The golden age of theatre

In the 1950’s, Maryborough boasted three motion picture theatres—The Embassy, The Wintergarden, The Bungalow—and a drive in theatre as the central focus of the city’s leisure time entertainment.

Theatres were bursting at the seams and everyone was in awe of the progression from black and white films to those featuring glorious technicolour and breathtaking Cinemascope. 

Cultural buffs were well catered for at the same time with musicals and comedy and drama produced by local choral and theatre companies. 

The city was on the circuit for all types of visiting and professional entertainers, orchestras, ballet companies and theatre companies from across the nation and around the world.

On the 26th of March 1965, Wide Bay-Burnett Television (QBA-8) went to air from its studios in Cambridge Street, Granville. 

Little did anyone know that the popularity of the “box” would forever influence how people spent their leisure time. In due course, one by one, the cinemas in Maryborough closed their doors.