A unique hinterland theatre and the man behind its revival will feature on lifestyle program My Way this weekend.
The Majestic Theatre will be showcased on the Channel 9 show, when narrator Tim Blackwell will introduce the venue and Ron West, who thrust the old hall into the spotlight.
Nestled in the historic town of Pomona, it’s believed to be Queensland’s longest continuously operating picture theatre and the only one in the world that has kept screening silent movies.
The building was built as a hall with shops, in 1921, and the first silent movies were played there in the 1920s.
It became a popular venue for social functions and for all types of movies, particularly during World War II.
Ron and Mandy West bought the venue in 1974 and decided to focus on silent movies.
They restored the theatre to glory and have attracted visitors from near and far, who were drawn to it’s old-world charm of the 1920s and silent film experience with live piano or organ accompaniment.
“This now is the only authentic silent picture theatre fully operating as a silent picture theatre in the world,” Mr West said on the venue’s website.
Now retired, he has proved that age is no barrier when you have a love for the arts. He can still be found captivating audiences each week with his accompaniments on the Majestic’s 85-year-old organ.
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The heritage-listed theatre is now a community enterprise, owned and operated by Pomona Arts Inc.
The theatre also presents world cinema, film documentaries, live performances and it can host events.
My Way will screen on Channel 9 and 9Now on Sunday, 5.30pm.
