For nearly a century, the Regal Theatre has stood as a cherished cultural landmark in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. From its beginnings as the Princess Theatre in 1925 to its transformation through eras of Art Deco elegance, widescreen innovation, and community-led preservation, the Regal has continually evolved while retaining its historic charm. This iconic venue is more than just a cinema—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, architecture, and civic pride. Explore the rich history that has shaped the Regal into the beloved theatre it is today.
1925 – The Princess Theatre
The Regal Theatre’s story begins on 24 November 1925, when it first opened its doors as the Princess Theatre. Designed by renowned South Australian architect Chris A. Smith, who also designed the Capri Cinema at Goodwood, the venue was built for the National Picture Theatre chain. In its early years, it captivated audiences with silent films and pantomimes, accompanied by the live Princess Theatre Orchestra, creating a vibrant cultural hub for the local community. The opening night featured the film Little Annie Rooney, starring Mary Pickford, and the opening address was given by J.A. Harper, Chairman of the District Council of Burnside.
1941 –The Ozone
Following the liquidation of National Theatres, the cinema was purchased by the Waterman family in 1928 and it was renamed the Marryatville Ozone. The Waterman’s undertook a striking Art Deco renovation in 1941, embracing the glamour and optimism of the era with architectural enhancements that still define the theatre’s character today. The 1941 renovation was led by F. Kenneth Milne Architects adding bold Art Deco features, including its iconic blue and pink ceiling.
1951–1964 – Hoyts
In 1951, The Ozone joined the Hoyts cinema chain, one of Australia’s largest. With the advent of widescreen technology, CinemaScope was installed in 1955, along with a new, wider proscenium to accommodate the format. Despite these upgrades, the rise of television led to a decline in suburban cinema attendance.
1964 – Community Saves the Theatre
The Ozone was put up for sale in 1963, and in 1964 it was facing demolition to make way for a service station. In a defining moment, the City of Burnside stepped in to purchase the building, preserving it for community use. This act of civic pride ensured the theatre’s survival and its continued role as a cultural landmark.
1971 –The Chelsea
Under a new lease by Wallis Theatres, the venue was renamed The Chelsea in 1971. It continued to operate as a cinema and community space, becoming a beloved fixture in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs.
1983–1984 – Heritage Listing and Restoration
In 1983, the Chelsea theatre was officially listed on the South Australian Heritage Register (Item No. 10952), recognising its architectural and cultural significance.
A major restoration followed in 1984, supported by the Community Employment Program:
- Seating was reduced from 1,145 to 586 for improved comfort and accessibility
- A new floor, screen, acoustic equipment, and carpet were installed
- The building was repainted for the first time since 1955, restoring its visual charm
2008-2017 – The Regal theatre
In 2008, the City of Burnside received a request enquiring as to whether Council would be prepared to sell the Chelsea Cinema and the adjacent May Street property. Following a number of options being considered in regard to the future use of the Chelsea Cinema site, the decision was made to run an Expression of Interest process for the sale of the site. This ultimately led to a strong activism within the community, contesting any sale and demanding that the building remain in public ownership as a cinema in perpetuity. As a result, the City of Burnside abandoned the sale process and opted instead to lease the cinema to a private cinema operator. Republic Theatres were awarded the lease, and the Cinema was subsequently re-named the Regal Theatre.
Republic Theatres ran the cinema until 2017, when Council opted to take over management of the cinema using internal resources. Council has maintained its operation as a cinema while progressively enhancing its offering of live performances.
2025 – The Regal Theatre Precinct Masterplan
Through the Regal Theatre Precinct Masterplan, Burnside Council is committed to preserving the legacy of this beloved landmark for future generations. The Regal Theatre continues to thrive, its story unfolding with each new chapter. Stay up to date with the Regal Theatre Precinct redevelopment by registering with engage.burnside.
