BONUS EPISODE - The Plaza Theatre Part 1
Season 3, Episode 1, Nov 18, 12:17 AM
In this Bonus Episode we hear interviews from people in Coonamble NSW, Wailwan Country. This episode features stories, memories and reflections about The Plaza Theatre which reopened early 2024.
The Coonamble Plaza Theatre, a two-tiered structure built in 1930 after a devastating fire, has a rich history. Designed to accommodate 900 patrons, it features a grand foyer, high ceilings, and a spacious wooden floor. Despite its grandeur, the theatre sadly fell into disrepair and closed for nearly a quarter century.
In 2000, local resident Chris Gray purchased the Plaza Theatre with the vision of restoring its former glory. Unfortunately, his untimely passing in 2019 left the theatre again vacant, save for a final performance by the Coonamble Amateur Theatrical Society.
Now, under the ownership of Outback Arts, the Plaza is poised for a wonderful revival. The organisation aims to resume the restoration, renovation, and revitalisation of the space, creating an active hub for performance, celebration, and community engagement. This ambitious project will not only preserve a significant piece of Coonamble's history but also provide a vibrant cultural centre for the entire Outback region.
Episode Features:
A deep dive into the history of the Plaza Theatre with Historian Dr. Mary Anne Jebb. She explores some of the Plaza’s past including what went on in the early days, the events, films & good times!
Hear from John Wall whose family owned the Theatre since it was built by his Grandfather Trevor Wall in 1930 and owned until 1982. John shares his and his sister's memories, especially the efforts of his Grandfather- recalling the detail of the theatre's workmanship. John remembers lots of fun moments, the busy times on Coonamble’s once bustling Castlereagh Street.
Susan Campbell speaks about how every weekend everyone went to the pictures in the 1960’s and 70’s. Fond memories of ice cream sodas, sweets and treats..Going to horror films was her favourite.
Local audio engineer Terry (Eccles) Lees would grab a burger and head to the pictures- the thing to do on a Friday night! He was later involved in taking the seats out to turn the lower lever into an unbelievable disco roller skating rink! Eccles admits that video killed the movie star! He’s been involved as an Audio Engineer to run recent Theatre Productions and helped both past and present with some of the theatre's rehabilitation.
…..
Find out more about the Plaza:
https://www.outbackarts.com.au/the-plaza
The Plaza in the Outback on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554426983497
…..
Special thanks to Dr. Mary Anne Jebb
You can find a number of her published works including “Our Mob Served: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories of war and defending Australia” (2022), “Burlganyja Wanggaya” (2012) and “Singing The Train” (2014) from great book retailers.
…..
Thanks to all the Coonamble participants, Coonamble Ameture Theatre Society, Polly Cohen, Brailey Lambe and Jamie-Lea Trindall.
…..
The Outback Outloud Podcast was designed and produced by Signal Creative’s Emma Hoy and Caroline Wallace. Outback Outloud is an ongoing project collaboration between Signal Creative and Outback Arts. The Outback Outloud community project and workshop series was designed, managed and delivered by Signal Creative. Special Guest team member in 2024 is Dr. Mary Anne Jebb. Outback Outloud is funded by Create NSW and Outback Arts.
Podcast Audio Production, Music and Sound Design by Emma Hoy
Podcast Audio Editing Assistant is Caroline Wallace
Follow us
www.signalcreative.net
Facebook: @signalcreativenet
Instagram: @signalcreative
Like, subscribe, rate, review!
…..
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Outback Outloud Podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Signal Creative and Outback Arts 2024.
The Coonamble Plaza Theatre, a two-tiered structure built in 1930 after a devastating fire, has a rich history. Designed to accommodate 900 patrons, it features a grand foyer, high ceilings, and a spacious wooden floor. Despite its grandeur, the theatre sadly fell into disrepair and closed for nearly a quarter century.
In 2000, local resident Chris Gray purchased the Plaza Theatre with the vision of restoring its former glory. Unfortunately, his untimely passing in 2019 left the theatre again vacant, save for a final performance by the Coonamble Amateur Theatrical Society.
Now, under the ownership of Outback Arts, the Plaza is poised for a wonderful revival. The organisation aims to resume the restoration, renovation, and revitalisation of the space, creating an active hub for performance, celebration, and community engagement. This ambitious project will not only preserve a significant piece of Coonamble's history but also provide a vibrant cultural centre for the entire Outback region.
Episode Features:
A deep dive into the history of the Plaza Theatre with Historian Dr. Mary Anne Jebb. She explores some of the Plaza’s past including what went on in the early days, the events, films & good times!
Hear from John Wall whose family owned the Theatre since it was built by his Grandfather Trevor Wall in 1930 and owned until 1982. John shares his and his sister's memories, especially the efforts of his Grandfather- recalling the detail of the theatre's workmanship. John remembers lots of fun moments, the busy times on Coonamble’s once bustling Castlereagh Street.
Susan Campbell speaks about how every weekend everyone went to the pictures in the 1960’s and 70’s. Fond memories of ice cream sodas, sweets and treats..Going to horror films was her favourite.
Local audio engineer Terry (Eccles) Lees would grab a burger and head to the pictures- the thing to do on a Friday night! He was later involved in taking the seats out to turn the lower lever into an unbelievable disco roller skating rink! Eccles admits that video killed the movie star! He’s been involved as an Audio Engineer to run recent Theatre Productions and helped both past and present with some of the theatre's rehabilitation.
…..
Find out more about the Plaza:
https://www.outbackarts.com.au/the-plaza
The Plaza in the Outback on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554426983497
…..
Special thanks to Dr. Mary Anne Jebb
You can find a number of her published works including “Our Mob Served: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories of war and defending Australia” (2022), “Burlganyja Wanggaya” (2012) and “Singing The Train” (2014) from great book retailers.
…..
Thanks to all the Coonamble participants, Coonamble Ameture Theatre Society, Polly Cohen, Brailey Lambe and Jamie-Lea Trindall.
…..
The Outback Outloud Podcast was designed and produced by Signal Creative’s Emma Hoy and Caroline Wallace. Outback Outloud is an ongoing project collaboration between Signal Creative and Outback Arts. The Outback Outloud community project and workshop series was designed, managed and delivered by Signal Creative. Special Guest team member in 2024 is Dr. Mary Anne Jebb. Outback Outloud is funded by Create NSW and Outback Arts.
Podcast Audio Production, Music and Sound Design by Emma Hoy
Podcast Audio Editing Assistant is Caroline Wallace
Follow us
www.signalcreative.net
Facebook: @signalcreativenet
Instagram: @signalcreative
Like, subscribe, rate, review!
…..
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Outback Outloud Podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Signal Creative and Outback Arts 2024.