Roxy Theatre

The Roxy Theatre, Cootamundra was opened on 3rd February 1936 with Nelson Eddy & Jeanette MacDonald in “Naughty Marietta”, plus Laurel & Hardy in “Tit for Tat” and 3 Technicolor featurettes. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Mayor, Alderman J. Rinkin. During the ceremony he complemented the architect George Mammatt and the owners Cootamundra Theatres Ltd. (under the direction of James Simos) and “felt that the erection of such a fine building would materially enhance the prestige of Cootamundra as a desirable place in which to live. By reason of its location, the splendour of its architecture and the solidity of its construction, the theatre added a charm and beauty of the main business centre of the town and would enhance the value of other property in the locality”. The buildings influence was described as and excellent example of 1930’s Art Deco style with a hint of Egyptian style.

The bio box was equipped with the very latest equipment which included Cummings & Wilson projectors with an RCA sound system. Seating was provided for 1,068, with 721-seats in the stalls and 347-seats in the circle.

On 16th September 1938, Cootamundra was shocked when the very sad news spread that the esteemed and much loved manager & part owner of the Roxy Theatre had come to a tragic end whilst driving his car across the Spit Bridge between Sydney & Manly. Mr Simos had gone to Sydney with his wife & family for a holiday. His health was poorly, and he was in Sydney consulting a specialist. It is thought he collapsed at the wheel, while the car out of control, crashed through the bridge railings into the water of Middle Harbour. He was trapped in the submerged car for about 20 minutes. He was survived by his widow Gracie and two children Peter & Ian, aged 7 & 5 years old. Mr Simos was aged 44 and had migrated to Australia 24 years previous from Mytilene (Greece) in the Aegean Islands group.

Despite the loss of its founder, the Roxy Theatre flourished for many years as a cinema, and was the centre of many social occasions, which included Anzac commemoration services and the raising of monies for the War Memorial Fund. However, the effects of later hotel opening hours, the growth of licenced clubs and ultimately the rapid spread of Television brought about the decline in cinema exhibition in Cootamundra. On 6th October 1992 its then owner the adjacent RSL Club, commenced demolition. It is difficult for the modern reader to appreciate how the decline of cinema attendance in the years after the introduction of Television effected exhibitors and their livelihoods.

An attempt was made to save the Roxy Theatre from demolition in 1985, however the paperwork held by the NSW Department of Planning had been ‘lost’. This was confirmed by the National Trust. An earlier report had recommended that the 56-years old theatre be listed as a Heritage building. The recommendation was set to be passed by the then Minister, however its paperwork was ‘lost’ within the system.

The President of the NSW National Trust was reported as saying that “the demolition of the theatre was just another case of ‘disaster’ for conservation in the State”. Sadly, he was merely lamenting its architectural loss, rather than focusing on the broader issue of Greek-Australian cinema heritage. What makes the situation even more ludicrous is the reason given in the newspaper for its demolition. When the Minister for Planning was asked to place an emergency protective order on the site, administrators in his department stated “it was ‘uneconomical’ to save the Roxy Theatre”. He was also told “that there were a number of Art Deco style theatres like the Roxy Theatre still in existence” thus the Roxy Theatre, one of a few buildings which still maintained its Art Deco style features, both with its façade and internal furnishings" was reduced to rubble to make room for a car park!

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