Despite the recent announcement by the Hopson family they are ceasing cinema operations at the James Theatre after four year’s hard work, supporters of the theatre are determined this will not mean the end of cinema operations at the theatre which, apart from a seven-year period in the 1970s have been continuous for 99 years.
Dungog Shire Council, as the owner of the James Theatre, the James Theatre committee which oversees the management of the theatre, and the Friends of the James Theatre, formed to renovate, restore and maximise the use of the theatre, are all determined that the primary use of the building as a cinema will continue.
Chairperson of the Friends of the James Theatre Lisa Connors said prior to the cinema closing they had sought the support of [Member for Upper Hunter and Minister for the Arts] George Souris to acquire a digital projector and to assist in restoring the Theatre to its former glory.
“Mr Souris is an enthusiastic supporter of both the James Theatre and the Dungog Film Festival and arrangements are in place for a visit by Mr Souris to Dungog to enable him to undertake a detailed tour of the Theatre and to discuss its needs,” Ms Connors said.
"The cinema operations run by the Hopsons were an independent commercial venture, and as such, were not part of the brief of either the James Theatre Committee or the Friends.
“However it will now be a matter for the committee and the Friends to address the best way in which cinema operations can be resumed.
“This will form part of the discussions with Mr Souris when he comes to Dungog in October.”
The Friends and the committee are also looking at other avenues to raise funds and apply for any available grants to fund a digital projector.
As well as ensuring the continued regular operation of the Theatre as a cinema, its age and state of repair pose numerous challenges in terms of the maintenance and renovation work required.
The Friends has put together a staged restoration plan and an application to the Country Halls Renewal Fund for initial funding to address some of the most urgent repairs and upgrades for the theatre.
“Its age, size and heritage status all make its upkeep expensive and difficult and the Friends of the James Theatre can only undertake this task with the support and assistance of the community as a whole,” Ms Connors said.
“If the theatre is to continue to be the venue of the Dungog Film Festival and to expand its current uses, it is essential to undertake repairs, renovations and upgrading urgently."
Stage one of the proposed restoration includes renovations to the toilets, food service area behind the stage, sanding and sealing of the stage floor and the installation of a ceiling with insulation over the stage.
Subsequent stages of the proposed renovation of the theatre include landscaping of the outdoor area to provide barbecue facilities and an outdoor eating and function area, renovation of the interior of the Theatre including repainting it in heritage colours; improving the acoustics; and the provision of appropriate lighting and sound equipment for meetings, events, live performances and concerts.
The group also has plans to renovate the kiosk and foyer area as well as the supper room and ladies retiring area.
“The cost of the stage one renovations is $47,000, two thirds of which will be provided by the grant,” Ms Connors said.
“If we are successful, the other third will be made up of in kind contributions by the members of the Friends, a small amount of cash, and very kind donations from Kath Turrin and Martin Thorsby.”
The Friends are investigating a number of options to recommence regular screenings at the theatre and are hopeful that with the support of the local community, council and local members of parliament that this will not be too far away.
They are urging all those who can support the theatre in any way to contact the Friends to offer their support and assistance.
One option which is being considered is a monetary appeal to raise funds to acquire either the existing cinema equipment or a digital projector either in conjunction with a grant application or instead of one, in the event that no grants are available.
The Friends will be holding a public meeting for people to come to offer their support and their ideas for re-opening the cinema at 6pm tomorrow, Thursday, September 15 at 6pm in the James Theatre.
"Bradman's average was just short of a hundred - we can't let the Dungog Cinema join the ranks (however illustrious) of those who just didn't quite make a century," Ms Connors said.
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