The Kings Cross Theatre was located at the corner of Darlinghurst Road and Victoria Street, Sydney, between 1916 and 1966.
History The Kings Cross Theatre and opened on Friday 14 April 1916.KING'S CROSS PICTURE THEATRE. (15 April 1916). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 6. Retrieved 12 September 2021 The Theatre was managed by Waddigton's and boasted 2000 seats, a new ventilation system and beautifully decorated stage.BLANCHE SWEET TRANSFERRED. (16 April 1916). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 19. Retrieved 12 September 2021WADDINGTON'S NEW THEATRE (2 April 1916). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved 12 September 2021 The Secret Orchard starring Blanche Sweet was chosen for the opening night and within a few weeks its nightly showings became a popular venue for Sydneysiders.KING'S CROSS THEATRE (30 April 1916). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved 12 September 2021
In August 1928 the theatre was renovated to increase its seating capacity and install a Wurlitzer orchestral organ. The total amount for the alterations and additions to the theatre was £15.000.KING'S CROSS THEATRE (12 August 1928). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved 12 September 2021 The addition of the Grand Wurlitzer was of some importance at the time as Waddington's engaged Joseph Wayne from America to play the organ augmented with an orchestra.KING'S CROSS THEATRE. The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954) 13 August 1928: 5 (FINAL EXTRA). Web. 12 Sep 2021. The theatre underwent further renovations in 1935 to extend the seating and redecorate the interior.CITY ENTERTAINS SUBURBS (10 March 1935). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 22 (COUNTRY EDITION). Retrieved 12 September 2021
In 1963 the theatre was closed and the Proclamation published in the Government Gazette of 20 April 1916 was revoked.THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS ACT, 1908, AS AMENDED.—PROCLAMATION (13 December 1963). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3665. Retrieved 12 September 2021 Between 1963 and 1966 the site was occupied by John Harrigan's Surf City. The building was demolished in 1966 and replaced by the Crest Hotel.Kings Cross Theatre Dictionary of Sydney
Not far on same side along Darlighurst Road to the north was the Kings Cross News Reel. Contrary to its name, in the 1950s this 298-seat upstairs joint, managed by K F E Cook, showed feature films of the vintage variety.
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