Antrim Theatre

The Antrim Theatre, located in Manning Street where the St Tropez apartments now stand, was a very popular location for many community events such as movies, concerts, balls and dances, presentation nights and any other events that involved the Kiama community.

The Antrim Theatre was originally built and owned by Alexander George Carson. It was officially opened on 28 June 1924 by Mr M F Morton, MLA. The first picture screened was 'The Covered Wagon', an American silent western film. The projectionist at the time was Mr Frank Tuohy, who held this position under different owners and managers for 37 years.

The Antrim was reputed to have the largest dance floor outside Sydney at the time it was built and it had a total seating capacity of 999. For functions such as bands and concerts, the movie seating remained in place, but when there were balls and dances the rows of seats were removed and the dance floor was covered in beeswax and candle shavings.

During the winter months of 1928, and for a number of years after, roller skating sessions were held on the days when no pictures were being screened.

In 1939, 'new talkie equipment' was installed, which had the same standards as some of the leading Sydney theatres. The first film shown using the new sound system was 'Stanley and Livingstone', starring Spencer Tracey.

Orry Kelly, Academy Award-winning costume designer and former Kiama resident, contributed to many films shown at the Antrim.

The Antrim had many owners over the years and it was sold to its final owner in 1967 - Hughs Bros. Pty. Ltd., a firm of building contractors. The theatre was demolished in 1971 and the block of units was built.

View across Surf Beach, Kiama, to the Antrim Theatre c.1950/60s.

Facade of the Antrim Theatre, Manning Street, Kiama, c.1961.

The back of the Antrim Theatre (far right), c.1950/60s.

Demolition of the Antrim Theatre, 1971, to make way for the St Tropez apartment building, which still stands there today.