Take a step back to the Golden Age of cinema and out of the overpriced megaplexes with boring popcorn and no history. We’ve compiled a list to explore some of Sydney’s best boutique and independent cinemas for a more old school cinema experience.
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
The Hayden Orpheum opened in its current iteration in 1987 after extensive restorations of The Orpheum, the original theatre which had been on the site since 1935. It began life as ‘Sydney’s only suburban city movie theatre.’ The Hayden Orpheum has only grown since its reopening expanding from two screens to six, all designed to match the original Art Deco furnishings.
Oh and it has a Wurlitzer pipe organ from 1925 allowing the picture palace to host piano nights with resident organist Neil Jensen before and after screening events. The Piano Bar also provides an excellent location for a drink or to host your next event.
380 Military Road, Cremorne | 02 9908 4344
Palace Cinemas
Palace Cinemas is an independant group of three cinemeas in the heart of some of Sydney’s hottest suburbs.
Chauvel
This little two screen theatre in the heart of Paddington is named for Australian film pioneer Charles Chauvel. With its beautiful sprung floor now hidden underneath cinema seats, the Chauvel hides a past as a dance floor for Paddington Town Hall. Most recently the Chauvel has been saved from death by a public campaign for its rescue. In steps the Palace, bringing life back into the cinematic heart of the inner west.
The Chauvel Cinematheque program brings cult favourites and iconic films back to the big screen every Friday evening. This program is a perfect match for the bar’s décor of 1960s and 70s film posters.
249 Oxford St, Paddington | 02 9361 5398
Palace Norton Street
The Palace Norton Street is a central part of Sydney’s film landscape, having since 2013 boasted eight theatres and plays host to a variety of international film festivals throughout the year. The cinema’s terrace which opened in 2015 creates the perfect escape and space film fans and locals to relax, catch up and unwind.
Head out for a night of art house cinema, explore the food Leichhardt has to offer, get a drink at the lounge bar, or a coffee from the onsite café.
99 Norton Street, Leichhardt | 02 9564 5620
Palace Verona
Just down from the Chauvel you will find the Palace Verona. Since expanding into neighbouring cinema Academy Twin, the Palace Verona is home to four small and intimate theatres. The curated program of arthouse, international and indie films and blockbusters keeps crowds coming back despite slightly crowded viewing.
Unlike many of the other cinemas on this list the Palace Verona is sleek and modern with not a single art deco fixing in sight. It does though promise fresh olive oil cooked popcorn and a wine and espresso bar.
17 Oxford Street, Paddington | 02 9360 6099
Golden Age Cinema and Bar
This adorable little cinema tucked away in Surry Hills is actually a restored Paramount screening room. Located in the 1940s late deco style Paramount House, Golden Age specialises in bringing together the perfect program of new releases, classics and cult favourites.
The Golden Age Bar provides the perfect hangout for movie lovers with food and cocktails designed to match the seasonal film programs. The bar also features a line-up of live music on the Golden Age stage. The Golden Age Cinema and Bar is truly a throwback to old school Hollywood glamour.
Paramount House 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills | 02 9211 1556
Ritz Cinema
The Ritz is one of two remaining Art Deco Cinemas in Sydney. Over the years the building dating back to 1937 has grown along with growing cinema audiences. Now boasting five theatres the Ritz has remained family owned and independent serving as a central part of Randwick.
Original Art Deco fittings in the main theatre and The Ritz Bar located on the mezzanine level, this establishment is a throwback to far more glamourous times. Head down for an evening showing, grab a drink and enjoy being immersed in a golden age cinema experience.
45 St. Pauls Street Randwick | 02 8324 2500
Roseville Cinemas
The site of Roseville Cinemas dates back to the 1900s Kuring-gai council’s town hall and social venue. It began functioning as a cinema in 1919 after World War I under the name Traynor’s Picture Palace. Its current art deco style appeared during renovations in the mid-1930s. Roseville Cinemas remains family owned and one of the north shore’s last independent cinemas.
While the twin theatres feature state of the art technology there are still pieces of the cinema’s past scattered around the place, adding to the old school elegance of the place. Plus there is a bonus space in both theatres for parents with crying or restless little ones where they can still enjoy the film without disturbing the rest of the patrons. And of course a bar, because what stylish movie experience is complete without a glass of wine.
112 Pacific Highway, Roseville | 02 9416 8555
– Lara
Lara Bendeich spends much of her free time trapesing round Sydney’s theatres and cinemas, always with a drink in hand. Follow her musings at @elleellabee.
