Faded grandeur clings to this facade. What stands before us is the Former Queen’s Theatre. Once a vibrant hub of entertainment in Geylang, it now whispers tales of a bygone era.
From 1930 to 1982, this theatre was a main entertainment venue. It stands opposite Lorong 41. It first opened its doors as Wembley Cinema in 1930. Imagine the excitement buzzing in the air. The Malaya Tribune announced the opening show.
Wembley Cinema boasted Western Electric apparatus. This provided excellent sound. There were two shows nightly at 6.15 pm and 9.15 pm. Sundays featured matinees with half-price tickets for children. The cinema screened films from Europe, America, Malaysia, and even local productions.
In 1933, Ritz Cinema moved into Wembley Hall. This consolidation brought even more people. The name officially changed to Ritz Cinema.
Films like “Saramang” and Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” graced the screen. An Egyptian film, “Long Live Love,” was shown. Abdul Wahab, a favorite of local Muslim fans, starred in it. Sometimes, ticket prices were slashed to attract larger crowds.
Then in 1939, the Malaya Tribune announced a reconstruction. Ritz Cinema closed and reopened as Queen’s Theatre. A new car park was added. Queen’s Theatre continued showing quality films. Malay film “Harta Berdarah” entertained Geylang residents.
World War II brought changes. Movies were banned and the Queen’s Theatre became a stage for Bangsawan shows. These Malay operas included singing. Japanese authorities approved the stories before they were performed. Troupes received more rice rations if the Japanese enjoyed the shows. Anti-British stories were popular.
After the war, Queen’s Theatre returned to the movie industry. Films like “Isle of Forgotten Shas” were screened. In 1949, the Shaw Organization acquired the theatre.
Repair work in the 1950s was plagued by accidents. Rumors of a spiteful ghost spread. The theatre was built on an old Malay cemetery. Skeletons were unearthed during construction. An Arab employee had previously fallen to his death. Rain caused the accident, but the rumors persisted.
The movie business declined in the 1980s. TV and videotapes provided stiff competition. Cinema attendance dropped. Many closed cinemas became venues for live entertainment. In 1982, the Queen’s Theatre closed its doors. A church planned to convert the theatre into a worship center.
In 2000, GrandLink Square was built on the site. However, the front facade of the Former Queen’s Theatre was conserved. It remains a part of GrandLink Square. The Urban Redevelopment Authority protects it.
The facade reflects colonial-style architecture. This style was common when Singapore was under British control. The equilateral triangle at the top and the dome at the entrance indicate the colonial fashion of the 1930s. Columns and lamps define the front yard.
However, the building’s plan resembles a Kampong house. The entrance has an extruding structure. The building is raised for flood prevention. The linear arrangement of the cinema hall provided a comfortable viewing experience. The architecture helped the Former Queen’s Theatre gain popularity.
Today, the Former Queen’s Theatre stands as a reminder of Geylang’s vibrant past. Its conserved facade offers a glimpse into Singapore’s rich entertainment history. A place of stories, it now has a story of its own to tell.