Culture buffs are in for a real treat this coming Saturday when Lismore Star Court Theatre celebrates 100 years of being the first and foremost live performance and film theatre in the Northern Rivers.

Originally the ‘Diggers Theatre’ it was located next to Lismore’s Commercial Hotel in Woodlark Street.

At the time an open-air theatre with a canvas roof it drew a prospectus and raised $22,000 for TJ Dorgan who then built what is known today as the Star Court Theatre and Arcade with its twenties brick façade, opening with much fanfare on 18th July, 1921.

At the arrival of sound the theatre had a facelift, with new seats, carpet and drapes and the new RCA Photophone.

Families could also enjoy a matinee and many films were accompanied by the latest leading Vaudeville artists.

TJ Dorgan passed in 1944 leaving the management of the Star Court to Fred Kehoe between 1934-1963. 

During this time North Coast Theatres and HJ Harder managed the theatre. 

In 1980 Birch Caroll and Coyle acquired and refurbished it to accommodate a seating capacity of 450. It was renamed Cinema Lismore.

Over the course of the following sixteen years many films were screened at the beloved cinema with its iconic green seats that put your bum to sleep.

When 1996 rolled around prominent businessman, visionary and mentor Dr Floriano Volpato OAM bought the Theatre. 

To this day his son, Nicola Volpato in tandem with Court Stars Entertainment are committed to revitalizing The Star Court Theatre’s glory days by ensuring a space rich with avant-garde cultural flavours and live performances. 

In keeping with this theme, Sharon Rigby and Sarah-Jane Loxton have prepared a Gala to celebrate the Star Courts wondrous history and heritage with a special screening of the silent film ‘The Razor Gang’.

“We went to the historical society and they had a snippet of it,” Ms Loxton said.

“It was filmed in 1928 and was filmed at the same time as the memorial baths were opened. 

“There’s footage of the theatre, the baths, and other parts around the area.”

Ms Loxton said that the film was made by American stuntman and husband to famous silent-era actress Eva Novak, William Reed. 

“There is a tie to Hollywood in Lismore.

“It’s a really cool little piece of history – traditional silent film had live music playing with it.  

“When the Star Court was first built there was an orchestra pit along with live ballet and music too.”

The event will be hosted and MC’d by local musician and performer Ilona Harker and the silent film will have music accompaniment by Vincent and Buttons.

There will also be performances by Black Train and Jex Lopez.

The night kicks off at 7.00 pm. For more information please visit their event page here. Or via their Facebook event page.