State Theatre, Sydney Australia (Travel)
A grand special event venue, the State Theatre has
hosted a wide range of performances throughout the
years. Originally opening 7th June, 1929, it was
designed and built by local Sydney craftsman. A
wonderful blend of architectural styles that include
high ceilings, mosaic floors, marble columns and
statues. The theatre is a must-see for architectural
enthusiasts. This grand hall like entrance is what
greets you at 49 Market Street. The theme of ever
increasing in grandeur entrances continues through
out the theatre.
hosted a wide range of performances throughout the
years. Originally opening 7th June, 1929, it was
designed and built by local Sydney craftsman. A
wonderful blend of architectural styles that include
high ceilings, mosaic floors, marble columns and
statues. The theatre is a must-see for architectural
enthusiasts. This grand hall like entrance is what
greets you at 49 Market Street. The theme of ever
increasing in grandeur entrances continues through
out the theatre.
Statues flank the street entrance doors, >>>
as well as an amazing ceiling,
and side stall show windows.
as well as an amazing ceiling,
and side stall show windows.
Detail of one the statues
The idea for the State Theatre was conceived by
the owner of Union Theatres, Stuart Doyle. Henry
White is the designer of the State Theatre in which
he has fused Gothic, Classical, Art deco, and
Geometric styles. After entering the theatre you first
notice beautiful mirror image curved staircases
surrounded by a myriad of details of the
aforementioned styles. All this is in a circular
domed room, yet you still are not quite in the theatre.
the owner of Union Theatres, Stuart Doyle. Henry
White is the designer of the State Theatre in which
he has fused Gothic, Classical, Art deco, and
Geometric styles. After entering the theatre you first
notice beautiful mirror image curved staircases
surrounded by a myriad of details of the
aforementioned styles. All this is in a circular
domed room, yet you still are not quite in the theatre.
Looking up at the beautiful domed ceiling.
Looking back at the street entrance >>>
This is the view from the stage of the main auditorium of the State Theatre in Sydney Australia. The massive space is
approximately 300 feet long x 150 feet wide x 50 feet high. Other than the main floor seating area it has two stacked
balconies for a seating capacity in the thousands. The decor is a blend of classical, neo classical, art-deco, nouveau,
and geometric designs reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada Spain.
approximately 300 feet long x 150 feet wide x 50 feet high. Other than the main floor seating area it has two stacked
balconies for a seating capacity in the thousands. The decor is a blend of classical, neo classical, art-deco, nouveau,
and geometric designs reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada Spain.
This is the largest chandelier in the southern
hemisphere, and the world's second largest.
It contains 20,000 individual pieces of crystal.
The annual cleaning takes days to accomplish,
and it is lowered from the ceiling of the main
auditorium by a winch. It is reported to weigh
4 tons, or 8000 pounds, and is the size of a
medium sized commercial truck.
hemisphere, and the world's second largest.
It contains 20,000 individual pieces of crystal.
The annual cleaning takes days to accomplish,
and it is lowered from the ceiling of the main
auditorium by a winch. It is reported to weigh
4 tons, or 8000 pounds, and is the size of a
medium sized commercial truck.
It is kind of an insult to refer to these two items as light fixtures,
but that is the function they both serve on either side of the
stage. Each female figure is 6-8 feet high, and are holding
a large 3-4 foot light fixture. There are mirror versions
both stage right and stage left.
but that is the function they both serve on either side of the
stage. Each female figure is 6-8 feet high, and are holding
a large 3-4 foot light fixture. There are mirror versions
both stage right and stage left.
During World War II the State Theatre became a news outlet
of sorts. People lined up to watch the latest Movie Tone
news reels to get information on the war.
<
of sorts. People lined up to watch the latest Movie Tone
news reels to get information on the war.
<
Bandleader Will Prior performed on opening night. "The
Patriot" was the first movie ever shown at the State
Theatre. It was accompanied with the playing of the
mighty Wurlitzer organ by Price Dunlavy. The
Wurlitzer use to corkscrew out of center stage.
Patriot" was the first movie ever shown at the State
Theatre. It was accompanied with the playing of the
mighty Wurlitzer organ by Price Dunlavy. The
Wurlitzer use to corkscrew out of center stage.