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Uploaded on: December 2, 2024

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The Avalon Theatre, 52-54 Melville Street, Hobart.

Photo - Courtesy of CATHS

Built as the “Temperance Hall” opening in May 1890. Used for live entertainment for much of it’s early life. In the 1920s, it became known as the Bijou Theatre. The Avalon Theatre was regarded as Hobart’s first “talkie” theatre, opening with sound films on 11/03/1932. New Western Electric ‘Mirrophonic’ sound equipment was installed in March, 1937. In 1946, “housewife sessions” on Thursday afternoons were introduced, which proved popular.

The theatre was extensively renovated in 1951. During the 1950s/60s the Avalon screened predominantly MGM product.

The first CinemaScope film was screened on 28/10/1954, with 70mm installed in 1966 for the screening of My Fair Lady, making it Tasmania’s only 70mm house.

In July 1969 it came under the banner of Village Theatres. The Avalon was closed in Nov. 1976 when the first twin cinema complex opened by Village in nearby Collins St (now the 7 screen complex) was opened.

After closure, it became an electrical store, then a weekend market. By 2017, the weekend market had ceased to operate. Soon after the building was sold. In 2020, the Hillsong Church submitted plans to use the building as a church.

The building is Heritage Listed and is still reasonably intact except for behind proscenium.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -