top of page
![Express1907.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_902d7d5bf3854371b06218de33dbd69a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_71,h_70,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Express1907.jpg)
HISTORY of MANILLA NSW
The PALAIS
In 1928, outdoor picture shows, along with travelling lantern slide and film screenings had been popular entertainment in country towns for close on 2 decades. Manilla people were quite accustomed to the phenomenon of the moving picture by the time the Palais Picture Theatre was constructed by Mr. R .Easterman as a prospective venture for the contractor, Mr. Williams. The theatre was leased to the Sydney-based Palais Theatre Co., which employed Mr. O. Lindsay in the role of Manager.
![The Palais Theatre Manilla 1933](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_454dbbd7c6c6497ebd6a7d93b8545c2d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_311,h_198,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/The%20Palais%20Theatre%20Manilla%201933.jpg)
At the time - late 1920s - Manilla was desperate for a long-awaited water scheme, first discussed in 1912. The addition of a theatre to the townscape signalled prosperity, a likely increase in revenue for Council, and subsequently, an increase in its borrowing power. The building of the Palais was seen as a progressive move in tough times, a boost to morale and a renewal of faith in community cooperation.
The Palais was the site of much enjoyment for several generations of local people and remnants of "Bill's Bughouse" as it was affectionately known - glass advertising slides, film reels, ticket rolls and 'Pass Out' cards, are now held in the Manilla Community Collection at Manilla Heritage Museum.
![1928 Opening of the Palais Manilla](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_8059a27dda4944f1a26b0cecd43996f3~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_275,h_193,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1928%20Opening%20of%20the%20Palais%20Manilla.png)
Opening of The Palais Theatre1928
![D](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_346c64744f9245d68ac0e49660ef590e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_713,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/35c261_346c64744f9245d68ac0e49660ef590e~mv2.png)
![D](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_249abe91759c457e9b238cccb3befa60~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_714,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/35c261_249abe91759c457e9b238cccb3befa60~mv2.png)
![D](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_6d7b78adc08248c488fe0a2cbff6e798~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_715,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/35c261_6d7b78adc08248c488fe0a2cbff6e798~mv2.png)
![D](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_d4551550a9574690b434fdc0654112e8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_715,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/35c261_d4551550a9574690b434fdc0654112e8~mv2.png)
![D](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_346c64744f9245d68ac0e49660ef590e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_713,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/35c261_346c64744f9245d68ac0e49660ef590e~mv2.png)
![D](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_249abe91759c457e9b238cccb3befa60~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_714,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/35c261_249abe91759c457e9b238cccb3befa60~mv2.png)
![D](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_6d7b78adc08248c488fe0a2cbff6e798~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_715,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/35c261_6d7b78adc08248c488fe0a2cbff6e798~mv2.png)
![D](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_d4551550a9574690b434fdc0654112e8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_715,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/35c261_d4551550a9574690b434fdc0654112e8~mv2.png)
"I Remember" - 'The Palais' - Mr. D. Ridgewell
![Palais Theatre Archive 2](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_e95022657c604dcbbc2af083e554a888~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_162,h_162,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Palais%20Theatre%20Archive%202.jpg)
![Palais Theatre Archive 4](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_8a73b9a9fe0f4414bda1a6604292e129~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_162,h_162,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Palais%20Theatre%20Archive%204.jpg)
![Palais Theatre Archive 3](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_8433e8d40cd34d11b3d524e1602c09a1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_162,h_162,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Palais%20Theatre%20Archive%203.jpg)
![Palais Theatre Archive 1](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_e691f285ae2145eb81d22158feb746b9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_162,h_162,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Palais%20Theatre%20Archive%201.jpg)
The Palais building was acquired by Manilla Shire Council during the latter years of the 20th century. It underwent structural alteration to accommodate a gymnasium and was eventually demolished in 1999.
![Palais Demolition 1999](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35c261_fbe2ada8d2df4d938959c54ce38708bf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_368,h_259,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Palais%20Demolition%201999.jpg)
BROWSE . . .
The FRONT PAGE
PLACE / CLIMATE / WATERWAYS
MANILLA in PRINT
TRANSPORTATION
The RAILWAY
POSTAL SERVICES
The TELEPHONE
MINING
FREEZING
ELECTRICITY
WATER
PUBLIC EDUCATION
CATTLE
SHEEP
WHEAT
ENGINEERING
BURRELL'S PLATYPUSARY
The PALAIS
The RSL Manilla Sub-branch
WW1 HONOUR ROLL
WW1 PEN PICTURES
BOY SCOUTS
The SHOW
CRICKET
FOOTBALL
PLACES & SPACES
TIMELINE
CONTACT
Website Archived 2020
bottom of page