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The Wondergraph Theatre was built at 27 Hindley Street, Adelaide city, by C. H. Martin to the design of Adelaide architects Garlick & Jackman in 1912-1913 for £60,000.

Photo - 1927

Its two distinctive domes were topped with high swan-necked lights each side of an ornate “temple of dreams” arched façade. Seating 1,800, the Wondergraph’s main hall was proclaimed the “prettiest chamber of its kind in the commonwealth” at its opening in September 1913.

The Wondergraph design also provided for an arched sound board between the stage and an orchestra space of up 60 players.

Along with the Regent in King William Street, Adelaide city, it was the first cinema in Adelaide to screen talkies.

The Wondergraph theatre was taken over by Union Theatres in 1929 and renamed the Civic in 1932. While some of its elaborate exterior décor was removed, it was still regarded as a premier cinema.

In 1956, the cinema was again remodelled and renamed the State Theatre, although not reflecting the luxury of State theatres in Melbourne and Sydney. CinemaScope and air conditioning were added. The building ceased to be a cinema in 1977.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -