St. James Theatre

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Uploaded on: October 31, 2026

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Sydney’s ornate Adam-style St James Theatre was built as a live venue in 1926 by theatrical entrepreneurial brothers Ben and John Fuller, Jr. Marble vestibules, walls, stairs, fluted columns, wrought copper copings, rich traceries, classic medallions, a scheme of decoration gorgeously developed in peacock blue and steel grey, rich vieux rose pile carpets and upholstery all combining to produce an effect of lavish beauty befitting a venue claiming to be Australia’s theater magnificent. After just a few years the St James was converted for motion picture exhibition and was operated by MGM as their prime Australian cinema outlet for four decades until its sale in 1970, followed by closure and demolition the following year. Colorized from Barry Sharp Collection.