Empire Theatre

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“Neil Gows Open Air Retreat”

Time-line 1908 Messrs Johnston & Gibson opened “PICTURELAND” then in 1909 it became “Neil Gows Open Air Retreat” – later to become the Empire Theatre Brunswick – PHOTO 1909 : “Neil Gows Open Air Retreat” C/- Moreland City Libraries

(1908) Pictureland was run by partners Messrs Johnston & Gibson. The pair were the first to advertise the venue then known as “Pictureland”, complete with vaudeville acts presented in a magnificent open air amphitheater. Messrs Johnston & Gibson were renting the land. Soon Johnston & Gibson received an offer from J & N Tait & left to form Amalgamated Pictures – Out of this came the birth of Greater Union.

(1909) Neil Gow had been the manager of “Pictureland” for Johnston & Gibson, & was well position to take over the lease. He called it “Neil Gows Open Air Retreat”. (View a photo of the open air theatre in the photos section of this website)

(1912) Neil Gow was forced out when Thomas Crisp of “The Empire Picture Theatre Company” purchased the land & decided to build the Empire Theatre. The Empire opened to a huge crowd on 27 June 1912. It was a grand affair officiated by the Mayor of Brunswick. The architect was a Mr G. Richardson while the builder was John Carey – Contributed by Greg Lynch –