Located in the leafy suburb of Kensington Parks sits the grand Regal Theatre, which has recently undergone restorations to bring it back to its former glory.
Previously known as the Princess Theatre, it opened its doors for the first time back in 1925.
The theatre was designed for the National Picture Theatre chain by South Australian architect, Chris A Smith.
The COVID-induced closure at the beginning of the year was a blessing in disguise for the theatre, as it gave the owners time to restore the interiors.
The last time the theatre went under interior renovations was in 1984.
Almost 40 years later, and it was time for a facelift.
Taking just over six months to complete, the restorations for The Regal Theatre include a fresh coat of paint across the whole cinema (with pops of colour added to the once entirely beige interior), 511 brand new, comfortable cinema seats, a full restoration to the theatre’s elaborate woodwork, and a complete re-carpeting with an ornate carpet shipped from the UK.
The renovations have seen a new life given to the theatre by the Burnside Council.
The City of Burnside implemented a conservation management plan for the cinema to guide the development, conservation and ongoing maintenance of the building.
The restorations have been done based upon an understanding of the history, significance and physical condition of the building.
The theatre officially re-opened over last weekend with a screening of the classic 1940s film, Casablanca, a movie that would have been airing around the same time the theatre first opened its doors.
Of course with stellar new renovations, you need a stellar line up of acts, and thanks to local arts gurus, Markus Hamence and Kathryn McGown, there’s an epic line up coming to the Regal Theatre.
Both with an incredible history in the arts industry here in Adelaide, Kathryn and Markus recently announced their new project, Roulette.
Roulette was launched to promote and produce shows to bring Adelaide’s arts scene back to life after COVID.
The fun all kicks off this weekend, 16 and 17 October, with Todd McKenney taking centre stage for a Grand Night at the Regal.
One of Australia’s most versatile performing artists, he is an award-winning and critically acclaimed performer on stage and screen.
Get your tickets for the event here.
Todd isn’t the only one gracing centre stage.
Thanks to Roulette, The Regal Theatre will be hosting a myriad of events in the coming months. See the full line-up below:
A Grand Night at The Regal with Michael Griffiths
Saturday 17 October at 8pm.
Acclaimed cabaret and theatre star Michael Griffiths has performed his highly applauded show all around the world. From New York to Edinburgh, Australian Fringe to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, now Michael brings his Cole Porter & Peter Allen shows together with his band for one special night for The Regal Theatre re-opening weekend gala.
A Grand Night at The Regal with Fever – Sunday Soiree
Sunday 18 October at 2:30pm.
The Kym Purling Trio featuring Katrina Ryan & Anita Wardell present the best swing, jazz and scat songs of legendary singers Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald.
Carlotta – I’m Not Dead Yet, Darlings!
Thursday 19 November at 7:30pm.
Following a sell-out season at Adelaide Fringe last year, Carlotta is back in Adelaide with a new show, ‘I’m Not Dead Yet, Darlings!’ for ‘Roulette – A Starry Festival 2020’ with more stories and songs from 50 years on and off the stage. Australian icon, political activist and living legend, Carlotta has led an extraordinary life. Good times and bum times, she’s seen them all and my dear and she’s still here. Accompanied on piano by Helpmann Award winner Michael Griffiths plus very special guest, Les Girls and Adelaide icon, Vonni.
Trevor Ashley – Ring Them Bells! A Very Liza Xmas
Friday 20 November at 8pm.
Australia’s queen of cabaret, Trevor Ashley, brings his brand new Liza Minnelli show to town. In the most fun way to cap off the craziest of years, join Ms Minnelli as she stumbles her way through a fabulously festive catalogue of songs, with smatterings of mistletoe and lashings of egg nog. From Silver Bells to White Christmas, Liza will regale you with stories from her childhood with Mama under the tree, and that time she missed it completely while dancing at Studio 54.
Find The Regal Theatre at 275 Kensington Road, Kensington Park.
For more information click here.
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