Odeon Theatre, Hobart

Tasmanian entrepreneur E.J. Miller envisioned a world-class picture theatre in Hobart after witnessing the rising popularity of silent films in vaudeville programming at Zeehan's Gaiety Theatre and Theatre Royal.{{sfn|Martell|2018|p=36}} Miller, whose wealth was derived from the lucrative Zeehan mineral field, travelled to the United States, visited major cities and studied the latest advancements in picture theatre designs. On his return to Tasmania he engaged with Hobart architect George Stanley Crisp, who had previously designed the Art Nouveau Palace Theatre opposite the Hobart GPO on Elizabeth Street. Located on the corner of Liverpool Street and Watchorn Street, Miller's original theatre design was intended to be a replica of The Strand in New York.{{cite news |first=Paul |last=McIntyre |title=The history of Hobart's Odeon Theatre, the 'finest building in Tasmania' |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-09/history-of-the-odeon-theatre-in-hobart/6924274 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=9 November 2015 |access-date=10 May 2022}}

File:The Strand, Hobart, Tasmania 1929.jpg

An exceptional example of the Federation Free Classical style, the building featured an iconic checkered parapet, composite order pilasters, decorative cornices, leadlight windows and wrought iron lanterns. Internally, it featured seating for 1,200 people (719 in the stalls and 481 in the dress circle),{{sfn|Martell|2018|p=36}} a Tasmanian Blackwood staircase and dress circle, Wunderlich ceilings, three cloak rooms, immersive wall murals, as well as fixtures and fittings manufactured in Glenorchy.

Built as a silent picture house, when The Strand Theatre opened on May 22, 1916, mayor L.H. Macleod declared "this is undoubtedly the finest building in Tasmania".

The venue was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including dimmable atmospheric lighting, early electric ticketing machines, projection equipment imported from Britain and a six-rank Wurlitzer organ, the only of its kind in Tasmania.{{sfn|Corby|2017|p=25}} Located at the west end of Hobart's CBD along the busy Liverpool Street tram line and directly opposite His Majesty's Theatre, locals referred to the "west end" when visiting the pictures or theatre.{{refn|group=note|name=Village|Village Cinemas capitalised on the "West End" namesake in 1976, naming Tasmania's first multiplex on nearby Collins Street the West End Twin. It was expanded to 7 screens and renamed Village Cinemas in 1988.}}

From 1918 to 1920, nimbyism lead to some residents demanding the government set up a Board of Censors to protect Tasmanian audiences from the "moral decay" associated with the show business world, escalating after a screening of Enlighten Thy Daughter at The Strand in 1920. The board was dissolved when the exhibitor complained of reduced patronage.

The cinema was taken over by Union Theatres, remodelled and relaunched with the Marx Brothers film The Cocoanuts in 1929. Sound equipment was installed and the venue was colloquially referred to as the "New Strand Theatre".{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/135839231 |title=At the Theatres: The Strand |newspaper=Huon Times |location=Franklin, Tasmania |date=1 April 1932 |access-date=15 May 2022 |page=2 |via=Trove}}

File:Odeon Theatre, painted blue in Hobart, Tasmania in the 1970s.jpg

In the mid-1950s, then-exhibitor Greater Union engaged with Sydney-based architects Guy Crick & Associates to modernise the theatre. The Strand underwent serious alterations, leaving the building both internally and externally unrecognisable. The façade was covered in rainscreen cladding to present in a modernist style. To achieve this effect, its cornices and pilasters were chiseled back, its parapet was partially levelled, leadlight windows discarded and wrought iron features removed. Modernist neon signage was erected. It reopened as the Odeon Theatre in 1956, the year of the Melbourne Olympics which saw the introduction of television across Australia. Although branded as "The Theatre of Tomorrow", Greater Union did not foresee the lasting effect of television.{{cite web |first=Adrian |last=Jacobson |title=The Companion to Tasmanian History - Picture Theatres|url=https://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/P/Picture%20theatres.htm|website=University of Tasmania |access-date=10 May 2022}}

The Odeon fell into financial hardship and was purchased by the ABC in 1970, becoming a recording studio for ABC Radio. During the ABC's tenureship, it was known as the ABC Odeon Theatre, and internally referred to as Studio 720. At some point, pieces of cladding were removed to reveal several windows, including the central arch, to allow more light into the upstairs foyer.{{sfn|Martell|2018|p=37}}

It became the home of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) in 1973. The TSO broadcast many radio and television performances from the theatre and recorded several albums. In 1978, vocalist Judith Durham of The Seekers and pianist Ron Edgeworth recorded material for their live album, The Hot Jazz Duo at the theatre. Other musicians to record at the Odeon include Larry Sitsky, Jan Sedivka, Ade Monsbourgh, Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston, Guy Noble, Deborah Conway, George Dreyfus, Scared Weird Little Guys, David Porcelijn,{{cite web|title=Australian Composers Orchestral Forum 1999|url=https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/product/australian-composers-orchestral-forum-1999|website=Australian Music Centre|access-date=15 May 2022}} James Ledger,{{cite web|title=Air Man: Full Orchestra by James Ledger (1999)|url=https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/workversion/ledger-james-air-man/10840|website=Australian Music Centre |access-date=15 May 2022}} tenor Donald Smith, composer Michael Smetanin{{cite web|title=Michael Smetanin: Kuzanagi (1999)|url=https://www.abc.net.au/classic/read-and-watch/classic-australia/michael-smetanin-kuzanagi%C2%A01999/10460694|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 November 2018|access-date=13 May 2022}} and the Australian Rosny Children's Choir.{{cite web|title=ABC Odeon, Hobart|url=https://www.discogs.com/label/495334-ABC-Odeon-Hobart|website=Discogs|access-date=13 May 2022}}{{citation |title=Annual Report 1998-99 |url=https://about.abc.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/AnnualReport1998-1999_CompleteReport.pdf |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |page=63 |accessdate=16 May 2022}} An ABC Shop occupied the Watchorn Street corner shopfront in the 1990s.

File:ODEON - Night Mass.jpg signage based on the original 1956 neon was installed in 2018]]

Over time, the world-class orchestra outgrew the theatre's amenities, with the dressing rooms and backstage facilities noted as being especially inadequate. After 28 years, the TSO relocated to Federation Concert Hall in 2001. The Odeon was then purchased by the Christian City Church, who renovated the interior and restored many of the original Federation-era features.

In 2009, the Christian City Church sold the Odeon to Melbourne-based developer Riverlee. The building remained dormant for several years until it reopened as a live entertainment venue, charged by events curated for the MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo festivals. Hobart City Council gave permission for the building to be partially demolished in 2015. Initially, Riverlee planned to develop the building into a $69 million 11-story office tower accommodating some 1,850 workers, and included shops, restaurants and car parking.{{cite news |first=Jessica |last=Howard |title=Proposed office development of Hobart's Odeon Theatre on hold until local market improves |url=https://www.themercury.com.au/realestate/proposed-office-development-of-hobarts-odeon-theatre-on-hold-until-local-market-improves/news-story/9ff508cd6b7bb37336075c53015b4ec6 |publisher=The Mercury |date=3 July 2014 |access-date=20 July 2022}}{{cite news |first=Jessica |last=Howard |title=Historic Odeon Theatre hits big stage with $69 million multi-purpose makeover |url=https://www.themercury.com.au/entertainment/darklab-and-developer-riverlee-set-to-open-5m-in-the-hanging-garden-cultural-precinct-in-hobarts-cbd/news-story/b92f7a0ce538ac786492f471f009172e |url-access=subscription |publisher=The Mercury |date=21 April 2015 |access-date=11 May 2022}}

The original building façade, disfigured beneath its 1950s cladding, was required to be retained and restored.{{cite news |title=Hobart City Council renews demolition green light for Odeon |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-27/odeon-theatre-demolition-gets-green-light-from-hobart-council/6887666 |publisher=abc.net.au |date=27 October 2015 |access-date=10 May 2022}}{{cite news |first=Jennifer |last=Crawley |title=Permit extension call to save the Odeon for Mona's DarkLab arts mecca plan |url=https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/permit-extension-call-to-save-the-odeon-for-monas-darklab-arts-mecca-plan/news-story/5d5ae057b60c5ee7f98cfc210d4aa731 |url-access=subscription |publisher=The Mercury |date=1 June 2017 |access-date=14 May 2022}}

Riverlee acquired more properties on the block bound by Liverpool Street, Murray Street, and Watchorn Street that contain the Odeon Theatre and Tattersalls Hotel. The site has an {{convert|80|m}} frontage along Liverpool Street. A town planning permit has been obtained for a commercial building of over {{convert|20000|sqm}} net lettable area.{{cite web|title="The Hanging Garden" Precinct|url=https://www.riverlee.com.au/projects/odeon-theatre-precinct/|website=riverlee.com.au|access-date=10 May 2022}}{{cite news |first=Jessica |last=Howard |title=DarkLab and developer Riverlee set to open $5m 'In the Hanging Garden' cultural precinct in Hobart's CBD |url=https://www.themercury.com.au/entertainment/darklab-and-developer-riverlee-set-to-open-5m-in-the-hanging-garden-cultural-precinct-in-hobarts-cbd/news-story/b92f7a0ce538ac786492f471f009172e |publisher=The Mercury |date=3 May 2019 |access-date=10 May 2022}}

In 2019, the Odeon and surrounding "Hanging Garden" cultural precinct underwent a $5 million mixed-use redevelopment. The scheme was developed in partnership with DarkLab, a subsidiary of the Museum of Old and New Art, which works on creative projects outside the usual scope of Mona.{{cite news |first=Tim |last=Boyd |title=Development in Hobart saves historic theatre |url=https://www.afr.com/property/commercial/development-in-hobart-saves-historic-theatre-20190528-p51rw5 |publisher=Australian Financial Review |date=28 May 2019 |access-date=10 May 2022}}{{cite news |first=Jack |last=Needham |title=Riverlee and Darklab permanently reopen In The Hanging Garden in Hobart |url=https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/news/riverlee-and-monas-darklabs-reopen-in-the-hanging-garden-precinct-permanently-in-time-for-summer-911298/ |publisher=commercialrealestate.com.au |date=22 November 2019 |access-date=10 May 2022}}

In September 2022, Riveree and DarkLab unveiled a new masterplan for the Hanging Garden Precinct. Designed by Melbourne-based architects Fender Katsalidis with support from Six Degrees Architects, the new development outlines retaining and restoring the Odeon Theatre auditorium, whilst developing a fifteen story, "180+ key hotel" directly above the upper lobby area.{{Cite web |url=https://www.thehotelconversation.com.au/news/2022/09/13/works-progressing-hobarts-hanging-garden-precinct-darklab-riverlee/1663022034 |title=Works progressing on Hobart's 'In The Hanging Garden' precinct by DarkLab & Riverlee |date=2022-09-13 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=The Hotel Conversation}}

During its tenure as The Strand, the theatre hosted Tasmanian premieres for many Australian-made films, including Jewelled Nights (1925), which was attended by author Marie Bjelke Petersen, future-Prime Minister Joseph Lyons (then-Premier of Tasmania), Dame Enid Lyons and Lord Mayor Francis Valentine.{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/153735162 |title=Jewelled Nights Premiere at The Strand |newspaper=The Mercury |location=Hobart |date=5 January 1926 |access-date=14 May 2022 |page=4 |via=Trove}} Other Tasmanian premieres included The Squatter's Daughter, with a special appearance from actress Jocelyn Howarth,{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/24867070 |title=Entertainments: Strand Theatre |newspaper=The Mercury |location=Hobart |date=17 October 1933 |access-date=14 May 2022 |page=5 |via=Trove}} A Son Is Born{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/26363940 |title=Premiere: A Son Is Born |newspaper=The Mercury |location=Hobart |date=19 October 1946 |access-date=14 May 2022 |page=6 |via=Trove}} and the Australian premiere of Wherever She Goes (1951), a film about the life Zeehan-born pianist Eileen Joyce, which was introduced by Tasmanian Premier Robert Cosgrove.{{cite web|title=Odeon Theatre,167 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000 (Photos) |url=http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/51895/photos/354902|website=Cinema Treasures|access-date=14 May 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/27064095 |title=Film on Pianist Meets Praise |newspaper=The Mercury |location=Hobart |date=8 September 1951 |access-date=14 May 2022 |page=3 |via=Trove}} Based on the novel by Nan Chauncy, the Tasmanian feature film They Found a Cave premiered at the Odeon Theatre on 20 December 1962.{{Cite book |title=Australian Film 1900-1977 |last1=Pike |first1=Andrew |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1980 |isbn=0-19-550784-3 |edition=1998 |location=Melbourne, Australia |pages=232 |last2=Cooper |first2=Ross}}{{cite web |title=They Found a Cave |url=https://www.ozmovies.com.au/movie/they-found-a-cave |website=Oz Movies |access-date=25 July 2022}}

The orchestra pit at the Odeon Theatre originally served as the setting for live musical accompaniment to silent film screenings. Adding a sense of grandeur and sophistication to the viewing experience, The Strand Orchestra played a significant role in enhancing the emotional and dramatic tone of films and vaudeville acts, adding depth and atmosphere to the presentations.

With the advent of talkies in the late 1920s, demand for live musical accompaniment declined, leading to the disbanding of The Strand Orchestra by the mid-1930s. By 1940, the theatre’s Wurlitzer organ, another key musical component, was no longer used as film soundtracks became standard.{{sfn|Corby|2017|p=26}}

The last recorded use of the orchestra pit for live musical entertainment occurred in 1957, when it was repurposed for a fundraising event supporting a contestant for the Miss Australia competition, specifically a Miss Tasmania contestant named "Miss Greater Union Theatres".{{sfn|Corby|2017|p=25}}

In later years, the pit was occasionally utilised by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO), underscoring its adaptability for various types of live performances beyond its original cinematic function.

File:Interior of the Odeon Theatre auditorium and Wurlitzer organ, Hobart, Tasmania in 1929.jpg, horseshoe mezzanine, wall murals, and Wurlitzer organ, {{circa|1929}}]]

The Strand Theatre's six-rank Wurlitzer organ was installed on 16 November 1918 by organ builder J.E. Dodd. Between 1920 and 1928, it was operated by Ben Corrick, who also conducted The Strand Orchestra, sometimes from behind the organ’s console.{{sfn|Corby|2017|p=25}}

In 1929, Fincham and Sons restored the organ as part of a theatre remodel. The console’s design was modified to a lower height and updated to emulate the popular "horseshoe style" of theatre organs while retaining the straight stop rails, though the functionality of roll players was discontinued. Renowned theatre organist Manny Aarons reopened the restored instrument in 1929.

The organ gradually fell into disuse in the late 1930s due to the dominance of sound films and was removed in 1948. It was subsequently reinstalled in the Hurstville Presbyterian Church, New South Wales, Australia.{{Cite journal |title=A Little-known Sydney Wurlitzer |journal=The Sydney Organ Journal |last=Blackmore |first=Rodney |date=2013-06-01 |issue=3 |volume=44 |pages=25–26}}

File:ODEON - A B Original III.jpg performing at Dark Mofo, {{circa|2017}}]]

Following a sold-out show by Queens of the Stone Age in 2014,{{cite news |url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/2173279/gallery-queens-of-the-stone-age-play-hobart/ |first= Scott |last= Gelston |title=Gallery: Queens of the Stone Age play Hobart |newspaper=The Examiner (Tasmania) |date=25 March 2014 |access-date=20 July 2022}} the Odeon Theatre has served as a regular venue for prominent festivals, including MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo. Performers at the Odeon have included Laurie Anderson, Nick Cave, Sarah Blasko, Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Cate Le Bon, Sharon Van Etten, Nick Murphy, Tim Minchin, Everclear, The Tea Party, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Xavier Rudd.{{cite web|title=The Odeon Theatre|url=https://www.onlytasmania.com.au/the-odeon-theatre/|website=onlytasmania.com.au|access-date=10 May 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.setlist.fm/venue/odeon-theatre-hobart-australia-3bd4d024.html |title=Odeon Theatre Hobart Concert Setlists |author= |website=setlist.fm |access-date=20 July 2022 |at=At bottom of page, click arrow to go to next page. Concerts may also be searched by artist in top menu.}}

The Odeon Theatre is also a venue for Hobart’s Festival of Voices, featuring live performances, vocal workshops, and choral presentations that attract both local and visiting participants.{{cite news |first=Erin |last=James |title=Artistic Director Kris Stewart's top picks for Hobart's Festival of Voices |url=https://www.aussietheatre.com.au/news/kris-stewarts-top-picks-for-hobarts-festival-of-voices |publisher=Aussie Theatre |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=14 May 2022}} The venue has hosted experimental music and multimedia installations as part of MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo, known for their diverse and contemporary programming.

The theatre has also been a platform for prominent comedians. Bill Bailey has performed at the Odeon, and in 2024, Tom Gleeson presented his show "Gear".{{cite web |url=https://odeontheatre.com.au/events/tom-gleesongear-158279 |title=Tom Gleeson: Gear |website=odeontheatre.com.au |access-date=3 November 2024}} The 2024 Hobart Festival of Comedy featured comedians such as Urzila Carlson and Reuben Kaye.{{cite web |url=https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/hobart-festival-of-comedy/159383 |title=Hobart Festival of Comedy |website=moshtix.com.au |access-date=3 November 2024}} The theatre continues to play a significant role in Hobart’s live performance scene, providing a space for a broad spectrum of music, theatre, and festival events.

All images have been sourced from the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office.

{{commons category|Odeon Theatre, Hobart}}

Odeon Theatre Hobart Tasmania 1929 Wurlitzer Organ.jpg|Image showcasing the theatre's iconic checkered parapet and led light windows. Marquee advertising guest Wurlitzer organist, Manny Aarons

Interior foyer of the Odeon Theatre, Hobart, Tasmania in 1929.jpg|Interior upstairs foyer featuring a Wunderlich ceiling, blackwood staircase, carpets, lamps, lighting fixtures, paintings, urns and plants

Interior of the Odeon Theatre auditorium and stalls, Hobart, Tasmania in 1929.jpg|Interior of the auditorium facing the stalls, showcasing its blackwood mezzanine, Wunderlich ceiling and wall murals

List of theatres in Hobart

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite magazine |last=Corby|first=Phil |author-link= |date=2017 |title=The Picture Theatre Orchestra: A Tasmanian Perspective |magazine=Cinema Record Quarterly Journal | issue= 94 |edition=2 |url=http://www.cinemarecord.org.au/read/cr94/mobile/index.html |issn= 1443-3664 |accessdate=14 May 2022}}
• {{cite magazine |last=Martell |first= Earl |author-link= |date=December 2018 |title=Strand/Odeon Theatre |magazine=Cinema Record Quarterly Journal | issue= 100 |edition=4 |url=http://www.cinemarecord.org.au/read/cr100/mobile/index.html |issn= 1443-3664 |accessdate=14 May 2022}}

{{Hobart landmarks}}

{{Cinematic and theatrical buildings in Tasmania}}

Category:1916 establishments in Australia

Category:Buildings and structures in Hobart

Category:Cinemas in Hobart

Category:Former cinemas in Australia

Category:Culture in Hobart

Category:Federation style architecture

Category:Federation Free Classical architecture in Tasmania

Category:History of Tasmania

Category:Liverpool Street, Hobart

Category:Odeon Cinemas

Category:Theatres completed in 1916