Odeon Theatre 167 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS - UPDATE

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Odeon Theatre 167 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS - UPDATE

Photo - DARK MOFO.

By 1970 the Odeon was the theatre of yesterday, yet help was at hand in the form of the national broadcaster who moved into the building.

“The ABC took it over and used it as a concert hall for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra [TSO],” Dr Petrow said.

But over time it became apparent the dressing rooms and backstage facilities were simply not adequate for a world-class symphony orchestra, so the ABC Shop and TSO moved out.

“The Christian City Church took it over,” Dr Petrow said. “They need a place where they could make a lot of noise on a Sunday morning.”

Once again the interior was renovated, with many of the original art deco features being restored. In 2009 the church too moved, selling the building to a Melbourne developer.

The Odeon lay mostly silent for a few years until it was reopened as a live music venue for the Dark Mofo festivals, as well as hosting occasional mid-sized concerts throughout the year.

The future of the theatre is now uncertain after the Hobart City Council gave permission for the current owner to partially demolish the 1916 cinema. The curtain may finally draw on this unique Tasmanian landmark.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -