Faded posters hint at a bygone era. Here stands the Peng Chau Theatre. This cinema is now defunct but once thrived on Peng Chau island in Hong Kong.
Peng Chau Theatre opened its doors on February 6, 1978. This was the eve of the Lunar New Year. Deacon Chiu Te Ken inaugurated it. He was from the Far East Consortium International Limited. John Rawling Todd officiated the opening ceremony. He was the Acting Secretary for the New Territories then. The first film shown was Gang of Four.
Peng Chau Theatre had a seating capacity of 499. It was a place where the community gathered. They enjoyed films together. It was more than just a cinema. Peng Chau Theatre was a social hub.
But times changed. The industry on Peng Chau declined. The population decreased. At-home entertainment became more popular. The Peng Chau Theatre fell into disuse. It shuttered its doors in the late 1980s. The estimated closing date is January 1988.
The Antiquities Advisory Board reviewed the Peng Chau Theatre’s heritage grading on September 8, 2016. They decided not to give the building a heritage grade.
After its closure, the Peng Chau Theatre was repurposed. It became partly a warehouse. A karaoke bar also occupied space. Several residential flats were added. The exterior of the building has been revitalized. This happened sometime between 2014 and 2016.
Two different addresses appear in the sources. One is 15 Wai Tsai Street. The other is Peng Chau Wing On Street 415. The number 415 does not match the theatre’s true location. The Peng Chau Theatre is east of the junction of Chi Yan Street and Shing Ka Road.
Despite its current state, the Peng Chau Theatre holds memories. It reminds us of a time when cinema was a communal experience. It is a reminder of Peng Chau’s past. The Peng Chau Theatre may be closed but its story lives on.