THE FABULOUS ROXY THEATRE AT BINGARA NSW

As I said in my last post the Roxy Theatre is a fabulous structure and takes one back to a different era with beautifully restored realism. There is so much to look at, beginning with the Marilyn Munroe Statue and the ancient Film Projector in the front window and then the faithfully restored Cafe and Restaurant and finally the stylish Theatre itself.

 Fortunately, I had a chat with the current operator who was sitting at a table outside. He, without prompting from me, kindly suggested that I should take some Photos inside, i jumped at the chance of course. Well, there is no need to describe what I found inside, the Pictures tell all. I loved it!
  Next, into the adjacent Info Centre where I chatted with Charlotte about the Town and it's History. Then another stroke of luck, she asked if I would like to look at the Theatre and take some Photos, I certainly did. The results I am sure that you agree, show a stunning example of an era gone by.

                                                                            The Cafe

 

                                                                The Theatre Interior

 

 

 

 

  Following, is a short History of the Roxy Theatre taken from details provided by the Information Centre:
  "It was built by 3 Greek Partners from the island of Kythera who arrived in Bingara to establish a Cafe. After several years of trading the Partners decided to expand their business and construct a modern cafe that would seat 140, have 3 independent Shops, a Guest House to accommodate Patrons and at it's heart a Cinema that would be hailed as " The most modern Theatre outside of the City". Sydney Architect, Mark Woodforde was engaged to design and build the complex.
  When the complex officially opened on 28th march 1936, the Bingara Advocate reported, "No event in the history of Bingara has caused more interest and excitement". However, in September of the same year the Partners filed for bankruptcy".
  The Roxy continued to operate as a Cinema until 1958 when it eventually shut down. Apart from the odd Boxing Match and occasional Roller Disco it remained dormant for 40 years. In 1999, the former Bingara Shire Council purchased the Roxy and restored it, wonderfully I might add, to it's former grandeur ", In 2004 it was reopened as a Cinema, a Performing Arts Centre and a Multipurpose Function Centre. The Cafe restoration was completed in 2011 and now the Roxy is set to become a place of National significance.
  The Roxy and Bingara for that matter should be a Must See place for anyone travelling through these parts.