Brisbane Archives

Of 167 Queen Street, the interior of the Regent Theatre passed away on the 9th of December 1978.
Born in 1929, Regent Theatre was a prominent member of Brisbane city. Known for the love of cinema, Regent Theatre was the first promoter of the picture palace and became the only theatre capable of staging several shows. Regent Theatre was also famous for the exquisite Spanish and Rococo Style that adorned the theatre.
Ray Johnson, Kerry Raymond, Cliff Greet remember the Wurlitzer organ at the 2,500-seat lavish auditorium that used to play during intervals. Lesley McBurny remembers ‘Phantom of the Paradise’ as the last movie she watched. Neil Degney watched matinées there. Di Mcinyre remembers the glorious staircase.
A ‘Save the Regent’ campaign was formed in 1978 that succeeded in retaining parts of the Regent Theatre.
Regent Theatre’s grand interior auditorium was survived by a hole for 8 years and replaced by smaller cinemas. Regent Theatre leaves behind the façade and foyer.