STAGE shows, first dates, Jaffas, opening nights and classic movies.
For years the Richmond Regent Theatre has been at the heart of some of Yvonne Coutis and Katrina Coutis-Cooper’s greatest childhood memories. This month the theatre turned 80 and the two got nostalgic as they took a trip down memory lane.
Yvonne, 67, and Katrina, 64 are sisters-in-law and were both born and raised in Richmond.
Their earliest memories around the age of four and five include special trips to the Regent Theatre to see the latest motion picture film.
Their love affair for the theatre runs deep within the family’s history, with Yvonne’s late parents Frank and Jean Madeley attending the cinema’s grand opening in 1935, when it was built and owned by the then licensee of the Royal Hotel, Michael Walsh.
Katrina’s parents owned the Golden Bell Cafe back then, next to the theatre, where they used to warm milk on a stove to make cappuccinos for movie goers who would come in during intermission.
As adults, both Yvonne and Katrina attended the reopening of the theatre when it was purchased in 1976 by TV presenter Mike Walsh (no relation to the original owner).
Before then though Yvonne and Katrina shared fond memories of attending the movies as children, when it cost them one and sixpence (15c) for a movie ticket, a honeycomb and an ice-cream.
“It was a simpler time, a better time,” Katrina said.
“Regent Theatre was always the place to take your friend, or your boyfriend,” Yvonne added.
“One of the funniest memories I have is when a girlfriend and I went to the movies and she dropped her Jaffas over the seat in front. She went to get them and fell right over head down, legs in the air and skirt over her head,” Yvonne laughed. “It was very funny.”
Katrina said the usherettes made sure the kids were well behaved, and stopped any of them from sitting in the front rows of the cinema so they couldn’t throw Jaffas on stage. She also remember friends bringing blankets to keep warm when it was cold, and even a can of fly spray in the summer to stop the flies bugging them.
Both ladies said highlights for them also included the live shows that used to take place at the theatre, including Don Lane and John Williamson and say they would love to see them return to the historic venue.
The women continue to visit the theatre today, and Yvonne says it’s still one of her favourite things to do with her grandchildren.
Katrina said not only did she prefer her local theatre, but believed it’s always important to support local business.
John Levy bought the theatre in 1989 and still owns it today. He marked the 80th birthday celebrations on Friday, July 17 by sharing cake and coffee with customers.
Mr Levy pioneered the move to split the theatre into two cinemas in 1994, and then the introduction of digital projection in recent years.
Over the years he has held many special events including a Gatsby themed night, to celebrate the release of ‘The Great Gatsby’ which was attended by more than 500 patrons.
The theatre is currently on the market, and both Katrina and Yvonne hope that whoever buys it will continue its tradition as a grand movie theatre.
