The Royal Princess Theatre was opened on 31st August 1874. The cost of the building was £12,000 with a capacity of 2,000 people. The building was designed by William Charles Vahland. The site was at the corner of View Street and McKenzie Street, with the frontage facing View Street. The auditorium was on three levels and seated 650 in the pit (rear stalls), 200 in the stalls, 250 in the dress circle and 850 in the gallery. A further 50 were seated in the six stage boxes. The frontage of the theatre was 80ft wide x 60ft, which inside the auditorium the proscenium was 30ft wide by 18ft high. The stage was 56ft deep. Stage lighting at the time was by gas until the Electric Supply Co, of Victoria Ltd. had DC power available in 1898. The theatre was described as comparable to anything Drury Lane in London had to offer. The original proprietor’s of the theatre John Croley died on 26th March 1899 aged 72 years, while William Billy Heffernan died 23rd March 1891 aged 81 years.The Royal Princess Theatre Bendigo History Notes, provided by Fred Page for the Bendigo Historical Society. Three pages of notes and photographs photocopied from an unknown book pp 24 - 26.history, bendigo, royal princess theatre

Royal Princess Theatre - Madame Blanche Arral. Direction Mr Thos. Byrne. Programme; Caprice de Concert, One More, The Star and the Flower, Si tu M' Aimais, Hejre Kati, Sing Sweet Bird, La Manolo, Bonsoir, Evening Song, The Hermit's Bell, Mignon. Artists/Singers: Madame Blanche Arral, Mr T P Bockelman, Mons. E Napoleon Boffard. Back cover Advetising: Austral Competitions, 1908. Commencing Monday May, 11th, Royal Princess Theatre. The Premier Competitions of Australia. Print in grayscale, cover has photo of Madame Blanche Arral (oval shape)Bolton Bros'. Print.program, theatre, royal princess theatre, royal princess theatre - madame blanche arral. direction mr thos. byrne. programme; caprice de concert, one more, the star and the flower, si tu m' aimais, hejre kati, sing sweet bird, la manolo, bonsoir, evening song, the hermit's bell, mignon. artists/singers: madame blanche arral, mr t p bockelman, mons. e napoleon boffard. back cover advetising: austral competitions, 1908. may, 11th, royal princess theatre. the premier competitions of australia.

Royal Princess Theatre - The Queries. Wednesday, April 21, 1920. Artists: Mrs Kavanah, Misses Mackay, McKenzie and Connell. Miss Dunstan, Connell, A Macoboy, and Jackson. Mr Casson, Miss Mackay, Mrs Kavanah. Programme: 'N Everything' 'Bobby Dear' 'Dixie-Land' 'Moonlight and Music' 'New York' 'Something Oriental' 'All Dressed Up' 'Passe Temps De Pierrot' 'Tom Jones' 'Some Dance' 'Toddle Along' 'Some Automobile' several song described as 'Selected'program, theatre, royal princess theatre, royal princess theatre - the queries. wednesday, april 21, 1920. artists: mrs kavanah, misses mackay, mckenzie and connell. miss dunstan, connell, a macoboy, and jackson. mr casson, miss mackay, mrs kavanah. programme: 'n everything' 'bobby dear' 'dixie-land' 'moonlight and music' 'new york' 'something oriental' 'all dressed up' 'passe temps de pierrot' 'tom jones' 'some dance' 'toddle along' 'some automobile' several song described as 'selected'

Royal Princess Theatre-Kubelik Programme. Tuesday, June 2nd, 1908, under the sole management of Frank Buckingham. Programme: Prelude: Marche des Mains, Waltz G Flat, Allegro Molto Appassionato, Andante, Allegro Molto Vivace, Convais tu le pags, Ave Maria, Praeludium, Polonaise, Legende. Etude de Concert G Major, Thy Beaming Eyes, The Shepard's Song, A June Morning. Artists, Singers: Kebelik, Miss emily Dyson, Miss Erna Mueller. Black Print.SYD, DAY, Print.program, theatre, royal princess theatre, royal princess theatre-kubelik programme. june 2nd, 1908, management of frank buckingham. programme: prelude: marche des mains, waltz g flat, allegro molto appassionato, andante, allegro molto vivace, convais tu le pags, ave maria, praeludium, polonaise, legende. etude de concert g major, thy beaming eyes, the shepard's song, a june morning. artists, singers: kebelik, miss emily dyson, miss erna mueller.

Princess Theatre - Australiasian Tour, Calve'. Signor Gasparri, Tenor M Pintel, Pianist. Madame Calve's Australian Tour, Direction J & N Tait. 6th October, 1910. Programme:Piano Solos by M Jaques Pintel; Ballade in A Flat, Rhapsodie No. 8, Polonaise. Songs etc. by Signor Galileo Gasparri; Africana, Recitar mentre Preso, Vesti li giubba. Songs by Madame Calve; Stances, Air di Mysoli. Song Duo and Romance by Madame Calve' and Signor Gallieo Gasparri: Habanera, Canzonetta, Enfin c'est toi, La Fluer que to m'avais jetee, Non! Tu ne m'aimes pas! Markings none.program, music, princess theatre, princess theatre - australiasian tour, calve'. signor gasparri, tenor m pintel, pianist. madame calve's australian tour, direction j & n tait. 6th october, 1910. programme:piano solos by m jaques pintel; ballade in a flat, rhapsodie no. 8, polonaise. songs etc. by signor galileo gasparri; africana, recitar mentre preso, vesti li giubba. songs by madame calve; stances, air di mysoli. song duo and romance by madame calve' and signor gallieo gasparri: habanera, canzonetta, enfin c'est toi, la fluer que to m'avais jetee, non! tu ne m'aimes pas!

Royal Princess Theatre Eight First Birthday Souvenir Programme, 31st August, 1955. 1874 - 1955. Manager: Don Vincent. Price - Sixpence. Proceeds: Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund. The Royal Princess Theatre. In May, 1874, the late John Crowley, at a cost of 12,000 pounds the Royal Princess Theatre. It was opened on 31st August, 1874, on which occasion the 'Grand Duchess of Gerolstein' was performed. It was in January, 1904, that the Theatre was closed until April, 1905, for re-construction at a cost of 5,000 pounds. Further alterations were made I 1936 when the old circle and the gallery was converted into the present circle and loge, the cost on this occasion was 14,000 pounds. At the Royal Princess has been seen every form of entertainment known in the world. Operas, including Gilbert and Sullivan, Shakespearean plays, Minstrels, Pantomime, Circus (Wirth's making their first appearance in1887), Drama, Revues, Magicians, and the latest medium of entertainment Ice Revue. Of the many shows presented on stage of the theatre, I feel none has survived as long, or as well, as 'Charley's Aunt.' The companies to present their performances have been many and varied, but among an imposing list, the names of Charles Holloway, The Royal English Opera Company, J. C. Williamson Co., and Royal Comic Opera Coy., will long be remembered. The line of notable personalities who have appeared on the stage is long also, and includes such names as John McCormack, Clara Butt, Harry Lauder, Peter Dawson and more recently Jessie Mathews and John Calvert. But of all these and many others, I am sure none can ever compare with the wonderful performances by the late Dame Nellie Melba, who gave her farewell performance in September, 1921. It is interesting to note that Dame Nellie Melba, gave two farewell performances. The first was in February, 1886, when she made a last appearance as Mrs Armstrong, to later become Madame Melba. The first competition of the Austral Society was held in the Theatre in May, 1897, and the first living pictures were seen in August, 1899. The London Bioscope Co. presented 'Struck Oil,' with Maggie Moore, in February, 1901 (Maggie Moore had appeared in the stage play or the same name many times earlier). However, it was not until 1910 that the Royal Princess was mainly used for pictures, and of course, since that year, that has been the principle form of entertainment presented. It was Easter, 1930, that the first talkie, 'The Desert Song,' was screened and then followed coloured films, and now in 1955 the latest in film development - Cinemascope has been installed. This installation caused, for the first time in many years, alterations to the back stage to enable the large 30ft. Screen to be quickly removed ready for any 'live' performances. In 1937 the Royal Princess came under the Management of Northern Amusements Pty. Ltd., a unit of the Woodrow Corporation Ltd., whose policy it is to bring in entertainment to Bendigo, and I, as their representative will carry on the traditions of the past, and make the Royal Princess truly a Home of Entertainment. Don Vincent, Manager. Wednesday, 31st August, 1955 on the stage. Eagelhawk Brass Band. Official cutting of the Bithday Cake and its presentation to the Matron of the Benoevolent Home by His Worship the Mayor of Bendigo (The cake kindly donated by Friedrich & Bassemir). Presentation of the Travel Voucher for a 10 day Luxury Coach Tour on behalf of Pioneer Coaches Ltd., to the licky couple winning the recent 25th Wedding Anniversary Contest, by His Worship the Mayor of Eaglehawk. 'Progress of Fashion by Bendigo Fashion House including A Tableaux of 7 Bridal Ensembles. Miss 1874 Gertrude Perry, Misses 1955 Rosemary Lorenz, Lorraine Foley, Joan Pinder, Pauline Kim, Shirley Morgan, Pat Ferrari, Wilma Breerton. Make - up by Helen Lang Beauty Salon. 81st Birthday Performance on the screen. Newsreels, Cartoons, Shorts, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Photograph: The Staff of the Royal Princess, under the Management of Mr Don Vincent, who are at your service. Hearing Aids are now installed in all parts of the Theatre, Doctors or Nurses on call may leave their names at the pay-box. Advertisements for Bendigo businesses: Radio Taxis, Kings Dry Cleaners, John V. Schenck Art Florist, Morley Johnsons everything for the home, Ron Meurer fridges, The Melody Bar, music. Program comprises of two sheets of paper.program, theatre, royal princess theatre, royal princess theatre eight first birthday souvenir programme, 31st august, 1955. 1874 - 1955. manager: don vincent. price - sixpence. proceeds: cinematograph trade benevolent fund. the royal princess theatre. in may, 1874, the late john crowley, at a cost of 12, 000 pounds the royal princess theatre. opened on 31st august, 1874, 'grand duchess of gerolstein' was performed. 1904, the theatre was closed until 1905, for re-construction. further alterations 1936 when the old circle and the gallery was converted into the present circle and loge, 14, 000 pounds. seen every form of entertainment known in the world. operas, including gilbert and sullivan, shakespearean plays, minstrels, pantomime, circus (wirth's making their first appearance in1887), drama, revues, magicians, and the latest medium of entertainment ice revue. 'charley's aunt.' the companies have been many and varied, charles holloway, the royal english opera company, j. c. williamson co., and royal comic opera coy., john mccormack, clara butt, harry lauder, peter dawson and more recently jessie mathews and john calvert. dame nellie melba, who gave her farewell performance in september, 1921. it is interesting to note that dame nellie melba, gave two farewell performances. the first was in february, 1886, when she made a last appearance as mrs armstrong, to later become madame melba. the first competition of the austral society was held in the theatre in may, 1897, the first living pictures in august, 1899. the london bioscope co. presented 'struck oil, ' with maggie moore, in february, 1901 (maggie moore had appeared in the stage play or the same name many times earlier). by1910 that the royal princess was mainly used for pictures, has been the principle form of entertainment presented. it was easter, 1930, that the first talkie, 'the desert song, ' was screened and then coloured films, now 1955 the latest in film development - cinemascope has been installed, alterations to the back stage to enable the large 30ft. screen to be quickly removed 'live' performances. in 1937 the management of northern amusements pty. ltd., a unit of the woodrow corporation ltd., 1955. eagelhawk brass band. official cutting of the bithday cake and its presentation to the matron of the benoevolent home by his worship the mayor of bendigo (the cake kindly donated by friedrich & bassemir). presentation of the travel voucher for a 10 day luxury coach tour on behalf of pioneer coaches ltd., to the licky couple winning the recent 25th wedding anniversary contest, by his worship the mayor of eaglehawk. 'progress of fashion by bendigo fashion house including a tableaux of 7 bridal ensembles. miss 1874 gertrude perry, misses 1955 rosemary lorenz, lorraine foley, joan pinder, pauline kim, shirley morgan, pat ferrari, wilma breerton. make - up by helen lang beauty salon. 81st birthday performance on the screen. newsreels, cartoons, shorts, seven brides for seven brothers. photograph: the staff of the royal princess, under the management of mr don vincent, who are at your service. hearing aids are now installed in all parts of the theatre, doctors or nurses on call may leave their names at the pay-box. advertisements for bendigo businesses: radio taxis, kings dry cleaners, john v. schenck art florist, morley johnsons everything for the home, ron meurer fridges, the melody bar, music. royal princess theatre eight first birthday souvenir programme, 31st august, 1955. 1874 - 1955. manager: don vincent. price - sixpence. proceeds: cinematograph trade benevolent fund. the royal princess theatre. in may, 1874, the late john crowley, at a cost of 12, 000 pounds the royal princess theatre. opened on 31st august, 1874, 'grand duchess of gerolstein' was performed. 1904, the theatre was closed until 1905, for re-construction. further alterations 1936 when the old circle and the gallery was converted into the present circle and loge, 14, 000 pounds. seen every form of entertainment known in the world. operas, including gilbert and sullivan, shakespearean plays, minstrels, pantomime, circus (wirth's making their first appearance in1887), drama, revues, magicians, and the latest medium of entertainment ice revue. 'charley's aunt.' the companies have been many and varied, charles holloway, the royal english opera company, j. c. williamson co., and royal comic opera coy., john mccormack, clara butt, harry lauder, peter dawson and more recently jessie mathews and john calvert. dame nellie melba, who gave her farewell performance in september, 1921. it is interesting to note that dame nellie melba, gave two farewell performances. the first was in february, 1886, when she made a last appearance as mrs armstrong, to later become madame melba. the first competition of the austral society was held in the theatre in may, 1897, the first living pictures in august, 1899. the london bioscope co. presented 'struck oil, ' with maggie moore, in february, 1901 (maggie moore had appeared in the stage play or the same name many times earlier). by1910 that the royal princess was mainly used for pictures, has been the principle form of entertainment presented. it was easter, 1930, that the first talkie, 'the desert song, ' was screened and then coloured films, now 1955 the latest in film development - cinemascope has been installed, alterations to the back stage to enable the large 30ft. screen to be quickly removed 'live' performances. in 1937 the management of northern amusements pty. ltd., a unit of the woodrow corporation ltd., 1955. eagelhawk brass band. official cutting of the bithday cake and its presentation to the matron of the benoevolent home by his worship the mayor of bendigo (the cake kindly donated by friedrich & bassemir). presentation of the travel voucher for a 10 day luxury coach tour on behalf of pioneer coaches ltd., to the licky couple winning the recent 25th wedding anniversary contest, by his worship the mayor of eaglehawk. 'progress of fashion by bendigo fashion house including a tableaux of 7 bridal ensembles. miss 1874 gertrude perry, misses 1955 rosemary lorenz, lorraine foley, joan pinder, pauline kim, shirley morgan, pat ferrari, wilma breerton. make - up by helen lang beauty salon. 81st birthday performance on the screen. newsreels, cartoons, shorts, seven brides for seven brothers. photograph: the staff of the royal princess, under the management of mr don vincent, who are at your service. hearing aids are now installed in all parts of the theatre, doctors or nurses on call may leave their names at the pay-box. advertisements for bendigo businesses: radio taxis, kings dry cleaners, john v. schenck art florist, morley johnsons everything for the home, ron meurer fridges, the melody bar, music.

Princess' Theatre, Bendigo - Leonard Borwick. One of the world's greatest pianists, Pianoforte Recital, under the directionof J & N Tait. Tuesday Evening, September 5, at 8.15. Tickets at Allan's Box Office, Mitchell Street. 5/- (Reserved Seats), 3/-, 2/- and 1/- 271 Collins St., Melbourne. Programme: Fugue, G Minor. Les Barricades mysterieues, Gigue, in B minor. Caprice on Ballet Airs from the Opera Alceste. Sonta, in C major, Op. 53. Ballade in A major, Op.47. Impromtu in F# major. Op. 36. Prelude in D minor, Op. 28, No24. Nocturne in G major, Op. 37, No. 2. Waltz in A major, Op. 42. Impromtu, Op. 90, No. 4. Phapsodie Hongrosie, No. 12.. Steinway Pinaforte from Pianloa Co. Advertising on 3rd page for coming shows, and back cover for 'Allan's', Melbourne, Bendigo, Geelong. Cream card, brown print with some green on cover and page 3.The Atlas Press, Melbourneprogram, music, princess theatre, princess' theatre, bendigo - leonard borwick. one of the world's greatest pianists, pianoforte recital, tuesday evening, september 5, at 8.15. tickets at allan's box office, mitchell street. 5/- (reserved seats), 3/-, 2/- and 1/- 271 collins st., melbourne. programme: fugue, g minor. les barricades mysterieues, gigue, in b minor. caprice on ballet airs from the opera alceste. sonta, in c major, op. 53. ballade in a major, op.47. impromtu in f# major. op. 36. prelude in d minor, op. 28, no24. nocturne in g major, op. 37, no. 2. waltz in a major, op. 42. impromtu, op. 90, no. 4. phapsodie hongrosie, no. 12.. steinway pinaforte from pianloa co. advertising on 3rd page for coming shows, and back cover for 'allan's', melbourne, bendigo, geelong. cream card, brown print with some green

Victorian Symphony Orchestra, Royal Princess Theatre, Bendigo. Conducted by Juan Jose Castro. Soloist: Isador Goodman (pianist). This series of concerts is arranged by the Australian Broadcasting Commission in conjunction with the Government of Victoria. Royal Princess Theatre, Bendigo. Thur., 1st May. Star Theatre, Shepparton, Friday, 2nd May at 8pm. Direction: Australian Broadcasting Commission. Juan Jose Castro (write up on the life of). Harmony and Home. Linking 'Home and Family Week' with this Visit. Bendigo faces the challenge brought through the medium of 'Home and Family Week.' Issues arising out of the relationship of Marriage, Parenthood and the family have been discussed by possible solution. Rather than compete with the Concert, negotiations were effected with the A.B.C., resulting in the acknowledgement of this function as part of our week, and the reciprocal arrangement of space in this booklet. Music, as truly as Education and other Culture, influences the outlook and the stability of the home. Ancient Jewish history gave common paternity . . . Programme. Programme notes. Page 6: photo of Isador Goodman. Page 7: photo of John Brownlee. Associate Artist: Raymond Lambert (pianist). Conductor: Juan Jose Castro. First violins: Jorgensen B, Hutchins H, Schieblich F, Deerson N, O'Brien P, Glassford W, Michael R, Burlakov A. Second violins: Lenzer H, Badley R, Pattison B, Whitelaw M, Pietruschka I, Braithwaite N. Violas: Kerr C, Kogan M, Roberts W. 'Cellos: Howley D, Touzeau H, Awburn V, Neri E. Basses: Howley T, Shiffron S, Morton W. Flutes: Chugg R, Barklamb L. Oboes: Richmond E, Woolley D. Clarinets: White T, Crowley C. Bassoons: Wightman T, Hunt. Horns: White R, Miller G, Grieve G, Bickford G. Trumpets: Simpson M, Roberts S. Trombones: Code S, McGlade J, Willis H. Tuba: Coram C. Tympani: Craig G. Percussion: Crawford B, McManamny T. Harp: Bendall A. Musical Autobiographies The London Daily Graphic's record critic praised Eugene Goossen's musical autobiography, Overture and Beginners, as excellent Story . . . Photographs of Elena Nikolaidi and Michael Rabin along with a write up on each. Advertisements: Georges, Melbourne. Railway.program, theatre, concert, victorian symphony orchestra, royal princess theatre, bendigo. conducted by juan jose castro. soloist: isador goodman (pianist). this series of concerts is arranged by the australian broadcasting commission in conjunction with the government of victoria. royal princess theatre, bendigo. thur., 1st may. star theatre, shepparton. juan jose castro harmony and home. linking 'home and family. family week.' issues arising out of the relationship of marriage, a.b.c., resulting in the acknowledgement of this function as part of our week, and the reciprocal arrangement of space in this booklet. music, as truly as education and other culture. ancient jewish history gave common paternity. programme notes. page 6: photo of isador goodman. page 7: photo of john brownlee. associate artist: raymond lambert (pianist). first violins: jorgensen b, hutchins h, schieblich f, deerson n, o'brien p, glassford w, michael r, burlakov a. second violins: lenzer h, badley r, pattison b, whitelaw m, pietruschka i, braithwaite n. violas: kerr c, kogan m, roberts w. 'cellos: howley d, touzeau h, awburn v, neri e. basses: howley t, shiffron s, morton w. flutes: chugg r, barklamb l. oboes: richmond e, woolley d. clarinets: white t, crowley c. bassoons: wightman t, hunt. horns: white r, miller g, grieve g, bickford g. trumpets: simpson m, roberts s. trombones: code s, mcglade j, willis h. tuba: coram c. tympani: craig g. percussion: crawford b, mcmanamny t. harp: bendall a. musical autobiographies the london daily, eugene goossen's, photographs of elena nikolaidi and michael rabin along with a write. advertisements: georges, melbourne. railway.