Major upgrade planned for King's Theatre

AFTER my family migrated north when I was a young child, one of my first and fondest memories was watching the movie My Girl in the grand old King’s Theatre.

NEW LOOK: Warwick RSL’s King’s Theatre is set to undergo a major internal revamp next year. Picture: Kerri Moore

AFTER my family migrated north across the border when I was a young child, one of my first and fondest memories was watching the movie My Girl in the grand old King's Theatre.

As I grew older, the same building set the scene for many more monumental moments in my life, including my high school formal and the wedding receptions of great friends.

The iconic building no doubt makes an appearance in memories of most Warwick locals in some way and work is underway to make sure that continues into the future.

Warwick RSL Services and Citizens Memorial Club manager Jo Schwenke said a planned interior refurbishment of King's Theatre was expected to begin next year.

"High on our agenda is doing up King's Theatre with a complete revitalisation to provide a high-quality entertainment and function area," she said.

During the 90s, the RSL Memorial Club was extended to include King’s Theatre.

"King's is a majestic old lady and she does up splendidly but in her raw form she is old and needs some work."

Plans for the near future include air-conditioning, an entertainer's dressing room, new buffet service area, a new stage, improved acoustics, new bar and ground-level sub-branch office. The building formerly known as His Majesty's Theatre was built back in 1920, before being destroyed in a blaze in 1944 and rebuilt again shortly after.

The late and great magician Harry Houdini even made an appearance at His Majesty's Theatre back in its early days.

Mrs Schwenke said the upcoming work would help the facility come into the modern era, while also holding onto its amazing past.

"Locals definitely appreciate the history of King's Theatre, which is why we are not going to change the exterior and only revamp it internally," she said.

"We want to retain the history of the building while also giving our guests the modernisation they have come to expect these days."

The theatre became an extension of the RSL Memorial Club two decades ago and has been an important part of the growth and success the club enjoys today. "The club used to operate out of the RSL sub-branch hall, which is now the Chung Hing Restaurant, before moving across to this location in 1981," Mrs Schwenke said.

"The original building would have had a seating for 40 people and a bar area - and that's it.

"Over the years we have extended to include King's Theatre, a club TAB area and can now seat 280 in the dining room and 80 in the function area."

Staff numbers have soared over the years and the club now proudly employs 65 locals.

Mrs Schwenke said she aimed

to provide more than just a pay cheque to her staff members.

"Each and every one one of those employees are treated as family members - everyone is approachable and understanding," she said.

"We have also produced many fine chefs through apprenticeships and we provide all training at the club."

The club boasts over 8000 members and Mrs Schwenke said that included people from all across the country.

"Membership is just $7.70 a year, which entitles holders to members' prices in every area," she said.

"We have such phenomenal members numbers because people see it as a safe and secure place to enjoy themselves with friends and family.

"There are people who use it numerous times a week because it is a place where they can enjoy economical and quality meals and chat with the friendly staff.

"For some of our members, it is their major place of contact with other people."

On top of being a big employer in the city, the club also proudly donates to local charities and organisations, including the Warwick Hospital, Lions, Legacy, the RSL sub-branch and more.

The club has become a hot spot for entertainment in the Rose City and has hosted a long list of big name comedians, musicians and performers.

Administration manager David Burgess said staff had this year made a move away from tribute band acts and were after the big name acts.

"Our aim is to bring quality shows to our members and guests at affordable prices," he said.

"A lot of the shows sell out and David Strassman has probably been the biggest show we have had yet but the Old Fella is back by popular demand soon and I think he will surpass it."

Mrs Schwenke said there was often confusion over who could use the facilities at the RSL Memorial Club.

Members, their guests and bona fide visitors - that is, those who live more than 15km away from the premises - are the only people who can legally use the club.

But the good news is, the club is always welcoming new visitors and joining is as simple as popping in to the reception.