Newcastle, the second oldest city in Australia is a potpourri of various cultural
elements. This city was previously the penal settlement for twenty years and before
colonization by the European powers, Newcastle was home to the Awabakal and Worimi
Aboriginal People. Being the trade hub and the port city of New South Wales, much
cultural intercourse between Newcastle and other overseas countries have taken
place.
Many events and festivals take place in this city and the large number of cinemas
and theatres present in the city proves the fact that Newcastle has an illustrious
culture indeed!
There are various theatres in the city and the major theatre is the Civic Theatre,
Newcastle that is situated in Hunter Street. This theatre can accommodate upto
1500 people. The Civic Theatre is one of the historical theatres of the city
that was constructed in 1928 and flaunts the décor of a Picture Palace.
In the yesteryears, the most famous theatre was the Victoria Theatre located
in the Perkins Street. This old theatre was set up in 1890 and could accommodate
around 1750 people. Feted international opera companies like the D'Oyly Carte
Opera Company used to host operas in which famous performers like Dame Nellie
Melba, Gladys Moncrieff, and Richard Tauber had featured. However it is now
closed and non-functional.
The Century Theatre and Broadmeadow constituted in 1941, was used as a cinema
and also served as a renowned Symphony orchestra site; it was destroyed in 1990.
Gradually there was a decline in the cinemas and theatres in Australia owing
to the increased popularity of television. The interest of the Australians towards
cinemas and theatres was later revived.
The Shootout Film Festival first came into existence in 1999 in Newcastle.
In this film festival, the filmmakers assemble at a singular venue to create
a short film in twenty-four hours and takes place in July.
The following are the list of renowned cinemas in Newcastle where the Australian
as well as Hollywood Movies is showed-
- Civic Theatre
- Intimate Theatre Co
- Newcastle Repertory Club Inc
- Regal Cinema
- Tantrum Theatre Co-Op Ltd
- The Greater Union Tower Cinemas
- The University of Newcastle
- Young Peoples Theatre Incorporated
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