THE NATIONAL THEATRE, CNR. CHARLES AND PATERSON STREETS |
The
National Theatre remains an impressive building on the corner of
Charles and Paterson Street. It was designed by Thomas Searell, and
built by Harry Goodluck. The Launceston City Council sold the
building to the printing firm that still occupies it, in 1969.
The
first performance at the theatre, when in opened in September 1915
was “The Silence fo Dean Maitland by Mr George Marlow's Dramatic
company.
The programme in the
early days of the theatre were nothing if not eclectic, as a quick
look at early Examiners (via TROVE) illustrates:
05
March 1918: Film - “Unborn” - dealing with the nation's
decreasing birthrate “in a manner that gives no offence”
27
March 1918: “Mr. J. D. Foley, comedian and ventriloquist, will
appear after an absence of five years. In the afternoon Mr. White
will show Punch and Judy for the little ones.”
07
June 1918: The
Launceston season of the high class vaudeville combination at the
National Theatre is drawing to a close The farces, introducing the
full strength of the company, are amongst the most humourous items of
their kind offered,and the individual contributions by Doody and
Wright, music and dancing artists; Lennon and Hill. society
entertainers; Dozey and Doura, acrobats and balancers; Fred. Arthur
comedian, Arthur Sharples, tenor vocalist, Laura McLaine, soprano;
and Violet Lorraine,soubrette; constitute a programme of rare
merit.”........and so on
These
are three fairly random samples from just one year – there is a lot
more packed into the 44 years of the theatre's operation and each of
the performances and events has a whole history worthy of further
investigation.
I'm sure that many people were interested in the backstage notice of instructions to be followed in case of fire.
ReplyDeleteIt stated that there should be no panic, but an on-stage announcement should be made, as follows:-
"The rabbits loose".
A sufficient notice for all who worked there! I was intrigued when I first read it.
It was a good idea, giving notification without audience panic.