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Regent Theatre 21 Murray Street, Colac, VIC

Photo - Building the Paramount theatre, later to become the Regent theatre Colac.

The Methodist Church was demolished and the Paramount Theatre was built on the site. Operated by Mr. J. McDonald the Paramount Theatre was opened in March 1925 with Douglas Fairbanks Sr. in “Thief of Bagdad”. Seating was provided for 1,786, with 1,056- seats in the stalls and 730-seats in the dress circle.

The stage was 30ft wide by 40ft.deep and there were extensive dressing rooms. In 1931 it was bought by Regent Theatres Pty. Ltd. of Geelong and following reconstruction and alterations it was re-named Regent Theatre. It was remodeled in 1939 and the seating capacity was reduced to 1,400.

In 1964 it was purchased by Henry Joseph and was closed on November 19, 1979 with Warren Beatty in “Heaven Can Wait” It was closed in 1963.

Since closing as a cinema, the Regent Theatre has been in use as an RSL (Returned & Services League) Club for ex-military, and presents occasional live performances - Notes by Ken Roe.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -