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Uploaded on: February 19, 2025

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Photo - Wilbur Kentwell at the Hammond Organ courtesy of Encyclopaedia of Australian Theatre Organs.

Hoyts took over the Savoy Theatre in 1946. Reviews mention “entertainment by Wilbur Kentwell and his ‘toe tapping’ organ music. Kentwell later became a big name in Sydney radio.

The Savoy Theatre, was briefly re-named Hoyts Theatre before it closed on 27th April 1963. It was a dinner theatre for a while, then a ski shop before being rescued as the New Lambton Community Centre.

In detail - The Savoy Theatre opened in 1937. It was the first Australian theatre to be installed with a Hammond organ.1 Regular organist, Wilbur Kentwell’s toe tapping performances became a standard feature at the Savoy. He played before movies, during the interval and as the closing credits rolled, even taking song requests during the interval.2 This organ entertainment that became such a part of the character of the Savoy was reminiscent of the era of silent movies, when pianists would play music to match the tone of the scene on the screen. In the 1940s, the Savoy was taken over by cinema chain, Hoyts.

In 1969 it ceased operating as a theatre. It was converted into a community hall in 1985 and is still used for that purpose today.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -