Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 12 November 1927, page 31


PALAIS PICTURES.

NEW THEATRE AT ST. KILDA,

largest in Australasia.

On the Site formerly occupied by the old wooden structure of the same name, which was destroyed by fire early last year, a new Palais Picture Theatre has been erected on the Lower Esplanad, St Kilda, it a cost of £140,000. To mark the opening of the building, a special performance was given in the theatre last night, for which 1,500 invitations were issued by the direc-tors of Palais Pictures Ltd. This evening the theatre will be opened to the public

for the first time.

Constructed of brick and concrete, the

theatre is imposing in appearance, and is

a handsome addition to the places of amusement

on the St Kilda Esplanade. It has seating accommodation for 3,000, and in this respect it is claimed to be the largest theatre in Australia. It is also claimed to be the most beautiful. On either side of the main entrance foyer, richly carpeted stairways

lead to the dress circle foyer, where the ceiling is supported four scaglioli columns at the corners of the gallery of the lounge overlooking the entrance hall.

Suspended above this is a huge old brass chandelier weighing 17½ cwt. On this 180 electric candles burn. The brass fittings on the stairways and doors, and the lighting fittings are a feature of the interior decoration. The building has been furnished

on an elaborate scale, combining a

composite style, mainly Oriental and French in character, and the walls have been decorated by the ancient Spanish method of steepling.

The picture shown last night was "Seventh Heaven." which will begin a season at the Capitol Theatre next Satur-day. The leading parts are played by Miss Janet Gaynor and Mr. Charles Farrell. A pleasing musical programme was con-tributed by the orchestra under the direc-tion of Mr. Harry Jacobs.

The theatre was formally opened by the mayor of St. Kilda (Councillor F. L Daw-kins), who said that as far as possible Australian materials had been used in its construction, and Australian workmen had been employed. Only 1 per cent of the materials used had been imported.

The chairman of the foreshore committee of St. Kilda (Councillor O'Donnell) also

spoke

Both speakers paid tribute to the enter-prise of the management in errecting such a

building.

Mr. H. F. Phillips (chairman) responded on behalf of the board of directors of the

theatre