Historical information

Village Roadshow’s story begins in 1954 and tracks the evolution of Australia’s modern entertainment industry. The company grew from a single suburban drive‑in, to a multinational force in cinemas, film distribution, production, radio, and theme parks.

In 1954, Roc Kirby, opened one of Australia’s first drive‑ins in Croydon, Melbourne, adopting the name Village from the nearby “Croydon Village” shopping strip.

By the late 1950s, the company operates 27 drive‑ins, then expands into traditional “hard‑top” cinemas.

In 1967, Roadshow Distributors entered the film distribution.

In 1971, the group begins film production via Hexagon Productions and forms a long‑term distribution partnership with Warner Bros. in Australia.

Significance

Roc Kirby and his sons lived in Albion and Sunshine.

Physical description

Collection of newspaper articles on the Village Roadshow and the Kirby Brothers

Inscriptions & markings

2332.01 - Newspaper Article The Age 30 May 1998 Australia shows way forward on big screen
2332.02 - Newspaper Article Village Takes Show On Road
2332.03 -Newspaper Article November 1999 village chief pay row
2332.04 - Newspaper Article Village Shake Up Amid Probe Of $1m Claim