TheatreLinks

International Theatres

Cinema and Theatre Historical Society (AUSTRALIA)
http://www.caths.org.au/
“The aims of CATHS are to record the history of cinemas and theatres, and to promote interest in theatre heritage and architecture, and other related areas.” Great links to the fine theatres down under.

Drive Ins Downunder (AUSTRALIA)
http://www.drive-insdownunder.com.au
Is this an international site or a DI site? It's BOTH! 1954 heralded the premiere of Australia's first drive in, and 294 more were to follow. A fun tribute site with excellent photos and well written narrative.

National Trust of Australia (AUSTRALIA)
http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/cinalertjuly2001.html
Discussion about saving remaining Aussie cinemas and the struggles they face.

Theatre Organs Under the Southern Cross (AUSTRALIA)
http://theatreorgans.com/southerncross/index.htm
Web master Ian McIver writes: "the site is primarily concerned with theatre organs, (but) I am giving coverage to the buildings that housed them as well. In the longer term, other countries south of the Equator will be added to the site's coverage." Definitely worth a look!

Astor Theatre (Kilda AUSTRALIA)
http://www.astor-theatre.com/
Jim Rankin's review of this interesting site: The history given there is rather skimpy, but the owner is obviously and rightfully proud of the condition of this 1100-seat modest Art Deco house. There are several good photos, and that panoramic one of the auditorium is especially welcome.

Capitol Theatre (AUSTRALIA)
http://www.capitoltheatre.com.au
A beautiful website for a beautiful theater. Includes a large photo and history section.

Capitol Theatre (Melbourne, Victoria AUSTRALIA)
http://communication.students.rmit.edu.au/projects/capitol/

Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace (Cremorne AUSTRALIA)
http://www.orpheum.com.au/
The historic Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace is a six cinema complex located in Cremorne on Sydney's lower North Shore. The Orpheum opened in October, 1935 with seating for 1,700 people on two levels and offered a standard of comfort which was second-to-none, a tradition which continues to this day. The stalls were removed in 1984, which confined the theatre to its normal dress circle. In 1987, the Orpheum was restored by entrepreneur Mike Walsh O.B.E, and reopened in December 1987 as the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace.

Marriner Theatres (Melbourne, Victoria AUSTRALIA)
http://www.marrinertheatres.com.au/
Four lovely historic theaters, restored and in use. Excellent photos and history. If you have Flash installed, you can take a virtual tour of each of these sites.

Regent Theater (Melbourne AUSTRALIA)
http://www.regenttheatremelbourne.com
The story of one man’s fascination with a classic theater.

and also...
http://www.prov.vic.gov.au/provenance/
(then click on 'Rescuing the Regent Theatre)

Queensland Picture Theatre Data Base (Queensland AUSTRALIA)
http://www.gu.edu.au/gart/qldpic/qmthome.htm
While we would love to think of the movie palace as a uniquely American idea, this site from Australia shows classic theaters from the other side of the globe. Of particular interest is a page link entitled "How to Research Picture Theatres."

Orpheum Theatre (Sydney, New South Wales AUSTRALIA)
http://www.orpheum.com.au
Click on the "Orpheum Tour" button on the lower half of the screen for some stunning photos and detailed tour narrative. Hint: Maximize your screen for best view and if you don't see the gloved hand directing you to the next screen, scroll to the right. (This site overlapped my old monitor just a touch.)

State Theatre (Sydney, New South Wales AUSTRALIA)
http://www.statetheatre.com.au/
The theatre features the second largest cut crystal chandelier in the world!

Empire Theatre (Toowoomba, Queensland AUSTRALIA)
http://www.empiretheatre.com.au/main.php
A fantastic Art Deco Theatre in regional Queensland. Fairly recently re-furbished.

Cinemas in Brussels (BELGIUM)
http://salledecinema.over-blog.com/
Interesting site about cinema in Brussels, but difficult to maneuver around if you don't speak French. The English translation doesn't help much. A few nice photos.

Fundacao Theatro Municipal (Rio de Janeiro BRAZIL)
http://www.theatromunicipal.rj.gov.br/
Tom DuBuque sent this site in, saying “in researching a trip to Rio this summer I came across this site that is in Portuguese but if you click on 'O Theatro' and 'visita virtual' you get dozens of great photos of this great opera house.”

Enright's Theatres of Canada (CANADA)
http://www.geocities.com/mister_canuck
Webmaster Matthew Enright's home page states: "Once upon a time... people didn't have TV's and there was no such thing as Nintendo or Gameboy. For entertainment, people went to the movies." From thence he launches into a very entertaining, graphic rich site on the theaters of our Canadian friends.

Capitol Theater (Nelson BC CANADA)
http://www.capitoltheatre.bc.ca
The 1927 Capitol Theatre provides recreation and entertainment not only for Nelson, but for the entire Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. Includes a few small photographs.

Civic Theatres Home (Vancouver BC CANADA)
http://www.vancouver.ca/theatres/ORPHEUM/orpheum.html
The magnificent Orpheum is one of North America's finest concert halls. Built in 1927, restored in 1977 and acoustically upgraded in 1995 and refurbished in 2009, it is a designated National Heritage Site. Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1959, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is one of the largest "soft seat" houses in Canada, accommodating 2,575 patrons. Adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is the intimate, 668-seat Vancouver Playhouse. Ideal for live theatre, recitals, chamber music and contemporary dance, the Playhouse is home to the Playhouse Theatre Company, Vancouver Recital Society, Friends of Chamber Music and Dance House.

The Royal and MacPherson Theatre Society (Victoria BC CANADA)
http://www.rmts.bc.ca
The Royal and McPherson Theatre Society (RMTS) is a not-for-profit organization that manages all operational aspects of the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse. The theatres are beautifully restored and maintained, with several stunning photographs.

Burton Cummings Theatre (Winnipeg MB CANADA)
http://www.burtoncummingstheatre.ca
The Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts (known in previous incarnations as the Walker Theatre and the Odeon Cinema) is a 1646-seat theatre designed by Howard Stone C. Stone and built expressly for quality live entertainment in 1907 by C.P. and Harriet Walker. The theatre was built for the then astronomical price of $330,000 (ten times the cost of an equivalent wood structure) and was officially opened on February 18th, 1907 with the New England Opera Company's production of Madame Butterfly, starring Florence Easton.

Pantages Playhouse (Winnipeg MB CANADA)
http://www.pantagesplayhouse.com/index_2.htm
Adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is the intimate, 668-seat Vancouver Playhouse. Ideal for live theatre, recitals, chamber music and contemporary dance, the Playhouse is home to the Playhouse Theatre Company, Vancouver Recital Society, Friends of Chamber Music and DanceHouse. Extensive history and photos.

Capitol Theatre (Moncton NB CANADA)
http://www.capitol.nb.ca
The Capitol Theatre has been a focal point for community activity since 1922. The adjoining Empress Theatre has been very popular for the taping of television specials. It’s a beautifully done web site is available in both English and French and includes a virtual tour that’s not to be missed.

Imperial Theatre (St. John NB CANADA)
http://www.culturenet.ca/imperial/imperial.htm
Take the "About the Imperial" link for photos or a detailed history page.

Garrick Theatre (Bonavista NL CANADA)
http://www.garricktheatre.ca/
The Garrick Theatre in Bonavista opened to the public on Christmas Day, 1945. The Garrick finally closed in 2000 and the theatre was donated to the Bonavista Historical Society in 2003. It is one of the oldest surviving theatres in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Chester Playhouse (Chester NS CANADA)
http://www.chesterplayhouse.ca
The Chester Playhouse, built by Ken Corkum and Eric Redden in 1938, operated as a movie theatre for over thirty years under the name Keneric. The first live performances were given in 1963, when Dick and Teka Burwell directed the Chester Jesters in the first of five annual summer productions.

Astor Theatre (Liverpool NS CANADA)
http://www.astortheatre.ns.ca
Built in 1902 as part of the historic Town Hall, the theatre was known as the Liverpool Opera House. It's stage hosted touring and local shows until 1917, when silent films were introduced. Gradually the film presentation gained in frequency and popularity. In 1930, talking pictures were shown for the first time. The first "talkie" shown in the theatre was "Love in the Rough", a comedy on golf. at the same time the name was changed to the Astor Theatre by Seth Bartling Sr. after his favorite theatre in New York. Short history but only a couple of small photos.

Lunenburg Opera House (Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, CANADA)
http://www.lunenburgoperahouse.com/
Modeled after European music halls, the opera house was built from local timbers in 1907/1908 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It was renamed The Capitol in the 40’s and converted to a movie house. It is now being restored.

Grand (Kingston ON CANADA)
http://www.kingstongrand.ca
Built in 1902 on the site of the 1879 Martin's Opera House, which had burned to the ground in 1898, The Grand remained a venue for live performances until 1938, when it became a cinema operated by the Famous Players motion picture chain. It continued as such until 1961, when it was purchased by a syndicate which stripped the theatre's interior in preparation for demolishing the building to provide a site for a parking lot. The citizens of Kingston protested, and the city purchased the theatre in 1962. Money was raised for renovation, and the Grand reopened in 1966. Contains extensive history but not much in the way of historic photos.

Academy Theatre for Performing Arts (Lindsay ON CANADA)
http://www.academytheatre.ca
An 1890s stage theater, which was remodeled in 1931, the Academy was given an Art Deco interior and used as a movie theater before being restored and used for stage again. It has since been restored to its 1930s appearance. A photo gallery is planned.

Grand Theatre (London ON CANADA)
http://www.grandtheatre.com
The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario probably opened early in the 20th century as a vaudeville theatre. It is listed as open in the 1941 edition of Film Daily Yearbook, but in the 1943 edition of FDY it is listed as (Closed), but later re-opened. It closed as a movie theatre in 1965. Nice historic photos.

Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres (Ontario ON CANADA)
http://www.heritagefdn.on.ca
As a National Historic Site of architectural and historical significance, we offer guided public and group tours. Numerous exhibits and displays are located throughout the building, providing an insight into the history and restoration of the Theatre Centre. One of the Centre's greatest treasures, discovered during the restoration, is the world's largest collection of vaudeville scenery - hand-painted flats and drops dating from 1913. Three restored pieces, including the magnificent Butterfly and Scarab Scenery Flats, are on display.

Orillia Opera House (Orillia ON CANADA)
http://www.orilliaoperahouse.ca
With a long and colorful past, this 700 seat auditorium was a movie house from the 20s until the late 50s. It was a favorite place on a Saturday for a kid to spend an afternoon for a quarter. Interesting photo postcard views.

Capitol Theatre (Port Hope, Ontario CANADA)
http://www.capitoltheatre.com/Default.html
A little jewel of a theater! The history section is very well done with many vintage photos.

Eglinton Grand (Toronto ON CANADA)
http://www.eglintongrand.com
Formerly the Eglinton Theatre, this historic landmark has been restored to its original 1937 grandeur and is now a spectacular ballroom facility.

Centre Cinema Imperial (Montreal, Quebec, CANADA)
http://www.ffm-montreal.org/en_impe_index.html
Opened to the general public on April 26, 1913, the Imperial was designed by architect Albert E. Westover of Philadelphia and built for the Keith-Albee Vaudeville Organization. Contains a nice photo archive.

Corona Theater (Montreal QC CANADA)
http://www.theatrecorona.com
The Corona Theatre was built in 1912, at the time where silent movies are accompanied by music. Light comedy shows were also presented during that time. Therefore, you can find a small stage for manoeuvring, dressing rooms under it and an orchestra pit at the forefront.

Monument National (Montreal QC CANADA)
http://www.monument-national.qc.ca
Built in Montreal in 1893, the Monument-National was for decades an essential stop for the great French, English, and Yiddish vaudevillians, as well as stars like Edith Piaf, Emma Albani, and Maurice Schwartz. It once housed the Starland, one of the first cinemas in North America. Quebec's first feminist launched their campaigns here in the 1900s. Fully renovated for its one-hundredth anniversary, today the Monument-National's romantic past is linked to renewed possibilities for the future.

Granada Theater (Sherbrooke, Quebec, CANADA)
http://www.theatregranada.com
Since 1929, the Granada Theater has been a popular gathering place. In 1997, the City of Sherbrooke acquired the Granada Theater thanks to a generous donation to the Foundation Lagassé JA Louis de Sherbrooke.

Haskell Free Library and Opera House (Stanstead QC CANADA)
http://www.haskellopera.org
The Haskell's two street facades are splendid examples of late Victorian architecture, and combine elements of various building styles. They contrast with the rear of the building, which is strongly Georgian, or neo-Classical, in style. The Haskell is also notable for the quality of its building materials - local Stanstead grey granite on the exterior, and rare native woods, stained glass, mosaics and tin ceilings on the interior. The opera house straddles the US/Canada border. First time visitors and old friends of the Haskell Free Library and Opera House must be aware that the border between Canada and the United States is real and it is enforced.

Capitole (Quebec QC CANADA)
http://www.lecapitole.com
Once used mostly for cultural events, it has evolved into much more than a concert hall. Since its reopening in 1992, this prestigious and storied hall amazes both its renowned performers and their audience. Le Capitole de Québec is a unique and magical place. Majestic stairway, gilded trim, luxurious railings, it is filled with memories of a bygone era.

Centenary of the Cinema, RCHME (ENGLAND)
http://www.rchme.gov.uk/cinema.html
The Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England's site honors the first 100 years of cinema in England. Many nice photos (clickable) of British cinemas. Sent by Richard Sklenar, from the Bulletin of the CTA (Cinema Theatre Association), the British equivalent of THSA.

Cinema Theatre Association (ENGLAND)
http://www.cinema-theatre.org.uk
Our sister organization in the UK now has its own attractive site with lots of interesting information! Be sure to visit and have a look.

Picture Palaces in Great Britain
http://www.tnunn.f2s.com/pp-main.htm
A personal web site, devoted to the Picture Palaces in Britain, some gone, many still around and being used differently. Photos taken in 2002.

Theatres Trust (UNITED KINGDOM)
http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/
Functioning much like the US's League of Historic American Theaters, this British society serves the historic theater restoration in the areas of management and profit. A much needed service once the theater is saved and restored! Lots of "how to" advice on this site.

A Tribute to Cinema in Bristol (Bristol ENGLAND)
http://ourworld.cs.com/cinemabris
A personal site, suggested by William Hooper. Photographic essays of historic theaters in Bristol.

Grand Theatre (Blackpool ENGLAND)
http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/information/6/266/Blackpool-Theatres
This page contains images of Blackpool theatres, past and present. These include box plans for the Opera House, Palace Theatre, Grand Theatre, Tower Aquatic & Variety Circus.

Theatre Royale (Chatham ENGLAND)
http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
Submitted by THSA member Bob Ashley, who puts it well when he says this theatre "is not your basic C. Lamb Rapp." You are correct, sir!

Minack Theatre (Cornwall ENGLAND)
http://www.minack.com
A site link from Tom Jeffery, who notes, "the theatre is a rustic outdoor affair made of stone, overlooking Porthcurno Bay. Its looks are deceiving, because one might get the impression that the amphitheatre was built by Roman legions in ancient days. NOT SO! -- it was built in the early 1930s. The URL has a number of good color pictures. Take a look at it -- I'm sure you will enjoy."

The Picture Palace (London ENGLAND)
http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~lfbarfe
Comprehensive information gathered by Louis Barfe on cinemas in London and other areas of England, with excellent photos. The site also features a review of books on British cinemas and theatres, as well as current news and events and links to other related sites. There's information about the Cinema Theatre Association [England], too.

Wilton’s Music Hall (London ENGLAND)
http://www.wiltons.org.uk/
Wilton’s is the last surviving and oldest grand music hall in the world. For close to 30 years, starting in 1859, Wilton’s was alive with the magic of classical overtures, opera, choral, folk, dance, burlesque, circus acts, comedy and contemporary songs. Today is once again becoming a vital part of the East End community and an exciting and exotic venue for national and international audiences.

Paramount Theater [now Odeon Cinema] (Newcastle Upon Tyne ENGLAND)
http://www.preservetheparamount.co. uk
Stunning vintage photos of this classic deco cinema. Also, an opportunity to sign their petition to save it from demolition!

The Georgian Theatre Royal (Richmond ENGLAND)
http://www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
Built in 1788 by actor-manager Samuel Butler, Britain’s most complete Georgian playhouse was closed 1848, reopened 1963 and restored and extended in 2003. The archives are under construction, but there’s still plenty to look at.

Plaza Theatre (Stockport, Cheshire, ENGLAND)
http://www.stockportplaza.co.uk/
Read about the saving and planned restoration of this lovely 1932 theater in the UK, that spent almost 40 years as a bingo hall.

Gaumont Palace (Paris FRANCE)
http://www.paris18.net/cgi-bin/linterpress/app.pl?AK=18V1&action=AfficherArticle& numero=65&code_article=200108281444582
Even though the site is in French, the photos of the Gaumont Palace, Paris' greatest movie palace (now gone), are breathtaking.

Grand Rex (Paris FRANCE)
http://www.silverscreens.com/ rex_en.html
The last remaining historic movie palace in Paris. And the site is in English for your surfing ease!

Paris Opera House (Paris FRANCE)
http://www.operadeparis.fr
Now known as the Opera Garnier. For great photos, click on "Visites."

Silver Screens (FRANCE)
http://www.silverscreens.com/main.html
An interesting personal web site, many good photos of theaters here and abroad. The site is in English with an option to choose the text in French as well.

The next two sites are in French, but you can use the translator at http://world.altavista.com

Casino de Paris (Paris FRANCE)
http://www.casinodeparis.fr

Folies Bergere (Paris FRANCE)
http://www.foliesbergere.com

"Memoirs of a Projectionist" (Paris FRANCE)
http://www.babel.fr/seita/
A wonderful site (available in English) featuring a unique French exhibition celebrating movie theatres of Paris and those who worked in them; a real labor of love! Numerous photos, plus audio and video clips.
WEBMASTER'S NOTE: This excellent site is evidently no longer in operation; does anyone know if it has moved elsewhere?

Art Deco Ireland (IRELAND)
http://www.geocities. com/Paris/Salon/6941/deco1.htm
This website has several cinema and theatre pages, including those in Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Athlone, mostly demolished.

Tuschinski Theatre (Amsterdam THE NETHERLANDS)
http://www.tuschinski.nl/tuschinski.asp?bios_id=2
Here is the new link to the Tuschinski Theatre. The site is only in Dutch, but there are some great pictures of this cinema on this site! Link on the Lokatie (location) button at the top of the homepage. On the next page there is a link on the left site called foto's (photos). Then you can watch the pics of the theatre. There is also the possibility to have a virtual look. This link is under the photos.

Also:
http://www.rnw.nl/culture/html/tuschinski011119.html
Gorgeous photos chronicle the restoration of a stunning theater.

Friends of the Civic (Auckland NEW ZEALAND)
http://www.civictheatre.co.nz./
From our friends far away comes this dramatic site of an extraordinary theater. Super photos and a detailed history page.

Theatres in Saint Petersburg (Saint Petersburg RUSSIA)
http://www.ostwest.com/en/russian-cities/stpetersburg/sightseeing/theatres/

Bruce's Super Cinema Website (SCOTLAND)
http://www.scotland-heritage.org
A wonderful site, some sections under construction, but well worth the visit. Bruce thoughtfully includes some delicious art deco Paramount theaters in and around London "especially for our American viewers!"

Glasgow Cinemas (SCOTLAND)
http://www.glasgowcinemas.co.uk
Stuart Neville writes, "I recently started my own website on the history of cinemas in Glasgow, Scotland." Thanks Neville!

Glasgow Cinemas (Glasgow SCOTLAND)
http://www.chem.gla.ac.uk/~gbarr/cinemas/
Scores of links to Scottish theaters, our first entries from that corner of the UK! Some are operational, some just a pleasant memory. Gordon Barr has done an outstanding job of listing and maintaining this complex website.

Glasgow Empire Theatre (Glasgow Scotland)
http://www.freewebs.com/glasgow-empire/
Quite an interesting site, created by Bob Bain, and devoted to the "late" Empire Theatre, that was demolished in 1963. This site is full of information about the Empire and its history. Take a long look.

Draken Cinerama (SWEDEN)
http://www1.tripnet.se/~adler/draken/
Great vintage photos and history showing the wide-ranging appeal of Cinerama. THS's own Kjell Furberg was a contributor to this site.

Kjell Furberg's Swedish Cinema Theatres (SWEDEN)
http://www.algonet.se/~furberg
A wonderfully done site on the history of cinema in Sweden by our new (and thus far only) THSA member there, recently translated into English for us to enjoy!

Vinterplatset [The Winter Place] (SWEDEN)
http://www.comp.brad.ac.uk/research/GIP/pictureville.html
This Swedish Cinerama site has wonderful pictures and a great narrative by the Swedish Widescreen Centre.

Serbian National Theatre (Novi Sad YUGOSLAVIA)
http://www.snp.org.yu/
The home page allows you to select the English language version of this elegant, inviting website. Founded in 1861, the site details the long and dramatic history of this theater company. Please be patient with the somewhat longer than normal load time for this site. After all, it is coming a LONG way! P.S. Director Ivan M. Lalic extends a cordial invitation for all THS-ers to visit him and his theater should you be in the neighborhood.

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