 700 in the circle. It featured the latest projection equipment at the time.The Circle closed after just more than 40 years, on December 17, 1966 . It is located in Leake Street, Essendon and like the New Ascot Theatre has been remodeled and now functions as a reception center. Local picture theatres have been lost business to drive-in cinemas in the mid 50's. The arrival of television and movie theatres that include surround-sound and 3D films meant the end of the picture theatres. However, the memories are preserved through time and like the Circle, a few buildings still stand today.   

 

 

 

R. W. Chalmers, The Annals of Essendon, Volume 2 (1925 - 1962), p 6, p9, p10, p476

R. W. Chalmers, The Annals of Essendon, Volume 3 (1963 - 1985), p 78

R. W. Chalmers, The Annals of Essendon, Volume 1 (1850's - 1924), p 248

Eric Irwin, Dictionary of the Australian Theatre 1788 - 1914, Hale & Iremonger, 1985,

pp 177 - 179

John West, Theatre in Australia, Cassell Australia Limited, copyright 1978, p 41

Essendon Gazette, August 15, 1929

Essendon Gazette, April 12, 1967, p 3

Ross King, A Brief History of Motion Picture  in Essendon, copyright 1990

Essendon Historical Society

Movie poster courtesy of Amazon.com

 

Written and Researched by: Marlon J. Cornejo

 

index To Top