Photo Gallery Documents Australia's Historic Theatres and Cinemas
On October 5, 2026, The Guardian published a stunning photo series that showcases the interiors of historic cinemas and theaters across Australia. Photographer Gavin M John explored various iconic sites, such as the Roxy Community Theatre in Leeton, NSW, and the view from the stage at His Majesty's Theatre in Perth. He also captured the intricate fly system at Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne and the Wurlitzer organ at the Capri Theatre in Goodwood, South Australia. Other notable venues featured include the Odeon Star cinema in Semaphore, the Arcadia cinema in Cremorne, the Palais Theatre in St Kilda, and the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. The collection highlights the architectural splendor found in regional and rural areas, not just in the cities.
Key facts
- The gallery was published by The Guardian on 5 October 2026
- Photographer Gavin M John contributed multiple images
- Venues span South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory
- The Capri theatre in Goodwood, South Australia, houses a Wurlitzer organ and pipes
- The Palais theatre is located in St Kilda, Victoria
- The Prince of Wales Opera House is in Gulgong, NSW
- The Playhouse is part of the Canberra theatre centre
- The gallery is framed around rural and regional Australia
Entities
Artists
- Gavin M John
Institutions
- The Guardian
- Odeon Star
- Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
- Arcadia cinema
- Palais theatre
- Comedy theatre
- Roxy Community theatre
- His Majesty's Theatre
- Her Majesty's theatre
- Capri theatre
- Cameo cinemas
- Canberra theatre centre
- Prince of Wales Opera House
Locations
- Semaphore
- South Australia
- Australia
- Cremorne
- Sydney
- New South Wales
- St Kilda
- Victoria
- Melbourne
- Leeton
- Perth
- Western Australia
- Goodwood
- Belgrave
- Canberra
- Australian Capital Territory
- Gulgong