The Princess Theatre is both an architectural icon and cultural hub, which many Tasmanians hold fond memories of.
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The theatre was originally built for vaudeville entrepreneur Marino Lucas of Hobart.
The theatre and its site cost between 14,000 and 15,000 pounds.
Except for the stamped metal ceilings, all the work was completed in Launceston.
The domed building had three entrances from Brisbane Street and two shops at the front.
The theatre was built with the capacity to hold more than 1800 guests.
Silent films were aired on the theatre's opening night in 1911, because the backstage area was incomplete.
The showing was so popular that the Princess operated as a cinema until 1970.
Silent films were accompanied by vaudeville performances and the theatre’s 10-piece orchestra.
In 1939, the Princess Theatre was leased to cinema giant Hoyts, who embarked on major renovations at the iconic building.
During the redesign, the front steps and downstairs foyer floor were treated with terrazzo, a new staircase was built to the upstairs foyer and central entrances to the stalls and circles were installed.
Art deco architectural details came to pervade the Princess.
The Princess Theatre was purchased by the Launceston City Council in 1970 for $71,000, after they sold the National Theatre.
Its live theatre debut was celebrated with a gala performance by The Australian Ballet in November, 1970.
Since then, prolific performers including Ray Orbison, The Seekers and Slim Dusty have graced the Princess Theatre’s stage.
The Princess Theatre and its neighbour the Earl Arts Centre are operated by Theatre North, an independent organisation established in 1995.
Theatre North began managing the Earl Arts Centre and Princess Theatre in 1998.
Theatre North general manager Greg Leong said the Princess Theatre had undergone “a complete change” since its inception, including $1 million renovations completed in March.
"What I love about this place is its beauty, I think that in spite of its architectural clashes in style it still manages to be elegant,” Mr Leong said.
"People who come here to perform often say how wonderful it is, there aren't a lot of theatres like this left in Australia and I think the council has been wonderful in making sure the place is well-kept,” he said.
Mr Leong praised the community groups and local theatre companies who utilise the facility, and the enthusiastic young performers that help bring the theatre to life.
