The following is an excerpt from the Capricorn Coast Historical Society’s mini book Tales of The Capricorn Coast, detailing the building of the Roxy Theatre in Normanby St, Yeppoon (1934-1978). Past Historical Society president Mary Bevis researched and wrote the mini story ‘Cinemas of the Capricorn Coast’:
Like most cinemas in the area, the Roxy was used for other public events.
The Morning Bulletin records the following activities: fund raisers such as fashion parades, CWA events; also political rallies; school concerts (St Ursula’s from 1935, St Faith’s 1937 (Quality Street), 1938 (Daddy Long legs), Yeppoon State Schol 1936 and more); public meetings (e.g. in support of the local ambulance; the Anzac Day commemoration meeting 1936-1939; visiting performers such as the male choir of the Presbyterian Church from Mount Morgan 1936; and special film nights e.g. the Patriotic Fund, and public health films.
The Western Children who came to the coast for a holiday each year were allowed free attendance at the theatre every Friday night during their stay. (MB 24 Jan 1936 p.8).
Mr Harris also sponsored the Roxy Trophy at the Yeppoon Rifle Club from 1935 to 1938.
The initial performance of the Yeppoon Concert Party was arranged to take place on Wednesday, August 26 in the Roxy Theatre to celebrate the group’s change of name from the Yeppoon Amatuer Dramatic Society.
Care had to be taken when booking a concert. In 1937, a concert on a Sunday by another group was refused because only ‘sacred cocerts’ could be held on Sundays.
Milestones included a special showing of ‘talkies’ in 1937 and a technicolour “colour movies special” in 1938.
The theatre had CinemaScope installed before the Birch and Carroll Wintergarden Theatre in Rockhampton.
Bookings were made at W. Strow’s chemist, Yeppoon, “or phone 127”.
