Images via City of Charles Sturt
50 years after closing its doors as a suburban picture theatre, Woodville Town Hall is taking us back in time with the ultimate family movie night! On Saturday, November 16th, enjoy two fantastic family-friendly movies in this beloved historic venue.
The event kicks off as doors open at 3:30pm, with the first film beginning at 4:00pm. First, enjoy the family classic Shrek at 4:00 pm, followed by The Princess Bride at 6:30 pm. These were voted on by the local community, with The Princess Bride being the overwhelming winner. Entry for the event is free, and refreshments will be available at the snack bar. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, rugs, and bean bags, but alcohol must be purchased at the bar.
“It’s the perfect family evening- the Woodville Town Hall is magical- built in 1903 originally as council offices and chambers, it was enlarged multiple times to add a supper room (Now known as Murree Smith Hall) and again in the 1940s to become a perfect location for civic functions and community celebrations,” shares Anna Thomas from the Woodville Town Hall.
“Great care has been taken to maintain its ornate features, 1930’s style bar and incredible large crystal chandeliers that still grace the main hall today. It’s charming, historic, and stunning, and it’s the perfect opportunity for the local community and abroad to visit the hall and see just how magnificent it is.”
The picture theatre opened in 1927 and ran for 47 years until 1974. The building remains one of the few theatres from this era that is still relatively intact.
The building was designed by Sydney-based architects Kaberry and Chard and remains a rare display of their work. The hall’s construction was a key development moment for Woodville, and as shared in the 1927 opening night booklet, it was quite significant for the progressive suburb:
“Time had it when any old barn sufficed for a picture show. People were content to witness crude productions under primitive conditions, only the expensive ‘seats’ boasted the slightest comfort and ‘music’ from a time-worn piano was considered a luxury.
Times have changed! for the Woodville Hall has all the embellishments of the modern theatre.”
The theatre claimed to have the largest suburban orchestra in Australia and was adorned with luxury fittings and elaborate furnishings. Upstairs was a ‘Lounge De Luxe’ and ‘Dress Circle’ seating, offset perfectly with atmospheric, colour-changing lighting, and five crystal chandeliers that still grace the hall today.
Although its origins are as a silent movie theatre, within three years of its opening, the hall converted its technology to premier its first ‘talkie’ film in April of 1930. Upgrades continued to occur throughout the years, but the original 1927 proscenium surrounding the stage survives to this day.
The hall continued as a suburban theatre, for many years despite the impact of television, but on Saturday, November 9th, 1974, the theatre closed its doors. Now, 50 years on, the hall is returning to its roots in this exciting one-off event.
“Woodville Town Hall is committed to ensuring the venue is accessible to all- our main entrance is flat with wide doors, there is an accessible unisex bathroom in the ground floor lobby- that also has baby changing facilities, there is lift access to the stage and dress circle, accessible parking spaces in the car park behind the venue, in addition, a hearing loop is installed in the dress circle, and assistance animals are always welcome,” shared Anna.
These days Woodville Town Hall is a cultural hub in the Charles Sturt Council and serves as an important social destination and a place where people and communities come together.
“We are committed to supporting local artists, comedy, live music and events and helping bring their benefits to all our community. We host private events such as weddings, not-for-profit fundraising events, community and cultural celebrations, citizenship ceremonies, and many commercial entertainment events.”
What better excuse to get the family together and celebrate the rich history of this suburban landmark!
For more information, and to reserve your spot, click here.
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