View of Comedy Theatre ca.1915-18
John Henry Harvey 1855-1938 photographer, image H92.150/784, SLV Pictures

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Other names:

 

1913 The Casino, 1913-1915 Daylight Pictures, 1915-1918 The Comedy Theatre
Date built:   Tendered September 1913, opened Tuesday 23 December 1913
Architect:   Harry B. Gibbs & Finlay [Henry Browse Gibbs (1858-1918) & Alexander Kennedy Finlay (d.1921)]
Builder:   unknown
Cost:   unknown
1st Owner:   Daylight Pictures Ltd.
Description::   Partially roofed theatre, accommodating 3,000 patrons
History:   Also known as Daylight Pictures and from 1915 whilst under new management it was renamed The Comedy Theatre. The building was demolished at the end of its five year lease in 1918.
Other owners/occupiers:   Mr Lipman, William Cosgrove

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Watch film footage from ca 1914, courtesy of Australian Film & Sound Archives

 
  Source

 

Content or [note]
1.  Argus 1913.08.09 p17

 

Advertisement: Abridged prospectus of Daylight Pictures Ltd. £10,000 in 20,000 shares of 10/- each. [Abridged prospectus follows.]

2. Argus 1913.09.11 p.2  

Tenders: Harry B. Gibbs & Finlay invites tenders for Alterations to "Glideaway" and buildings in timber, for Daylight Pictures, Lower Esplanade.

Tenders: Harry B. Gibbs & Finlay invites tenders for 1000 yards clean filling and spreading, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda Beach.

3. Argus 1913.12.19 p.16   Amusements: Advertisement for grand opening night: 2000 seats at 6d, 500 seats at 1/-, 500 reserved seats at 1/6.

4. Argus 1913.12.23 p.12   Amusements: Advertisement for grand opening night of the Casino, St Kilda Beach tonight.
5. Argus 1915.09.11 p.2  

Sale by Auction:

Tuesday, September 21 at 3pm at Daylight Picture Theatre under instruction From J. W Gudgeon liquidator, opportunity to purchase well-known Modern Picture Theatre with 5 year lease [from 1913]. [Description of lease & equipment follows]

 

6. Prahran Telegraph 1914.10.10 p.5   The Casino: The fine building erected by the Daylight Picture Theatre Co on the lower esplanade has been taken by Mr Lipman, and a costume comedy company is now in full rehearsal, and will open on the 31st inst.
       
  Argus 1918.10.10 p.2   Sale by Auction: This day at 11am, Comedy Theatre Lower Esplanade, clearing sale. [Full description of building materials offered follows]