Prince Regent Theatre

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Prince Regent Theatre Hamilton, VIC

Statement of Significance

SIGNIFICANCE: Major cinema in Hamilton and dominant element in streetscape

The former Prince Regent Theatre, opened in September 1927, (i) has local significance for its architectural interest and for its historical importance as a major entertainment centre for Hamiltonians in an exciting decade with increasing leisure opportunities and activities. The pictures became so popular that Hamilton was able to support two theatres. For several years in the 1920s regular shows were held at the town hall, where `talkies' made their first appearance in September 1929. (ii) However, the Prince Regent Theatre, built two years earlier by a local contractor, W T Stephens, using mainly local workers, and designed by a Melbourne architect who specialized in picture theatre construction, (iii) became a serious rival.

The owners of the new theatre, The Combined Victorian Theatres Limited, planned to use the building not only for movies but for J C Williamson plays. (iv) From 1932 the Prince Regent Theatre reigned supreme as a movie house, one of its shows, the Marx Brothers' Monkey Business, being regarded as the `funniest film seen in Hamilton'.

The Regent Theatre is a typical example of the free Classical Revival style used for cinemas in the twenties and predates the more sophisticated architecture of the Depression and post-Depression booms in film-going. The alternative was the exotic styles of the great metropolitan cinemas although the regent is exotic enough with its combination of Adamesque and Mannerist details. Despite its conversion the building remains substantially intact and is in good condition. It is a critical element within the streetscape because of its complex forms and large scale.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -