Historic St Lucia theatre which hosted famous actors to be saved

A Brisbane suburban theatre where some of the great names in Aussie acting began their careers, including Jack Thompson and Michael Caton, will be renovated and reopened to the public.

The University of Queensland has committed to restoring St Lucia’s art deco Avalon Theatre and throwing it open to the public and students.

The 1921 landmark in St Lucia, in Brisbane’s inner-west, has hosted a string of great acting names over the years including Jack Thompson and Michael Caton, who performed there in 1964.

Renowned Brisbane writer David Malouf penned the script for one of the Avalon’s annual revues, Scoop, while others to write for Scoop include John Helman and Tony Skoien, later to become senior members of the Queensland judiciary.

It was revealed this afternoon (February 4) that UQ would consult with the public before beginning renovations and would use the heritage-listed, but derelict, space for teaching and performance.

The heritage listed, art deco Avalon Theatre. Picture: Elise Searson

The community would also be able to use it, taking the theatre back to its origins as an important venue for amateur theatrical events.

Councillor James Mackay (Walter Taylor), who has been fighting for years to save the theatre, said he was delighted at the news.

It comes after the Avalon was closed permanently in 2007 with the university, which bought it in 1962, citing structural and asbestos problems.

“As former president of the St Lucia Community Association, for many years I’ve been campaigning for the Avalon theatre to be restored and made available for community use,’’ Cr Mackay said.

“More recently, as the local councillor, I’ve been working with UQ to get this majestic theatre restored.

Australian actor Michael Caton performed at the Avalon.

“Later this month, the university will carry out structural safety checks and asbestos removal, in preparation for restoration works that are scheduled to commence later this year.

“There will be an opportunity for the local community to provide input into the restoration plans before they commence.’’

Cr Mackay said the university had committed to respecting and maintaining the heritage value of the theatre and hoped it would be back in use as a teaching and performance space for students and the community next year.

“I’ll be working closely with UQ to listen to the community to make sure feedback and advice is received,’’ he said.

“Now that the State Government has decided to use the old Toowong Bowls Club for a school, getting a community facility like this is incredibly important. What a great local win.’’

Councillor James Mackay.

The Avalon was to have been renovated as part of the controversial UQ masterplan, released in 2017, which also included eight-level buildings next door.

That proposal sparked a heated public campaign, spearheaded by Cr Mackay who was then president of the St Lucia Community Association.

The Avalon started life in 1927 as a church hall before it was sold to the St Lucia Progress Association. At the time it was known as the St Lucia Show Hall.

During WWII it was used to screen films and became known as the Esquire Cinema, but mainly hosted live performances.

It was also used for teaching drama students after UQ bought the building, was also used as a polling booth during elections and was a refuge for motorists who parked their cars in its grounds during floods.

Zen Zen Zo choreographer Lynn Bradley and performers at the Avalon. Theatre and performance companies such as Zen Zen Zo relied on the theatre for many years.