Inside the bold bid to revive live family entertainment at Collaroy Theatre

The iconic Collaroy movie theatre is reviving live entertainment after a 30-year hiatus in a bid to revive the nightlife on the northern beaches.

For the first time in more than 30 years, the stage at the Collaroy movie theatre will accommodate live performances. Picture: Madelaine Wong

A bold bid to help revive the nightlife on the northern beaches has seen live music return to the historic Collaroy novie theatre - one of the area’s most beloved venues.

The beautiful Collaroy movie theatre on Pittwater Rd, renowned for its distinctive blue art deco styling, is now hosting regular Sunday afternoon sessions featuring, musical, comedy, cabaret, dance and theatrical performers.

Opening its doors in 1938, the theatre opposite Collaroy Beach kicked off a summer season of shows last Friday night with appearances by Lionel Robinson and the Beachside Big Band as the main act.

The show was opened by local rock band Astrovan, the 2024 winners of the Northern Composure band competition.

It was the first time in more than 30 years that the Collaroy Theatre — still the oldest functioning movie theatre on the northern beaches — had hosted live acts.

Owner of United Cinemas, Roy Mustaca, at his Collaroy theatre. Picture: Madelaine Wong

The return of live entertainment to the venue is the brainchild of well known local impresario Christine McCormack.

Ms McCormack, the director of Northern Beaches Entertainment, approached the theatre’s owner Roy Mustaca, who operates the independent United Cinemas chain, to sound him out about helping to boost the performing arts scene.

The interior of the Collaroy cinema in 1938. Picture: “Building” magazine

She said she wanted to make the theatre the “vibrant hub” of local live music, theatre, cabaret and comedy and a must-visit arts destination.

“This theatre has always belonged to the community. We are bringing back that magic, the laughter the applause and the memories.

“The Collaroy Theatre will be giving new voices a stage and established performers a loyal local audience.

“We are building a space where artists can grow, audiences can reconnect and the next generation can see what is possible right here on the northern beaches.”

The Collaroy Theatre c1939. Picture: Northern Beaches Library

The Collaroy Theatre in 2014. Picture: Virginia Young

Ms McCormack stressed that the shows would be family orientated.

“The kids are so bored stiff on the northern beaches, it’s not funny. The theatre is a place they go and see a band, no matter how young or old they are, where they are safe and can learn to enjoy music.”

The live shows would also give an opportunity for local young people to learn skills in lighting, sound and stage management, Ms McCormack said.

The exterior of the Collaroy Theatre in 1938. Picture: “Building” magazine

Christine McCormack, the owner of Northern Beaches Entertainment. Picture: Supplied

“It’s not just about a venue, it’s not just about the music, it’s about creating a community hub that nurtures our children and brings true entertainment to our area.”

Mr Mustaca said the theatre, which he bought in 1988, had “always been a place where people came together to laugh, cry, sing and share stories”.

Lionel Robinson and the Beachside Big Band played on the first night of the return of live entertainment to the Collaroy Theatre. Picture: Supplied

“To see it reborn for live entertainment makes me incredibly proud.”

Lionel Robinson said he was thrilled to kick off the return of live shows.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for local performers and spectators alike to be able to share the joy of a live show in this majestic theatre without a drive to the city and back.”

For information about upcoming shows click here.

Originally published as Inside the bold bid to revive live family entertainment at Collaroy Theatre