The History of the Enmore Theatre
Sydney’s Oldest And Longest Running Live Theatre.
Note: This blog is part of our “Streets and Stories” series, dedicated to uncovering the hidden histories and captivating tales of Sydney’s Inner West. In this installment, we delve into the rich legacy of the Enmore Theatre.
For over a century, the Enmore Theatre has stood as a beacon of entertainment in Newtown. Established in 1908 and officially opened in 1912, it began as a humble photo-play theatre and evolved into Sydney’s longest-running live performance venue. Its journey reflects the evolution of Australian entertainment—from silent movies to live shows—mirroring the changing cultural landscape over the decades.
The theatre’s distinctive Art Deco architecture, the result of a 1936 renovation, has made it a cultural landmark recognized by the National Trust for its historical significance. But the story of the Enmore Theatre is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the people who shaped its destiny. From the entrepreneurial Szarka brothers who steered its early years to the countless artists—local talents and international superstars alike—who have graced its stage, the Enmore Theatre embodies a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and community spirit.
Early Beginnings — A Star Is Born
The Enmore Theatre dates back to its original construction in 1908 as an open-air cinema. It started as an iron and timber shed with no roof, serving as a makeshift facility for the community. The theatre was part of a wave of moving picture palaces that swept through Sydney during the early 1900s; Sydney's first dedicated picture cinema was the Salon Lumière, which opened in October 1896 at 237 Pitt Street.
Early cinemas often featured a mix of entertainment, including silent films accompanied by live music from bands and orchestras, as well as vaudeville performances. These humble beginnings gradually improved over the succeeding years, especially after the venue was taken over by brothers William and George Szarka in 1910.
Image: “The opening performance at the Enmore Theatre has been postponed for a few days”. 'CABS CAPSIZE.', Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), 21 August, 1911.
The Szarka Brothers Take Over
It is impossible to tell the story of the Enmore without highlighting the story of the Szarka Brothers and their cultural role in shaping Newtown and Sydney’s history. William and George Szarka purchased the Enmore—the first in a string of theatres they operated throughout the 1920s—and promptly set about transforming it into one of the premier entertainment venues in Sydney.
The open-air theatre was quickly improved: a canvas tent-like cover was drawn over the patrons’ heads, and by 1912, a tin roof had been completed, providing seating for 500 viewers. Never satisfied with the facilities, the theatre was further rebuilt in 1920 with a more substantial brick building in the Spanish Mission style (see image) designed by architects Kaberry and Chard.
Kaberry and Chard designed over 57 theatres around Australia, becoming one of the most prominent theatrical design firms in the country. This renovation allowed the theatre to increase its capacity to 3,000 people and add private boxes for added luxury in viewing. Though this design was short-lived, it was later replaced with its current Art Deco style.
The movie currently showing at the Enmore in this image is actully availbe in full on YouTube! - The Sea Lion (1921)
Through their stewardship of the Enmore and other businesses, the Szarka Brothers became beloved and famous figures in the Inner West. They took their responsibilities quite seriously, frequently giving back to the community. Their commitment to community engagement was exemplified each Christmas Day when they provided free movie screenings to up to 1,000 underprivileged local children, complete with sweets and Christmas cake - a tradition that continued for many years.
Image: Ship Arrival of Bill Szarka, "King of Newtown", 1930. Hood, Sam, 1872-1953.
Image: Enmore Theatre lorry - free Christmas cake to each child, Sat. matinee 24 Dec 1938.
Image: Children hold posters advertising Walt Disney's "Reluctant dragon", Enmore Theatre, 1942.
A King Is Crowned In Newtown
American musician Frank Zappa once said, “Politics is the entertainment branch of industry,” and William Szarka would probably agree. Already an incredible entrepreneur and community leader, he turned his attention to politics and served as an alderman on the Newtown Council from 1914 to 1928, representing Enmore Ward.
All of this highlights that it was an obvious choice for the Newtown community in 1925 to crown him the “King of Newtown” during a Newtown School of Arts fundraising competition. The event received considerable media coverage and raised significant funds, showcasing his ability to combine show business with civic work. Maybe we should bring back the tradition of crowning a ‘King of Newtown’ to celebrate Newtown’s bicentennial jubilee next year in 2025?
Image: William Szarka (top right), Alderman on Newtown Council 1914-28 (Diamond Jubilee Souvenir of the Municipality of Newtown 1862-1922).
Image: 1920, 'Crowning of Newtown’s King. William Szarka Honored.', Everyones, Everyones Ltd, Sydney.
Image: Newtown Superior Public School, King Street Newtown, circa. 1910s.
Sadly, George Szarka was killed in a traffic accident in Newtown in October 1920. The Szarka brothers discontinued running the Enmore Theatre in 1927, selling the business to Hoyts—yes, that Hoyts; William had become a director at Hoyts in 1915.
William continued his involvement in the entertainment world to extend his legacy. He entered boxing promotion, managing the Olympia Stadium in Marrickville until 1926, and later opened another boxing venue in 1933 when he re-opened the National Theatre as the Balmain Stadium. The Szarka brothers had established the Enmore Theatre and provided the Newtown community with a foundation for its ongoing success and cult status.
Image: Hood, Sam, 1872-1953, 1927. Films "Nelson", and Rin Tin Tin in "Dog of the Regiment"
A Modern Evolution — ‘Talkies’ In Art Deco Glory
The history of the Enmore Theatre from the 1930s to the 1980s is marked by significant changes in ownership and function, reflecting the evolving entertainment landscape of Sydney. In 1930, the theatre underwent extensive renovations, transforming it into a “large Art Deco showplace” with a new façade, interior, and décor. Renowned theatre architect Charles Bohringer—who also designed the Civic Theatre in Auckland and the Forum Theatres in Melbourne—was responsible for the Art Deco redesign that still defines the theatre today.
Image: 1937, 'THEATRE INTERIOR remodelled at Enmore, N.S.W.', Decoration and glass Australian Glass Manufactures, Waterloo, N.S.W
Image: c.1936, ‘Enmore Rd Newtown. Remodelling of the Enmore Theatre’, City of Sydney Archives
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the Enmore Theatre continued to operate as a cinema under Hoyts’ management. This era was a golden age for cinema in Newtown, which boasted at least eight theatres at the time, with the Enmore being one of the most prominent. The venue also hosted several Miss Globe pageants during the 1950s and 1960s, adding to its status as a cultural hub in the community.
However, the 1960s brought a general decline in theatre attendance across Sydney, partly due to the rise of television and changing entertainment preferences. This downturn led to the closure of many theatres in the area, and in 1967, Hoyts closed the Enmore Theatre, marking the end of an era for the venue as a mainstream cinema.
In 1969, the Louis Film Company purchased the theatre and renamed it the ‘Finos Theatre’. During this period, the theatre primarily screened Greek films, catering to Sydney’s growing Greek community. This shift reflected the changing demographics of the area and showcased the theatre’s ability to serve as a cultural touchstone for immigrants seeking a connection to their homeland.
However, the early 1980s saw a continued decline in traditional cinema attendance across Sydney. The Finos Theatre had previously thrived because roughly 14% of the area’s population was born in Greece, providing a dedicated audience for its Greek film screenings. Following a significant drop in patronage, the theatre was forced to close its doors, with the final screening on Saturday, 12th May 1984.
In 1986, the theatre was refitted and reopened under its original name, the Enmore Theatre, after the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust took control and made extensive improvements to what had become a rather run down venue. This revitalisation enabled the Enmore Theatre to return to its former glory as a host of live presentations, beginning with the opening of Lennon – The Musical of a Legend in October 1986.
By the turn of the 1990s, current owner Elia Eliades (Century Venues Group) took control of the theatre and made a long-term commitment to its full restoration. Transitioning from a cinema back into a live music and performance venue, the theatre aligned with modern entertainment trends and better utilised the space to meet contemporary needs. With these transformations, the Enmore Theatre radiated with a brilliance it had not known for many decades.
Image: Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust, ‘Lennon - The Musical of the Legend’, Trust News, vol. 10, no. 7, August 1986.
Legendary Acts & Iconic Shows
Indeed, the iconic Enmore Theatre has showcased a plethora of local and international acts during its storied lifetime, solidifying its status as one of Sydney’s premier live music venues. From legendary rock stars to comedic sensations, the performances hosted on its stage have left an indelible mark on the Australian entertainment landscape. There are too many legendary acts to possibly list, but here are a few key highlights across the years.
Image: C.1990, View across Enmore Road, Enmore Theatre at Nos. 118-132. Owner: A Vlattas
In the 1990s, the Enmore welcomed a diverse lineup of artists who defined the decade’s music scene. Australian rock bands like Silverchair electrified audiences with their grunge-infused sound, capturing the spirit of the era. Marilyn Manson, known for his provocative performances, brought his unique brand of shock rock to the venue, leaving a lasting impression.
The legendary Henry Rollins, former frontman of Black Flag, delivered intense spoken-word shows that resonated with fans seeking depth and authenticity. Bands like Grinspoon and Eskimo Joe also emerged during this time, showcasing the vibrant Australian music scene.
As the new millennium dawned, the Enmore continued to attract top-tier talent from various genres. Iconic Australian artists like Jimmy Barnes rocked the venue with powerful vocals, while international acts such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Interpol, and Kasabian brought their melodic rock and indie sounds to Sydney fans. The theatre also hosted performances by Jet and Wolfmother, who revitalised classic rock for a new generation. Pop sensation Katy Perry delivered a vibrant performance early in her career, demonstrating the theatre’s versatility in hosting artists across all genres.
A surprise gig by The Rolling Stones in 2007 highlighted the venue’s appeal to the biggest names in music. Florence & The Machine captivated audiences with ethereal vocals and powerful instrumentals, while legendary artists like Nick Cave and Alice Cooper also graced the stage, further cementing the theatre’s status as a destination for world-class talent. Bands like Phoenix and Opeth added to the venue’s eclectic lineup, appealing to fans of indie pop and progressive metal.
In 2014 Coldplay graced the stage with the launch of their album Ghost Stories. During the same visit, they recorded the iconic music video for “A Sky Full of Stars,” walking along King Street in Newtown as a one-man band ensemble, much to the delight of fans. Pop icon Harry Styles performed an intimate show that saw fans camping outside for days to secure tickets, underscoring the Enmore’s ability to attract A-list international artists for unique, up-close experiences. Bob Dylan also added to the venue’s roster of legendary artists with a memorable performance in 2018.
Australian talent continued to shine at the Enmore. A groundbreaking 2022 show by Genesis Owusu literally shook the theatre’s foundation when the crowd’s enthusiasm caused part of the floor to sink, forcing an evacuation. While concerning, this incident became part of the Enmore’s lore, showcasing the raw energy and passion the venue can evoke.
Comedy also remained a strong suit for the Enmore Theatre. Throughout these years, it hosted numerous comedy festivals and stand-up specials. Comedians like Tom Gleeson, Matt Okine, and Kitty Flanagan, along with international acts such as Cheech and Chong and Daniel Tosh, left audiences in hysterics.
The theatre’s commitment to preserving its historical charm was evident in restoration efforts that reinstated original features like the 24-meter “bomber light” and side wing balconies, while upgrading the venue with modern lighting and safety features. Recognised for its architectural significance, the Enmore Theatre is classified by the National Trust and registered with the Australian Institute of Architects. It received the Inner West Council’s Marrickville Medal for Conservation, acknowledging the sensitive restoration that preserved and enhanced its historic elements.
Image: Simon Sees. “Enmore Theatre.” Flickr, 20 June 2011
From intimate acoustic sets to high-energy rock shows and stand-up comedy, the Enmore Theatre’s ability to host a wide range of performances speaks volumes about its versatility and enduring appeal. Each memorable event adds another thread to the rich tapestry of the venue’s history, cementing its status as an institution within Sydney’s entertainment scene; an icon.
Discover upcoming performances and immerse yourself in its rich legacy by visiting the Enmore Theatre website.