Kensington - The Art Deco Regal Theatre (formerly Chelsea) & built as the Princess Theatre 1925. South Australia

            The Regal Theatre was built as the Princess Theatre designed by Christopher Arthur Smith. After National Theatres went into liquidation, the cinema was purchased by the Waterman family who renovated it in the Art Deco style to the design of architect Frank Kenneth Milne and reopened in 1941 as the Marryatville Ozone.

The Ozone was about to be demolished for a service station when the Burnside Council purchased it for the community. Wallis Theatres took over the lease in 1971 and it was renamed the Chelsea.

The Chelsea Cinema was included on the South Australian Heritage Register in 1983 as item number 10952.In 1984 the Council secured a grant under the Community Employment Program and the cinema was renovated. The number of seats was reduced from 1145 to 586 and a new floor, screen, acoustic equipment and carpet were installed. The cinema was also repainted, the first time since 1955!

The City of Burnside implemented a Conservation Management Plan for the Chelsea Cinema in 2009 as well the Chelsea Cinema Strategic Plan in 2011, to guide the development, conservation and ongoing maintenance of the buildings, based upon an understanding of the history and significance, and the physical condition of the building.

*The workmen erecting the Princess Theatre, Marryatville, for the National Pictures, had continued their work right through the previous night, said the Hon J H Cooke (chairman of directors) at the opening ceremony last night. In fact, he said, they had ceased operations only a quarter of an hour before the ceremony. He paid a warm tribute to their energy. [Ref: Advertiser (Adelaide SA) 25 November 1925]

*OPENING CEREMONY AT MARRYATVILLE
The Princess Theatre, which has been erected at Marryatville by National Pictures, Limited, was formally opened last night by Mr J A Harper (chairman of the Burnside District Council). In introducing Mr Harper, the chairman of directors (Hon J H Cooke) said the promotors had been in the business for about 16 years. They had a capital of £30,000, and their first venture was at Prospect, where their theatre had become so popular that it was necessary to put in a large dress circle. The company also had theatres at North Adelaide and Norwood, and about a year ago had built the Wonder View Theatre at Victor Harbour. Recently their capital was increased to £100,000, and the site at Marryatville was chosen. Performances would be given at the new theatre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and matinees on Saturdays, but not on next Saturday. There would be another performance tonight. Another site had been acquired for the erection of a picture theatre at Colonel Light Gardens. 

Mr Harper said the company was to be congratulated on the erection of such a magnificent theatre. When he entered the building he was astounded at the dimensions and at the comforts contained in it. On behalf of the Burnside District Council he thanked the management and the proprietors for the public spirited way in which they had met the wishes of the council. Traffic was increasing and there was only a 50ft roadway, so that in the near future those responsible for the management of the district must widen the streets. The company had met the wishes of the council in that respect, and had built 10 feet further back than had been originally intended. He congratulated the management on completing the building and hope the people would support the theatre as it deserved to be supported. 

An excellent programme, including "Little Annie Rooney" featuring Miss Mary Pickford, and selections by Miss Elsa Lewis, the whistling violinist was warmly applauded by a packed house. 

The new theatre in its artistic arrangement and ventilation, reflects great credit on the architect (Mr C A Smith) and the contractor (Mr L A Williams). The seating, which has been carried out by Messrs James Marshall & Company is most comfortable, and an unrestricted view of the screen can be obtained from any part of the house. Messrs Marshall and Co have also provided the curtains and drapings. The artistic adornment of the interior, including the beautiful hand-painted scenes and stage setting is the work of Mr S Wickes of Prospect. The handsome proscenium, with its fibrous plaster enrichments has been carried out by Messrs James Bell & Company. The orchestra is under the leadership of Mr W Nicol. [Ref Advertiser (Adelaide SA) 25-11-1925]

Taken on: January 25, 2023

Tags:

Kensington

Regal

Princess

Ozone

Wallis

picture

theatre

cinema

Christopher Arthur Smith

Frank Kenneth Milne

architects

Art Deco

Burnside

council

heritage

L A Williams

contractor

James Marshall & Co.

Nikon

D7500

Adelaide

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Camera: Nikon D7500, f/10.0, 1/400 sec, 18mm (=27mm), ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D7500
Lens:	18.0-140.0 mm f/3.5-5.6
Aperture:	f/10.0
Exposure Time:	0.003 sec (1/400)
Focal Length:	18mm (35mm equivalent: 27mm)
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Auto, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Not Defined
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Windows Photo Editor 10.0.10011.16384
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