From heartache to grand vision for grand, old cinema: Michael Todd reveals plans for The Regal Theatre
THE owner of Adelaide’s 92-year-old The Regal Theatre has revealed plans for a multimillion-dollar revamp of the cinema – as well as his own road to recovery after a tragedy at the old-world venue.
IN his darkest days following the tragic death of a close friend, The Regal Theatre boss Michael Todd struggled to leave home – let alone oversee the day-to-day running of the landmark film house.
Mr Todd was forced to step away from the Kensington Rd cinema as he battled with post traumatic stress after volunteer Bob Cornish fell from the theatre’s roof and died in 2012.
“It happened three days after we took over (the cinema),” Mr Todd tells the Eastern Courier Messenger.
“That left me with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety and depression and I tried to soldier on … but the doctor said ‘that’s enough’.”
Mr Todd spent 18 months undergoing therapy, before re-entering the working world as a baker at Burnside’s Village Bakery.
But as the one-time MasterChef contestant laboured over pies and pasties – “absolutely brilliant therapy”, he calls it – he could not resist the pull of his “first and greatest love”.
“Film and cinema … that is what I was born to do,” he says.
The 45-year-old has returned to The Regal with a grand vision to transform the art deco cinema he helped rescue back in 2012.
Mr Todd wants to spent up to $5 million to redevelop the property adjoining the cinema to include up to four new screens and an underground carpark.
There are also plans in the next 18 months to repaint the foyer of the State Heritage-listed building, build a new candy bar and install an electronic theatre organ.
“One of the observations that customers make is that the cinema looks tired,” Mr Todd says.
“This will provide a unique experience.
“The fundamentals of cinema have not changed, it is about providing an escape and we are going to give a better one than anyone else.”
Mr Todd’s company Republic Theatres – which also owns The Trak on Greenhill Rd – took over the running of the then-Chelsea Cinema after Burnside Council evicted operator Wallis in 2011, ending years of uncertainty over the future of the film house.
The group spent $20,000 to upgrade sound and lighting so the venue could host live performances and functions.
“You could say that The Regal is a very sacred place for me for a variety of reasons,” Mr Todd says.
“He (Bob Cornish) loved the old place like I do, he just loved seeing people happy.”
And would his dear friend approve of a bold new vision for The Regal?
“Yes,” says Mr Todd, wiping away tears.
“I think he would.”
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