The Mudgee Regent Theatre opened on Wednesday 21st August 1935 with the movie Passport to Fame (Edward G Robinson & Jean Arthur).
Architecturally designed by Douglas Smith, the Regent was proclaimed as one of a new circuit of NSW country shows controlled by Regent Theatres (Mudgee Ltd. The second theatre in this circuit opened in Coolah three days later.
The Regent Theatre, situated on a 1,218m2, block was originally designed to accommodate live presentations with its large 15 metres wide, 8 metres deep stage which slopes to the audience.
The theatre has fly tower, toilets & dressing rooms to either side of the stage as well as a stage lighting system including raiseable Cinemascope screen that allows 5.5 metre clearance for live performances.
The theatre is licenced to accommodate 986 people & its four-storey faade is dramatic in keeping with the classic lines of the time with illuminated cinema billboard, fine tile work on steps featuring geometric patterns & the words Regent Theatre. The timber entrance doors, handles and pull plates are all original & in excellent condition.
Two matching shopfronts to either side of the foyer contain the office & original hexagonal ticket box with Western Electric Mirrophonic & heating & ventilating equipment nameplates.
A large timber screen with a bronze art-deco frieze separates the auditorium from the foyer doors. The seating is original & in good condition.
The Mudgee Regent is an excellent rare & intact example of an Art Deco Modern country cinema, which has operated faithfully as a theatre & cinema for more than 67 years.
Upgrades & modifications reflecting changing technology in the cinema industry have been sensitively carried out without compromising its historical heritage.
The cinema contains numerous items of historical value, which are still in use, including the C1938 slide projector & slide panel.
The Mudgee Regent is a very fine & rare surviving representative example of the typical cinemas, which dominated early twentieth century culture throughout New South Wales. The nursery & child care facilities house rare & intact murals depicting the popular children's art of the 1940's.
The auditorium has the original fans still in position & operating and the lounge has original art-deco light fittings, mirrors & velvet circular lounge.
The street front office adjoining the main entrance has original carpet & wallpaper & early ticketing memorabilia. The large projection box, across the whole width of the theatre, is completely encased in concrete for fire protection & contains two 1972 carbon arc projectors, a 16mm projector as well as the original lighting board & various early artefacts including Harrington's Limited Hints for Projectionists notice further enhance this area.
This is a fantastic opportunity to own your own piece of classic Australian history in one of New South Wales most charming & desirable country towns.
