STATE THEATRE
The State Theatre is without doubt a truly
magnificent and unique building.
Its importance has been recognised by The National Trust of Australia that has
classified it as "a building of great historical significance and high
architectural quality, the preservation of which is regarded as essential to our
heritage".
Alongside other Sydney icons, the State Theatre occupies a magical place in the
hearts and minds of generations of its patrons. For over 70 years it has
enchanted and captivated all those who have used and continue to use its
surroundings and facilities.
Since opening in 1929, this 2000 seat venue has been owned and operated by the
Greater Union Organisation, part of the AHL group of companies. The
inspirational design of architect Henry White fuses eclectic elements of Gothic,
Italian and Art deco design to produce an exquisite theatre, which can truly be
described as a "Palace of Dreams".
The State Theatre palatial interiors feature artworks and fixtures of rare
significance. The Dress Circle gallery houses artworks by significant Australian
artists including William Dobell and Charles Wheeler whilst located in
auditorium, the Koh-I-Nor cut crystal chandelier is the second largest on earth,
weighing over four tonnes.
From the opening performance, the State Theatre has been an integral part of the
social and cultural fabric of Sydney. Its unparalleled history is a reflection
of a dynamic city's changing face, acting like a mirror to nearly a century of
progress.
It was created as the "Palace of Dreams" and through fun, laughter, music,
drama, romance and art it will continue to reflect the dreams and hopes of all
those who grace its doors.
So why not take a "walk back through time" By clicking any of the "thumbnails"
below you can take a look at the past and see why the State Theatre is so
special.
The State Theatre opened on the 7th of June
1929. The Theatre was the vision of Stuart Doyle, owner of Union Theatres and
the esteemed architect Henry White. It was to be seen as "The Empire's Greatest
Theatre" and was designed as a picture palace when such monuments to movies were
at their grandest and most spectacular.
During its first week patrons were offered "entertainment of unparalleled
magnificence".
The opening night's performance featured noted bandleader Will Prior who was
described in the programme as a conductor capable of lifting "jazz to perfection
in a sublime miscellany of melodious rhythm".
The first of countless motion pictures to be shown at the State Theatre was "The
Patriot" accompanied by Price Dunlavy billed as a "debonair genius" playing the
mighty Wurlitzer organ.
Other attractions included Australia's leading soprano Rene Maxwell & the State
Beauty Ballet billed as "a beauty bevy with amazing ability".
The stage was now set for countless performers & films to transport and
entertain literally millions of future customers. After providing an outlet and
a venue for entertainment during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the next
decade saw the spectre of World War return.
Leading up to and during the war, patrons were able to view the latest news via
the theatre's regular screenings of the Movietone news-reels.
The State played its part by continuing to provide an escape for all those
directly and indirectly involved in the conflict. They thrilled to golden
celluloid stars such as Cary Grant , Ronald Colman and Joan Crawford.
Post 1945 , the State once again became the place where Sydneysiders came to
play.
This decade saw the dawning of Australia's
multicultural society with the first wave of post war immigration. Increasing
affluence and economic stability fuelled the rapid expansion of new outer lying
suburbs and helped to create the so-called "baby-boom" generation.
As Television was far from an everyday reality, people lived for live & film
entertainment and the State was the place to be.
A new generation of Hollywood and local stars had arisen during this decade.
Film attractions appearing in this decade included James Stewart in "Bend of the
River" and Virginia McKenna staring in an adaptation of Neville Shute classic
book "A town like Alice".
The 1960's saw Australia in a period of radical
change reflected in the growth of pop culture and increasing opposition to the
Vietnam conflict, which mirrored social upheaval around the globe.
In times of change, people often look to entertainment as a release and again
the State Theatre provided the outlet.
The changing times are reflected in the films on offer which in 1960 included
Yul Bryner in "Once More with Feeling" whilst by 1969 the sexual farce "Can
Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and find true Happines" was being
shown.
The growing of permissiveness in 1970's
Australian society and the rejection of more "traditional" values is seen in the
anti censorship demonstrations surrounding the film "Medium Cool".
In 1974, the State Theatre became the home of the prestigious Sydney Film
Festival and has continued to play host to this event for two weeks in June,
each subsequent year.
In terms of film entertainment, the advent of television during the late 1960's
and early 1970's saw film-makers turn towards the Hollywood "blockbuster" as a
means of returning lost patrons to the cinema. Such films included blockbusters
like The Godfather and Jaws, but a low budget horror movie "Count Yorga Vampire"
was also a huge hit to the extent that, as one newspaper reported, police had to
be brought in to control the crowds in Market Street.
The 1980s are often described as an unremarkable
decade, best remembered for the Rubik Cube and the rise of arcade games.
It was however a time of great change for the State Theatre. After a magnificent
restoration of its facilities, the State reopened in 1980 with Bette Midler
starring in the concert film "Divine Madness". Two years earlier the "Divine Ms
M" had in person, enjoyed a series of triumphant live concerts at the theatre.
On the screen, ET- The Extraterrestrial, came to earth in 1982 and made a home
at the State.
This decade saw the State Theatre return to its
more traditional roots with numerous live acts & musical theatre performances
gracing its doors.
Like many cities, Sydney has lost many historic live music venues as the
property developers moved in and converted them to new commercial and
residential uses. However the State Theatre continued to be amongst the leading
venues, this position was reinforced with additional renovations undertaken in
the early 1990s.
Performers in this period included Shirley Bassey, Whoopi Goldberg, Rudolph
Nureyev, Harry Connick Jnr. Full theatrical runs were undertaken with stage
musicals such as Evita, The Secret Garden and Anything Goes.
The
State Theatre has long been at the forefront of Sydney's artistic and cultural
life, the theatre is also responding to the changing needs and demands of its
commercial patrons. Commencing in September 2002 the State Ballroom and State 2
levels will be undergoing a major transformation.
The total renovation of these areas utilising the latest technical advances in
audio-visual technologies will result in cutting edge meeting and function
space.
At the State Theatre we are totally committed to providing the highest level of
service, style and entertainment to all theatre patrons across the broadest
possible range of theatrical presentation.
Further information on State Theatre