Odeon Theatre, Hobart

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This article is about the historic theatre in Hobart, Tasmania. For other uses, see Odeon Theatre.
Odeon Theatre
The Strand Theatre, ABC Odeon Theatre
Odeon Theatre at night in Hobart, Tasmania in the 1970s.jpg
Odeon Theatre at night, 1970s
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
Address167 Liverpool Street
Hobart, Tasmania
Australia
Coordinates42°52′59.4″S 147°19′29.27″E / 42.883167°S 147.3247972°E / -42.883167; 147.3247972Coordinates: 42°52′59.4″S 147°19′29.27″E / 42.883167°S 147.3247972°E / -42.883167; 147.3247972
OwnerRiverlee
Capacity1,690[2]
Current uselive entertainment
Construction
Opened21 May 1916; 106 years ago (1916-05-21)
Rebuilt1956
Years active1916-1970, 2011-present
ArchitectGeorge Stanley Crisp (1916)[1]
Guy Crick & Associates (1956)
Website
Official site

The Odeon Theatre (formerly known as The Strand Theatre) is a historic live entertainment venue and former cinema in the city of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

History[]

The idea for a world-class theatre for the people of Tasmania was conceived by merchant E.J. Miller, who made his fortune on the Zeehan mineral field.[3] Miller would have witnessed the rising popularity of the first silent films in vaudeville programming at the Gaiety Theatre and Theatre Royal in the township of Zeehan. Travelling to the United States, Miller visited every major city and studied the latest picture theatre designs to immerse himself in the emerging industry. On his return to Tasmania he engaged with Hobart architect George Stanley Crisp, who had previously designed the Art Nouveau Palace Theatre opposite the Hobart GPO on Elizabeth Street. Located on the corner of Liverpool Street and Watchorn Street, Miller's original theatre design was intended to be a replica of The Strand in New York.[4]

The original façade of The Strand pictured in 1929, featuring a checkered parapet, composite order pilasters, leadlight windows and wrought iron lanterns

The Strand Theatre[]

An exceptional example of the Federation Free Classical style, the building featured an iconic checkered parapet, composite order pilasters, decorative cornices, leadlight windows and wrought iron lanterns. Internally, it featured seating for 1,200 people (719 in the stalls and 481 in the dress circle),[3] a Tasmanian Blackwood staircase and dress circle, Wunderlich ceilings, three cloak rooms, immersive wall murals, as well as fixtures and fittings manufactured in Glenorchy.[4] Built as a silent picture house, when The Strand Theatre opened on May 22, 1916, mayor L.H. Macleod declared "this is undoubtedly the finest building in Tasmania".[4] The venue was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including dimmable atmospheric lighting, early electric ticketing machines, projection equipment imported from Britain and a six-rank Wurlitzer organ, the only of its kind in Tasmania. The organ was operated by Ben Corrick, who also conducted The Strand Orchestra (on occasion from behind the organ's console) between 1920 and 1928.[2][4][5] Located at the west end of Hobart's CBD along the busy Liverpool Street tram line and directly opposite His Majesty's Theatre, locals referred to the "west end" when visiting the pictures or theatre. Village Cinemas capitalised on this in 1976, naming Tasmania's first multiplex on nearby Collins Street the West End Twin.

From 1918 to 1920, nimbyism lead to some residents demanding the government set up a Board of Censors to protect Tasmanian audiences from the "moral decay" associated with the show business world, escalating after a screening of Enlighten Thy Daughter at The Strand in 1920. The board was dissolved when the exhibitor complained of reduced patronage.[2][4]

The cinema was taken over by Union Theatres, remodelled and relaunched with the Marx Brothers film The Cocoanuts in 1929.[2] Sound equipment was installed and the venue was colloquially referred to as the "New Strand Theatre".[6] The impact of sound lead to the disbanding of The Strand Orchestra and by 1940 the Wurlitzer was out of use.[7] The Strand hosted Tasmanian premieres for many Australian-made films, including Jewelled Nights (1925), which was attended by author Marie Bjelke Petersen, future-Prime Minister Joseph Lyons (then-Premier of Tasmania), Dame Enid Lyons and mayor F. D. Valentine.[8] Other Tasmanian premieres included The Squatter's Daughter, with a special appearance from actress Jocelyn Howarth,[9] A Son is Born[10] and the Australian premiere of Wherever She Goes (1951), a film about the life Zeehan-born pianist Eileen Joyce, which was introduced by Tasmanian Premier Robert Cosgrove.[11][12]

The modernisation of the Odeon Theatre resulted in the exterior being concealed in cladding. Pictured in the 1970s

Modernisation as the Odeon[]

In the mid-1950s, then-exhibitor Greater Union engaged with Sydney-based architects Guy Crick & Associates to modernise the theatre. The Strand underwent serious alterations, leaving the building both internally and externally unrecognisable. The façade was covered in rainscreen cladding to present in a modernist style. To achieve this effect, its cornices and pilasters were chiseled back, its parapet was partially levelled, leadlight windows discarded and wrought iron features removed. Modernist neon signage was erected. It reopened as the Odeon Theatre in 1956, the year of the Melbourne Olympics which saw the introduction of television across Australia. Although branded as "The Theatre of Tomorrow", Greater Union did not foresee the lasting effect of television.[13]

The cinema last used the orchestra pit for musical entertainment in 1957 to raise funds for a Miss Tasmania contest, named "Miss Greater Union Theatres".[7] Based on the novel by Nan Chauncy, the Tasmanian feature film They Found a Cave premiered at the Odeon Theatre on 20 December 1962.[14]

ABC Odeon Theatre[]

The Odeon fell into financial hardship and was purchased by the ABC in 1970, becoming a recording studio for ABC Radio. During the ABC's tenureship, it was known as the ABC Odeon Theatre, and internally referred to as Studio 720. At some point, pieces of cladding were removed to reveal several windows, including the central arch, to allow more light into the upstairs foyer.[15] It became the home of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) in 1973. The TSO broadcast many radio and television performances from the theatre and recorded several albums. In 1978, vocalist Judith Durham of The Seekers and pianist Ron Edgeworth recorded material for their live album, The Hot Jazz Duo at the theatre. Other musicians to record at the Odeon include Larry Sitsky, Jan Sedivka, Ade Monsbourgh, Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston, Guy Noble, Deborah Conway, George Dreyfus, Scared Weird Little Guys, David Porcelijn,[16] James Ledger,[17] tenor Donald Smith, composer Michael Smetanin[18] and the Australian Rosny Children's Choir.[19][20] An ABC Shop occupied the Watchorn Street corner shopfront in the 1990s.

New LED signage based on the original 1956 neon was erected in 2018

Over time, the world-class orchestra outgrew the theatre's amenities, with the dressing rooms and backstage facilities noted as being especially inadequate. After 28 years, the TSO relocated to Federation Concert Hall in 2001. The Odeon was then purchased by the Christian City Church, who renovated the interior and restored many of the original Federation-era features.[4]

Riverlee and DarkLab redevelopment[]

In 2009, the Christian City Church sold the Odeon to Melbourne-based developer Riverlee. The building remained dormant for several years until it reopened as a live entertainment venue, charged by events curated for the MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo festivals. Hobart City Council gave permission for the building to be partially demolished in 2015. Initially, Riverlee planned to develop the building into a $69 million 11-story office tower accommodating some 1,850 workers, and included shops, restaurants and car parking.[21][22] The original building façade, disfigured beneath its 1950s cladding, was required to be retained and restored.[23][24]

Riverlee acquired more properties on the block bound by Liverpool Street, Murray Street, and Watchorn Street that contain the Odeon Theatre and Tattersalls Hotel. The site has an 80-metre frontage along Liverpool Street. A town planning permit has been obtained for a commercial building of over 20,000sqm net lettable area.[25][26]

Currently the Odeon is in a redesign phase to incorporate a $5 million mixed-use scheme that retains the theatre in partnership with the Museum of Old and New Art's DarkLab, which works on creative projects outside the usual scope of Mona. The site is being developed as part of the "Hanging Garden" precinct.[27][28]

Contemporary use[]

Following a sold-out show of Queens of the Stone Age at the Odeon in 2014,[29] the venue has been utilised by MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo festivals hosting events including Laurie Anderson, Nick Cave, Sarah Blasko, Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Cate Le Bon, Sharon Van Etten, Nick Murphy, Tim Minchin, Everclear, The Tea Party, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Einstürzende Neubauten and Xavier Rudd.[30][31] It has also been used as a venue for the Festival of Voices.[32]

Gallery[]

All images have been sourced from the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Odeon Theatre, Hobart.
  • Image showcasing the theatre's iconic checkered parapet and led light windows. Marquee advertising guest Wurlitzer organist, Manny Aarons

    Image showcasing the theatre's iconic checkered parapet and led light windows. Marquee advertising guest Wurlitzer organist, Manny Aarons

  • Interior upstairs foyer featuring a Wunderlich ceiling, blackwood staircase, carpets, lamps, lighting fixtures, paintings, urns and plants

    Interior upstairs foyer featuring a Wunderlich ceiling, blackwood staircase, carpets, lamps, lighting fixtures, paintings, urns and plants

  • Interior of the auditorium, proscenium arch, horseshoe mezzanine, wall murals and Wurlitzer organ

    Interior of the auditorium, proscenium arch, horseshoe mezzanine, wall murals and Wurlitzer organ

  • Interior of the auditorium facing the stalls, showcasing its blackwood mezzanine, Wunderlich ceiling and wall murals

    Interior of the auditorium facing the stalls, showcasing its blackwood mezzanine, Wunderlich ceiling and wall murals

See also[]

List of theatres in Hobart

References[]

  1. ^ Tasmanian Heritage Register Datasheet (PDF), Tasmanian Heritage Council, p. 4, retrieved 12 May 2022
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Odeon Theatre,167 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000". Cinema Treasures. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Martell, Earl (2018). "Cinema Record Quarterly Journal, Issue 100". p. 36. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f McIntyre, Paul (9 November 2015). "The history of Hobart's Odeon Theatre, the 'finest building in Tasmania'". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  5. ^ Corby, Phil (2017). "Cinema Record Quarterly Journal, Issue 94". p. 25. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  6. ^ "At the Theatres: The Strand". Huon Times. Franklin, Tasmania. 1 April 1932. p. 2. Retrieved 15 May 2022 – via Trove.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Corby, Phil (2017). "Cinema Record Quarterly Journal, Issue 94". p. 26. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Jewelled Nights Premiere at The Strand". The Mercury. Hobart. 5 January 1926. p. 4. Retrieved 14 May 2022 – via Trove.
  9. ^ "Entertainments: Strand Theatre". The Mercury. Hobart. 17 October 1933. p. 5. Retrieved 14 May 2022 – via Trove.
  10. ^ "Premiere: A Son Is Born". The Mercury. Hobart. 19 October 1946. p. 6. Retrieved 14 May 2022 – via Trove.
  11. ^ "Odeon Theatre,167 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000 (Photos)". Cinema Treasures. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  12. ^ "Film on Pianist Meets Praise". The Mercury. Hobart. 8 September 1951. p. 3. Retrieved 14 May 2022 – via Trove.
  13. ^ Jacobson, Adrian. "The Companion to Tasmanian History - Picture Theatres". University of Tasmania. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  14. ^ "They Found a Cave". Oz Movies. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  15. ^ Martell, Earl (2018). "Cinema Record Quarterly Journal, Issue 100". p. 37. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  16. ^ "Australian Composers Orchestral Forum 1999". Australian Music Centre. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  17. ^ "Air Man: Full Orchestra by James Ledger (1999)". Australian Music Centre. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  18. ^ "Michael Smetanin: Kuzanagi (1999)". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 19 November 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
  19. ^ "ABC Odeon, Hobart". Discogs. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
  20. ^ Annual Report 1998-99 (PDF), Australian Broadcasting Corporation, p. 63, retrieved 16 May 2022
  21. ^ Howard, Jessica (3 July 2014). "Proposed office development of Hobart's Odeon Theatre on hold until local market improves". The Mercury. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  22. ^ Howard, Jessica (21 April 2015). "Historic Odeon Theatre hits big stage with $69 million multi-purpose makeover". The Mercury. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  23. ^ "Hobart City Council renews demolition green light for Odeon". abc.net.au. 27 October 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  24. ^ Crawley, Jennifer (1 June 2017). "Permit extension call to save the Odeon for Mona's DarkLab arts mecca plan". The Mercury. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  25. ^ ""The Hanging Garden" Precinct". riverlee.com.au. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  26. ^ Howard, Jessica (3 May 2019). "DarkLab and developer Riverlee set to open $5m 'In the Hanging Garden' cultural precinct in Hobart's CBD". The Mercury. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  27. ^ Boyd, Tim (28 May 2019). "Development in Hobart saves historic theatre". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  28. ^ Needham, Jack (22 November 2019). "Riverlee and Darklab permanently reopen In The Hanging Garden in Hobart". commercialrealestate.com.au. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  29. ^ Gelston, Scott (25 March 2014). "Gallery: Queens of the Stone Age play Hobart". The Examiner (Tasmania). Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  30. ^ "The Odeon Theatre". onlytasmania.com.au. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  31. ^ "Odeon Theatre Hobart Concert Setlists". setlist.fm. setlist.fm - The Set List Wiki. At bottom of page, click arrow to go to next page. Concerts may also be searched by artist in top menu. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  32. ^ James, Erin (6 July 2012). "Artistic Director Kris Stewart's top picks for Hobart's Festival of Voices". Aussie Theatre. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
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