CAARP
Cinema and Audience Research Project

Also known as the Olympia

The Olympia is of basic structure constructed out of weatherboard and corrugated galvanised iron. It is set behind an ornate façade of pressed-metal featuring a central arch and balustrades, with the common name of the cinema, “Olympia”, spelt out in large letters inset with lights. Thorne, Tod, & Cork (1996, 251) note that the cinema “is a rare example of early style of small cinema derived from the nickelodeons of USA”, in that the eye-catching façade disguises the simplicity of the building itself.

Since closure the cinema has served a number of purposes including a woollen knitting mill and furniture store. Despite these adaptations the cinematic features of the building remain intact and since 2004 a group of committed residents has sought funding to purchase and restore the cinema for the community (Hunt 2007). At this date the outcome of this endeavour is uncertain.

Talkies came to The Olympia in December 1931.
Cinema Record lists the Olympia as closing in 1984 due to lack of attendances.
The buildings facade was listed in the National Trust and in 1997 renewed interest was taken in the theatre. A series of community working bees allowed The Olympia to re-open on May 7 1999
As of 2001 the Theatre is managed by the Bombala Olympia Theatre Committee and Village Roadshow has been noted in their effort to bring films back to The Olympia by providing films and finances towards the project.

Link to recent photograph:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paddington62/3372838540/

References:
Hunt, J 2007, "Life on the Fringe", 2007, Regional Arts NSW, http://www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/network/se_life_on_the_fringe.html accessed 30/01/11
Kennedy, G 2001, 'Bombala NSW: Kennedy's Hall Deluxe Olympia Olympia Theatre' Cinema Record, Iss. 32, Autumn, pp. 24-25.
Thorne, R, Tod, L & Cork, K 1996, Movie Theatre Heritage Register for New South Wales 1896 – 1996, Department of Architecture, University of Sydney, Sydney.