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Uploaded on: December 31, 2025

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The original Nhill Theatre was built by the Kierse family in the late-1880’s with a seating capacity of 500.

It was of simple design and constructed of timber framing and galvanized iron. The roof incorporated movable panels which slid back to allow improved ventilation. Audiences of the era liked the idea of watching movies under the stars. The building was also used for roller skating.

Films were the main business and for a short period of time were supplied by traveling Picture Show Men, such as Scott’s and Royal Pictures.

On Thursday 12th April 1914 a great panic was caused when nitrate film owned by the Melba Picture Company seized in the film gate and burst into flames. The cry of fire went up as the flames leapt to the ceiling of the building. Mr Hunt(the operator) battled hard to subdue the outbreak, and in doing so was severely burnt about the body, arms and hands. As luck would have it the building was saved, and nobody was injured other than the operator.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -