Civic Theatre

375 Hunter Street,
Newcastle, NSW 2300

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Related Websites

Civic Theatre, Newcastle (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Hoyts Theatres

Architects: Henry Eli White

Functions: Concerts, Live Performances, Live Theatre

Styles: Mediterranean Revival, Moorish

Previous Names: Municipal Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 61024.929.1977

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Civic Theatre

Built as part of the Town Hall complex, the Civic Theatre was opened on 12th December 1929 with the ‘100% talkie sensation’ "Behind the Curtain". The building contained 14 shops along Hunter Street, which brought in extra income.

The decorative scheme of the 1,723-seat auditorium was in a modified Empire style, with Spanish/Moroccan overtones. There is a large ornamental dome in the ceiling, and huge recessed arches over the Royal boxes which flank the stage. Designed for both live theatre and cinema use, the stage is 91 feet wide and 39 feet deep. The proscenium, which has a Classical frieze is 40 feet wide.

First operated by Northern Amusements, it came under the control of Hoyts Theatres chain in 1941. Hoyts closed the Civic Theatre as a cinema on 10th October 1973, and it was taken over by Newcastle City Council. The building was now Listed by the National Trust as an historic building. It was converted into a live theatre and continues in this use today.

Contributed by Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on March 28, 2010 at 10:25 am

The Civic Theatre and City Hall clock tower photographed in December 2009:
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The auditorium, photographed in October 2005:
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