If only walls could talk, the old Launceston National Theatre would surely have some fascinating tales to tell.
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Designed by architect Thomas Searell and built by Harry Goodluck, the theatre was opened by Mayor Alderman Percy Hart and Mrs Hart on September 25, 1915.
Printing company, Foot and Playsted purchased the building, located on the corner of Charles and Paterson street, from the Launceston City Council in 1969.
While the entrance of the Foot and Playsted may deceive the unknown eye, as it takes on the normal features of an office, beyond the reception lies two staircases which lead to the original ticket boxes, and up into the dome seating area.
Originally, a steep set of stairs led patrons from the footpath to a small gallery, but over the years a large number of people fell from the incline so the theatre was remodelled.
Foot and Playsted general manager Tim Lack said in 1934 they dropped the level of the stage right down because of the incidents.
“It was an absolute massive undertaking to change it all, it just blows you away to think about it,” Mr Lack said.
Markings along the proscenium clearly show the massive restructure undergone by the National Theatre to lower the stalls to ground level, and consequently needing to lower the dress circle.
During the remodel, the circle rows were increased from eight to 15 and columns in the auditorium were removed.
Launceston Competitions were held at the National Theatre.
“Because they had the competitions here for years, a lot of locals have performed on the stage,” Mr Lack said.
“A lot of people come in and say ‘I performed on this stage as a kid’,” he said.
Underneath the stage, the basic structure of the dressing rooms still exist.
Sinks still fitted to the walls, and indents where the lights and mirrors once hung are still visible, giving a sense of intrigue into the now vacant spaces which were once filled with life.
World renowned pianist, Winifred Atwell gave the last performance at Launceston’s National Theatre on November 14, 1970, according to a booklet produced by John Healey in 2011.
National Theatre, was a collection of newspaper clippings and advertisements about the theatre and its shows, as well as letters which discussed the remodelling process.
Majority of the building was being utilised by Foot and Playsted as production or storage.
Each room filled with large machinery, paper and boxes.
Mr Lack estimated the building, which takes up half the block, to be about 1500-square metres.
