Windback Wednesday - The Regal Theatre

The Princess Theatre (today known as the Regal Theatre) opened in 1925. Three years later Ozone Amusements purchased the theatre following the liquidation of the previous owners, National Theatres. Hoyts purchased the theatre in 1951, before Burnside Council then purchased the theatre in 1964 to prevent it from being demolished. Hoyts continued to lease the Ozone until 1971, at which time Wallis Cinemas took over the lease and renamed the building the Chelsea Cinema.

In 2012 the Chelsea Cinema's lease was awarded to Republic Theatres, who changed the name one last time to the Regal Theatre. The initial plan had been to reinstate the original name of the Princess Theatre, however the copyright for this name had since been taken by the Princess Theatre in Melbourne.

In 2017 the City of Burnside chose to cease leasing the cinema to third-parties, opting instead to take over management of the Regal Theatre. In 2019 and 2020, the Regal underwent another series of restorations and refurbishments, including ceiling replacement, new carpets, new seating, woodwork restoration and a fresh coat of paint.

This year the Regal Theatre is celebrating its 100th birthday, having opened on 24 November 1925 as the Princess Theatre. As part of these celebrations, the City of Burnside is holding a 1920s themed event, including a screening of the 2013 film The Great Gatsby, live 1920s themed music and entertainment, afternoon tea and a photo booth. Attendees are encouraged to come in 1920s-themed costumes, and a prize will be awarded to the best dressed! Tickets are only $15, so make sure to grab yours and join us in celebrating 100 years of this iconic local landmark.

Book now at https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Community-Recreation/Whats-on-in-Burnside/Regal-Theatre-turns-100

Photograph: The Regal Theatre, 2025. City of Burnside.