The Roxy Theatre

Opened in 1930, The Roxy Theatre in Parramatta wasn’t just a cinema. It was a dream, a 1,950-seat palace of cinematic wonder. The Roxy Theatre was the brainchild of Roxy Theatres Ltd, envisioned as the first in a grand chain. Its namesake? The master showman himself, S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel. The opening night was a spectacle. Maurice Chevalier graced the screen in “Innocents in Paris”. The mayor and local dignitaries filled the seats. Thousands gathered outside, drawn to the illuminated entrance. Even Hollywood stars sent greetings via the silver screen. The Roxy Theatre was a symbol of progress, a testament to Parramatta’s rising star. The architecture was a bold embrace of the Spanish Mission style, a trend sweeping Australia at the time. An impressive arch and ornate tower welcomed patrons. The forecourt, adorned with palms and ferns, buzzed with anticipation. Inside, a two-story foyer, rich with Spanish motifs, led to the magnificent auditorium. A striking proscenium, a celestial ceiling dome, and ornate side walls created an immersive experience. The air conditioning was a luxurious touch, a welcome escape from the Australian heat. The Roxy Theatre even boasted a Christie theatre organ, one of the largest and finest in the state. From Eddie Horton to Owen Holland, renowned organists filled the theatre with their melodies. Sadly, the organ was dismantled and sold in 1958, finding a new home in the Castle Hill Entertainment Centre. The ceiling lights, removed during World War II for safety, were never replaced. Despite these losses, the ceiling dome remained, a silent witness to the theatre’s grandeur. Hoyts Theatres acquired The Roxy Theatre in 1946. They tripled the cinema in 1976, a move that cost the original proscenium. Yet, the upper auditorium, the foyers, and the iconic facade survived. Village Theatres took the reins in 1996. The Roxy Theatre closed its doors in 2002, ending a 72-year reign. But the story doesn’t end there. The Roxy Theatre was reborn as an entertainment venue in 2006, complete with restaurants, bars, and a cabaret space. It closed again in 2015, its future uncertain. Redevelopment plans have been proposed and debated, its fate hanging in the balance. The Roxy Theatre stands as a testament to Parramatta’s rich history, a captivating blend of architectural splendor and cinematic dreams.