On 19 May we travelled by train to Sydney, where we thoroughly enjoyed a very informative guided tour of the State Theatre in Market Street.

Opened in 1929, it was the last grand theatre to be built before the Depression.  Through many good years and some difficult times, it has been a palatial venue where Sydneysiders have escaped the everyday, immersed in theatre, film, music and more.

The unique and varied architectural elements of the theatre include ornate features of Gothic, Baroque, Italianate, French ad Art Deco periods.  There is extensive use of marble throughout, striking mosaic floor tiles, outstanding brass doors, decorative plasterworks, towering columns, soaring dome, elegant arches and curving stairways.  On display are wonderful artworks, including original paintings by William Dobell and Julian Ashton and numerous statues in niches on all levels.  In the rich Baroque style main auditorium, magnificent cut crystal chandeliers hang around the perimeter of the fabulous domed ceiling and where the centre stunning chandelier is one of the largest in the world.

Our guide explained the development changes to the site as Sydney grew and we saw interesting pictorial records that told the story of this fabulous historical theatre.  We were taken backstage and also into the themed rest rooms where we found the ladies “Butterfly Room” enchanting though could only imagine navigating the confined spaces wearing some of yesteryears fashions!

Once again thank you Pauline for organising a great day out! -  Sue Williams