THE TIVOLI : More Than A Picture Theatre.

In the time before radio and television and when gramophones and records were very basic and quite expensive, residents yearned for entertainment outside the home. Occasionally, travelling vaudeville groups and pantomime companies visited the town. From very early days, concerts were staged as both church and community fundraisers as well as providing a social outlet. The Tivoli Hall was a regular venue for these occasions.  

Opened in 1913, the Tivoli Hall/Theatre was situated in Chapman Street. It had earlier been known as Oddfellows Hall which hosted a variety of functions.  Before transitioning to the showgrounds, exhibits for the annual show were displayed in the Oddfellows Hall. In 1910, the inaugural Proserpine Show Ball was held there and the “Bowen Independent” April 11th 1911, reported, “The ladies of the R. C. Church are holding a Euchre Party on Easter Monday night in the Oddfellows’ Hall.” In an advertisement on April 15, 1911, Mrs G Taylor announced that she intended holding “A series of Assemblies in the Oddfellows Hall … every fortnight …Bright and up-to-date music.”  

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The Tivoli, managed by Mr RAT Morrison, served as the town's initial venue for moving picture screenings and events before entertainment shifted to larger venues such as the Eldorado Picture Company run by Mr J Johns in the Alexandra Hall on Main Street. A boy was employed to ring an auctioneer’s bell in the main street announcing, “Pictures tonight!”  

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Twice weekly, silent movies were screened at the Tivoli. Typical programmes presented a feature film, a comedy and a serial episode. Serials such as “The Iron Test” and “Elmo the Fearless” often ran for up to twenty episodes, each ending with an unresolved crisis - usually placing the heroine in danger to encourage audiences to return. Programmes sometimes included live acts such as “Frank Sidney - Trick Cyclist and Vaudeville Artist with his Singing Dog” and “Mr Dickenson who Specialises in Irish Songs”.  

Life for the cinema proprietors had its difficulties. Because of unreliable transport, films often failed to arrive, and equipment breakdowns were a perpetual worry, so old programmes had to be re-shown, or the proprietors cheerfully held a dance instead.  

In 1918, the Tivoli’s screening of the 5^th episode of the great picture, “Gloria’s Romance” was thrilling audiences. Seats were a bit cheaper at the Tivoli than Alexandra Hall. Canvas chairs were 1/8; front seats 1/4. I Edwards was manager at this time. The “Bowen Independent” reported positively on the Tivoli pictures. February 18, 1919 – “Last Saturday night the Proserpine Branch of the Tivoli was packed to its utmost to see “Zara”, and the management was well thanked for the grand paramount program.” October 21, 1919 – “An enormous crowd witnessed the screening of that wonderful picture, ‘The Better Ole’”  

During the severe influenza epidemic of 1919, when restrictions on indoor entertainment were imposed, the community was fortunate to have the Tivoli’s open-air skating rink providing an alternative venue for their entertainment.  

The First Annual Military Ball was held at the Tivoli on Anzac night, 1919. This event was greatly anticipated as a commemoration marking the anniversary of the Anzac campaign. Circa 1927, the Tivoli held its first skating Fancy Dress Ball.  

In 1934, the Tivoli ceased to operate and was converted into a plumbing business. After suffering severe damage during Cyclone Debbie in 2017, structural assessments determined that the then 104-year-old building was beyond repair and could not retain its heritage façade. It was subsequently removed from the Queensland Heritage Register. And so ended a grand chapter of our district’s history.  

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum Society.  

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