The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929)(about) |
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Thursday 5 February 1925
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ST. PETERS NEW THEATRE.
An Ambition Realized. Successful Opening.
Without an impressive modern build ing of graceful architecture; tastefully illuminated; within, a restful vista of comfort and softly shaded lights. Such, briefly, describes the appearance on Wednesday night of the new Capitol Theatre, at St. Peters, which will seat 1,900 persons, and, incidentally, is the realization of the cherished ambition of Mr. Dan Clifford, founder of a long line of suburban picture theatres. It was only 10 months ago that the site of this splendid addition to St. Peters public buildings was an untidy paddock, boasting a nondescript shed or two. On Friday evening, the result of an expendi ture of nearly £20,000 was seen to the full when the Mayor (Mr. A. T. Sutton)
MISS MARY CLIFFORD, Managertsj ef the New Capital Theatre at St Peters.
MISS MARY CLIFFORD, Managertsj ef the New Capital Theatre at St Peters.
-fficially declared the theatre open for 'picture, pleasure, and educational pur wses.' The proprietor, Mr. Clifford, was l happy man. Ever since he began busi tess in a small way, many years ago, it lad : been his ambition to construct a heafc to confom to his own ideas, .vhich, meant 'everything of the latest ind best.' To-day, the Cap'tol stands is a monument, npt only- to those ideas. The result of his energy and ability, ia a building, comfortable to a degree, tall, liry, restfully furnished, equipped witli every convenience, and one in which the risk from fire is reduced to a minimum. From the decorative aspect, and the aesthetic viewpoint, the work is a great ichievement. Ingenious' Lighting Scheme. The name 'Capitol' is emblazoned in ;reen light, high on the western front :orner of the building Above the front balcony two large bulbs change their :olour. every instant, the cycle embracing ill the hues of the rainbow, while a profusion of orange lights, adds to the impressive nature of the lighting scheme, [n the vestibule stand two shining ticket jffices, the tiled floor giving access to the stalls entrance and the dress circle lounge. Ihe latter apartment, thickly carpeted, is furnished entirely on the style of the Jacobean period, and the effect is dis tinctive and good. A richly curtained stairway' leads to the dress circle, which iccommodates 730 persons. There all the seating is upholstered in leather. The owner of a bos can enjoy the entertain ment from the depths of an easy chair. Ihe_ front six rown of the circle proper consist of Kettees to accommodate two or more, as the- -case may 'lie. Front here the seats rise tier upon tier to the back of the hall. Seating alone cost £3,000. In the stalls patrons are cool and com fortable, three large exit doors on either side of the buildinsr providing means of speedy departure. A large operating room high at the back of the circle, showing many appertitres, contains the cinemato graph and lanterns which project their pictures to the opposite end of the hall, which resembles a- stape eeti for grand opera rather than for moving pictures. On either wiuir of the crimson curtain which draws back from the screen trellis work and cleverly painted scenes conveys the impression of a cool i^irden just beyond. Members of the orchestra are efconced behind an ornate screen below the purple footlights. Beautiful Colour Scheme. ; Cream, cold, mauve, aud -n-ey blue are elements which comprise a beautiful colour) scheme. Blue curtains, gold fringed, and' biHowing gojd lace drape the spacious win dows flanking the boxes in the circle. Above each, rich scroll work in gold en hances the splendour of the big audi torium. From. high in a ceiling carried out in gold lattice work, three. glittering chandeliers diffuse a. soft, ever-chaugiug colour ou the audience. Four smaller chandeliers are ranged on either side, and shaded lights from. the front cf each pri vate, box. comprise an interior lighting scheme which is as lovely as it is inneni ous. Apart from the orchestra of seven, which is conducted by Miss L. Footc, of St. Peters), and is the largest yet used in any theatre outside the city, there is a staff of 17 attendants. An Auspicious Opening. The opening ceremony on Wednesday evening was most auspicious. The big audience were unstinted in their applause of ilr. Clifford .:nd his achievement. Among the audience were the Lord Mavor (Mr. 0. R. J. Glover), Cr. G. McEwin, and the Mayor of St. Peters (Mr. A. T. SuUon). Mr. Clifford's happy thought of selecting many of his staff from the St. Peters district was referred to in the speech of Mr. Sutton, -who was introduced by Mr. George Morgan, Mr.' Clifford's manager, who supervised the construction of the whole building, including the electric light ing scheme. Mr. Sutton, in congratulating Mr. Clifford; referred to the fact that the decorative scheme had been in thp linmk
of Mr. A. \. Adlam, of St. Peters, and that among the operating staff was another local resident. Mr. Aubrey George. (Applause.) The fact of the oithestra being under the charge of Miss Lozelle Footc was sufficient to -augur for the ex cellence of the musical part of the enter tainment. (Applause.) On behalf of the corporation and people of St. Peters, he wished Mr. Clifford success. He could assure his audience that the tone of the theatre would be maintained as it was in every other theatre owned by Mr. Clifford. The theatre was the largest of its kind in any suburb in Australia, and was the best equipped of any in South Australia. He hoped it would always be the best filled in South Australia. ? (Applause.) Mr. Clifford had nothing but praise for everybody who had helped him to realize] his ambition. He thanked the members of the St. PeteiV Council for the assis tance and advice they had given him dur ing the construction of the building. (Ap plau.se.) Following the gradual dimming ot the light, a most entertaining programme was provided, including 'Life- on an Austra lian Cattle Station; Miss Madge Kennedy in 'Three Miles Out,' and 'K— the Un known;' , The Manageress. Miss .Mary Clifford, who is to be ? the manageress of the new Capitol Tbea:re, has been associated with her brother (Mr. D. Clifford) in connection with hi* picture venture since the beginning. She entered the business when its activities, were cpn fined to the Star Theatre, Torreusville, and the Hindmarsh Town Hall, oud h.is in no small manner materially ^ assisted in building up the business of the enrapauy now known as D. Cliffoffrd Theatres, Limited, of which company she is the secretary . As a most capable manageress she has been in charge of the new Star Theatre, Parkside, since its opening A teacher ' remarked to a pupil — 'Freddie, as a punishment for neglecting your 'lessons to-day yon must stay after school and write the ' word 'fail' 1,000 times.' Freddie— 'How can I, teacher? Yon told us yesterday there was op such word**