Alright, you should be looking to your right now! The Empire Theatre is hard to miss with its glorious Art Deco facade. You'll see an elegant cream-colored building adorned with vertical lines and intricate geometric designs. Flanking this grand theatre are tall palm trees, giving it a touch of Hollywood glamour. Above the entrance, you'll find the word "EMPIRE" prominently displayed, guiding you like a beacon.
Ah, you’ve found it - the Empire Theatre! A heritage-listed jewel right in the heart of Toowoomba. Added to the Queensland Heritage Register back in May 1994, this theatrical gem boasts a rich history. Its design is pure Art Deco, throwing us back to the golden age of Hollywood. Picture this: the exterior framed by palm trees, while the entry foyer dazzles with metallic gold and bronze, complete with fish tanks. Yes, fish tanks in a theatre - quite the sight!
Step inside, and you’ll be met with the theatre’s crowning glory: the grand proscenium arch. The stage itself is a marvel, over 13 meters wide and 12 meters deep, with plenty of room for spectacular performances. It even has a hydraulic orchestra pit that can be raised or lowered as needed - talk about fancy!
This theatre’s history stretches back to 1911 when it first opened its doors. The community absolutely adored it, but fate had other plans. The original building succumbed to a fire in 1933. However, like a phoenix, it rose from the ashes, bigger and better, with the new design to host 2,500 patrons. For a time, it was Queensland's largest provincial theatre!
