Photographer Gavin John's new book, Australian Theatres & Cinemas, documents the country's finest stage performance and picture palaces, from massive Italian Renaissance-inspired entertainment palaces to 1930s art deco cinemas.
Iconic Venues Featured
The book includes images of the Theatre Royal in Hobart, with its proscenium arch viewed from the dress circle, and the Odeon Star cinema in Semaphore, South Australia. It also captures the Arcadia cinema at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne, Sydney, and the auditorium of the Palais theatre in St Kilda, Victoria, as seen from the stage.
Capturing Theatrical Detail
Other featured venues include the Comedy theatre in Melbourne, the Roxy Community theatre in Leeton, NSW, and His Majesty's Theatre in Perth, Western Australia, with its orchestra pit and auditorium viewed from the stage. The book also showcases the fly system and grid in Her Majesty's theatre in Melbourne, the Wurlitzer and organ pipes at the Capri theatre in Goodwood, South Australia, and the main auditorium of Cameo cinemas in Belgrave, Victoria.
A Performer's Perspective
Images also offer a performer's view of the Playhouse at the Canberra theatre centre and the auditorium of the Prince of Wales Opera House in Gulgong, NSW. The collection highlights the architectural and cultural significance of these historic entertainment venues across Australia.
