The BROADWAY THEATRE at 18 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba
The theatre was officially opened by the Mayor of South Brisbane, Alderman A. Faulkner, on 4 January 1924. The early 1920s were a boom time for the Fiveways as increasing residential developments in surrounding suburbs and good public transport brought more shoppers to the area.
Here’s what the papers of the day had to say:
A THEATRE FOR WOOLLOONGABBA.
Woolloongabba is to have a theatre of its own. Mr. John Lewis who, as a Welsh-man, has all the national fondness for music, has for long felt the need for a theatre in South Brisbane where concerts may be given on a large scaleand where any other entertainment requiring good stage accommodation may be provided for.
He organised a company, Broadway Theatres Limited, had a design prepared by Messrs. Atkinson and Conrad, invited tenders, and the work of erection is now in progress. It is expected that the building will be ready for occupation in four or five months. The new theatre is designed to accommodate about 2000 persons. It will have a proper stage and appurtenances, and the dress circle and other parts of the house will be fitted for the convenience and comfort of large audiences.
Situated at Woolloongabba, the theatre will be in the centre of a large population, who will have the advantage of being able to attend entertainments without the long journey into the city.”
Daily Mail, 5 January 1924, p.21
The new Broadway Theatre, at Woolloongabba, commenced its career under the happiest auspices last night, when it was officially opened by the Mayor of SouthBrisbane (Alderman A. Faulkner). Admirably situated the theatre is a handsome structure, very well ventilated, with a large seating capacity. In declaring it open, Alderman Faulkner complimented the organisers on their enterprise in catering for the wants of the people on the south side, and wished them success in their efforts. He said that the theatre had cost over 15,000 pounds to build, and such enterprise was worthy of recognition. An entertaining programme was then presented to a large crowd. An orchestra of first-class musicians under the baton of Mr. W. Atkins dispensed excellent music. The whole programme provided excellent entertainment, auguring well for the success of the Broadway.
