See also 1870s Theatre
The principal place of amusement was the Prince of Wales Theatre, and there was a splendid company, mostly from Sydney, as about that time one of the large theatres was burnt down, so that the whole company came up to the golden city. Miss Joey Gougenheim was the lessee, and a great favourite.
John Cogdon's Prince of Wales Theatre, Gulgong, 1870-75
Click here to see zoomable image
Mayne Street, Gulgong, looking east with Prince of Wales Theatre at the centre.
Posters for "Arrah na Pogue" on display.
Prince of Wales Theatre next to tobacconist, pie and tea shop, Gulgong, 1870-75
Click here to see zoomable image
Prince of Wales Opera House, Gulgong, ca 1907
Tom Saunders, the man who first found gold in Gulgong in 1870, is seen here sitting outside the barbershop of Dominic Rognini.
Source: Edgecliff Film's Souvenir Programme for "Between Wars" World Premiere
Timeline of Owners and Lessees
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum
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PEDIGREE OF THE PRINCE
OF WALES
OPERA HOUSE
THE ONLY LEGITIMATE THEATRE ON THE GULGONG GOLDFIELDS 1871 - BEGAN AS
ASSEMBLY ROOMS (LARGEST BARK STRUCTURE IN NSW) PROP. JOHN COGDEN |
|
INTERNATIONAL ACTRESS Josephine
Goughenheim STAGES “JOEY AT HOME” – CONVINCES Cogdon TO REBUILD TRANSFORMATION TITLED PRINCE OF
WALES OPERA HOUSE UNDER JOEY’S MANAGEMENT |
|
1871-9 - THE
GOLDEN YEARS OF PROFESSIONALS, AMATEURS & VARIOUS LEASES |
|
1879 - COGDON
SELLS THEATRE TO ITALIAN SEAFARER, GOLDMINER AND BARBER Dominico
Rognini |
|
1899 - ALTERATIONS
TO THEATRE |
|
1910 - TRAVELLING
COMPANIES ARRIVE WITH MOVING PICTURES |
|
1912 - Dom CONVERTS THEATRE TO TAKE PROJECTION BOX - LEASES TO Stahl
& Upham – CANCELLED THEIR LEASE |
|
1916 - Dominico
Rognini DIES -
THE FAMILY CARRY ON |
|
1919 - TWO
RETURNED SOLDIERS Meeks & Moon LEASE “LYRIC” &
NEGOTIATE |
|
1920 - Meeks
& Moon WANT OUT
OF LEASE - Rognini FAMILY SELLS TO Herb Porter -
ENTERTAINERS PLUS HOYTS MOVIES ARRIVE REGULARLY - |
|
1930 - THE
PRINCE REPLACED BY PICTORIA THE PICTURE HOUSE –
ALTERATIONS FOLLOW |
|
1937 - Warner B
Smith BUYS PICTORIA – CALLS HER ROXY –
(ROXY UNDER OTHER OWNERS) UNTIL TV SPELLS HER DEMISE |
|
1970s - GULGONG MUSICAL & DRAMATIC SOCIETY PURCHASES “ROXY” AND REINSTATES THE TITLE OF “PRINCE OF
WALES” OPERA HOUSE |
|
1980s - INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN PIANIST Roger
Woodward FILLS THE THEATRE |
1872 - Prince of Wales Theatre
This theatre will open tonight under the leadership of Messrs Carey and Power, with Mr E. Holloway as stage manager. These names are a guarantee that not only will the establishment be well managed but that wherever piece is put upon the boards will be perfect in dress, scenery, and other details. We hope that the enterprise thus shown in providing healthy amusement for the inhabitants will be appreciated in the way that the management like this - full houses. The opening piece tonight will be the popular and domestic Irish drama entitled "Arrah-a-Pogue" - the cast including the full strength of the company. We may mention that this drama is the genuine article as written by the author, and not a pirated, mangled copy of the original; and as it had a wonderful run in England and America and the colonies, its production on Gulgong will form no exception, we are sure, to its popularity. We hope that tonight, being the opening night, that the curtain will rise on a crowded house. We may state that "smoking is strictly prohibited" an order that we hope all will have the good sense to acquiescence in.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 99, July 27th, 1872
Signs outside the box office advertising the classic Irish play "Arrah na Pogue", first staged in Dublin in 1864
Walter G Carey
Lessee of the POW Opera House 1872
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum
Advert in Gulgong Guardian, 1872
Miss Bateman’s drama of ‘Leah the Forsaken’ is being produced, performers are Mrs. Holloway, Miss Saunders, Messrs. Holloway, Carey, Power, Harry Flynn, Brown and Douglas.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 104, August 14th, 1872
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 121, October 12th, 1872
1872 - Prince of Wales Opera House.
It may seem strange, but it is nevertheless true, that upon the production of any new piece there seems to be a few noisy persons who by gibes and jeers, and on occasion shout “Speak up,” try to throw a damper on the actor or actress. This, even to the most practiced performer, is very annoying, and will frequently throw them off cue. And again, the vile practice of smoking during the performance is most reprehensible, and is not to be confined to one part of the house, but in the 2/- and 3/- also the ardent lover of the weed will indulge, to the annoyance of his neighbours. Although Mr. Carey has repeatedly spoke of it from the stage, the annoyance still exists, we regret to say.
After the conclusion of the drama on Monday evening, a presentation of a purse of seven guineas was made to Mr D. Meehan, of Tambaroora, the winner of the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup, was made by the secretary of the athletic sports Mr DeCourcy Browne. We understand the Combination Company are already busy with preparations for a Christmas pantomime on a grand scale of magnificence, and that neither time, trouble or expense are being spared to make it a complete success is proved by the fact that before the curtain rises the cost will exceed £200.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 130, November 13th, 1872
1872 - Local Photography
Amongst the many pretty things [ladies included] on view at the late Church Bazaar was a frame of coloured photographs showing Mr. W. G. Carey of the Prince of Wales Theatre as a private citizen and also in eleven of his leading stage impersonations. The pictures are carte size and are executed and beautifully coloured by Mr. Cam Baker, Photographer of Herbert Street. The frame is now on view at his studio and those who intend to secure ‘the shadow ere the substance fades’ during the holidays, would do well to pay Mr. Baker a visit.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 142, December 25th, 1872
Those mentioned in the performance of ‘Oliver Twist’ were Harry Power, Mr. Holloway, Mrs. Holloway, Mr. Carey, Noah Claypole, Mr. Brown, Mr. A. Thompson, Mrs. Cooney and Mr. Douglas.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 150, January 22nd, 1873
1873 - Mr. Carey’s Farewell
On Monday evening Mr. W. G. Carey one of the lessees of the Prince of Wales Theatre, makes his last appearance at the place of amusement, having accepted a profitable engagement at the Victoria Theatre, Sydney. As a private citizen he has ever been ready to aid the cause of charity so far as consistent with business prudence.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 151, January 25th, 1873
1873 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
‘Time Tries All’
Will be produced at the Prince of Wales Opera House on 12th February.
An Interlude and the Laughable Farce
‘A Dead Shot’
By Gentlemen amateurs, who have appeared before, assisted by Lady Professionals.
W. J. MEDUS Hon. Sec.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 153, February 1st, 1873
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 157, February 15th, 1873
1873 - Prince of Wales Theatre.
The Darrells still continue to draw big houses – the house on Saturday being the fullest that we have ever seen. The piece played was “Lucretia Borgia” which as a whole was well played. Mrs Darrell as Lucretia Borgia had full scope for her brilliant dramatic pow-ers, which she used with eclat.
On Monday the tragedy of “Hamlet” was performed to a good house and was passed off remarkably well. To-night the company play at Home Rule, and we assure the residents of that suburban goldfield that they have a treat in store.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 158, February 19th, 1873
1873 - Prince of Wales Theatre
On Saturday evening last the emotional play of “Man and Wife” was produced to a well-filled house despite the unfortunate state of the weather, and was enthusiastically received. In our last issue we noticed the object of the play, and now that we have seen the piece carefully played, we liked it very much. Mr and Mrs Darrell played the leading characters, and were ably supported by the whole company. Mr Darell as Geoffrey Delamayne was an attractive personation. Mrs Darell as Anne Sylvester was a treat that will not be readily forgotten..
Tonight will be produced Sheridan Knowles’ popular play of the “Hunchback”. On Thursday the evergreen naughtical drama of “ Black eyed Susan” will be produced with full scenic effect. On Friday “Lucretia Borgia” will be played for the last time. With such a choice and varied bill there ought to be a liberal patronage accorded to our “Prince.”
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 162, March 5th, 1873
1873 - Prince of Wales Theatre
Tonight at the Prince will be produced the popular drama of “Jane Shore,” which will be sure to draw a crowded house. The cast of the piece includes the full strength of the Combination Company. Extensive preparations have been made to place the piece on the stage with due regard to scenic effects. We think we but express the feelings of all who have enjoyed seeing the talented Darrell’s during their visit to Gulgong. On Tuesday the company leave for Mudgee for three nights.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 163, March 8th, 1873
On Saturday evening, the historical drama of “Jane Shore” was produced to a full house, and was warmly received. Mrs Darrell played Jane Shore in her usual brilliant style. Mrs Hollaway as Alicia played superbly, her dresses being truly regal. Mr. Darrel as Hastings was most effective.
In thanking the audience at the fall of the curtain, Mr. Darrell announced that the company would play in Mudgee for three nights after which they will very probably return to Gulgong, an announcement that was warmly encored.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 164, March 12th, 1873
From April 1st the Prince of Wales Opera House, Gulgong. All communications to be made to:-
John H Cogdon, Sole Proprietor.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 168, March 26th, 1873
Mr. Cogdon, proprietor of the Prince of Wales The-atre has offered the house free of charge for a performance, this kind offer has been accepted and a number of amateurs have taken the matter in hand, see the advertisement. Mr. Beal and Mr. Binder are the Secretary and Treasurer. On Easter Monday a most attractive sports programme has been drawn up, including ‘Polo or Hockey on Horseback.’ This game should be the ‘draw’ of the day, as it will ena-ble all who can ride well to exhibit their horseman-ship to an admiring crowd. We will publish the rules soon. We hope the general public will one and all liberally aid the Committee in their efforts to remove an eyesore and a discredit to the town and the goldfield. If all assist very little from each will suffice and as the cemetery is a popular Sunday walk, what will it be when nicely fenced in, divided by broad gravelled walks, with shrubs and flowers growing throughout it. It must be a soothing influence not only on those who have dear ones lying in it but even those who are now hale and hearty, would wish when they are worked out, to camp there till the Judgement gun is fired.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 170, April 2nd, 1873
1873 - Prince of Wales Theatre
On Monday evening Mr Harry Power, lessee of this theatre, took his benefit, on which occasion the popular drama of the "Flowers of the Forest" was played. Mrs Darrell played the gypsy maiden Cynthia with great effect, Mr Darrell the gypsy Chief similarly. Mrs Holloway as Starlight Bess looked and played the part fairly. Mr Holloway as the Kinchin and Mr Power as Cheap John kept the crowded house in a lively state of hilarity throughout the piece. Miss Chambers as the Gypsy Boy played the prominent and trying part very effectively, and Miss Lizzie Dixon, though she had little to do, done it will and charmingly looking every inch a bride, and girl of the period. It was after 12 when the curtain dropped. This was the last performance under the present lessee and management whose efforts, during a season of 10 months, to amuse the public has been unwearied and most successful, and we are sure thoroughly appreciated by the public.
The latest and most popular plays together with attractive stock pieces have been regularly produced and placed upon the stage with a completeness of detail and appropriate of costume never equaled in the prov-inces, and seldom surpassed in the metropolis. "Stars" have also been secured for playgoers to gaze upon, and in fact, attractive talent has been the rule of the management. We feel satisfied that in their business dealings, not only with their company, but the outside world, the lessee and management have been striking exceptions to the profession on Gulgong. Their business dealings have been characterised by probity and promptness, thus securing confidence and respect. When we are sorry that the only place of amusement on Gulgong is closed; but "running" a theatre is essentially a commercial speculation in management being guided by the simple maxim "will it pay". The population being no longer so largely concentrated in the vicinity of the town, full houses are now the exception insisted of the rule. Business people, especially those in the immediate locality of the theatre, will experience a decrease in their takings when the Prince is shut, but we hope that before long it would be reopened with a new company when a patronage as of old will be extended to it by the business people. The present company performs in Mudgee this week, when it separates never to meet again. Mr Power has our best wishes for success, and his versatility as an actor and amiability as a citizen will always be remembered on Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 170, April 22nd, 1873
1873 - Support the Object
The Cemetery Improvement Committee are making energetic efforts to increase their funds. Mrs. Holloway is assisting with the performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre of the amusing piece ‘Hunting a Turtle.’ Misses Chambers and Dixon, Mr. A. Cameron, Miss Cary Williams, Master Allen Cameron and Billy Nutts and Frank Herbert are some of those providing the entertainment.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 172, April 9th, 1873
1873 - The Cemetery Fund
An amateur performance of a mixed character was given in the Prince of Wales Theatre on Thursday evening last in aid of the Cemetery Improvement Fund. The house was about half-filled, being below the attendance expected. The interlude was an enjoyable treat. The orchestra, at the time Mr. Herbert was dancing a hornpipe, jumbled a jig step into it, and it was impossible for him to do it justice. The performance concluded with the burlesque of Bombastes Furioso, by amateurs which created immoderate laughter. The amateurs desire to thank Mr. Liddle for the pains which he had taken at rehearsals. The proceeds of the entertainment was £22.
On Easter Monday next the attractive programme of sports in Homer’s paddock will be carried out and we hope there will be a monster attendance. A new game called Polo or Hockey on Horseback will be played which is expected to be productive of much amusement.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 173, April 12th, 1873
1873 - Farewell
Misses Dixon and Chambers will take a joint benefit at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Easter Monday previous to their departure.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue 173, April 12th, 1873
VO - continue
_____________1900s_________________
1907 - Beautifying Gulgong.
The old ramshackle front of the Prince of Wales has now been displaced and an air of grace and symmetry given to the building. It was always a fine commodious hall and pity it was that years ago the Theatre was not placed in the capable hands of contractor Walter Murphy for repairs. Old Gulgong is gradually passing away, but its traditions will still live.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 21 Nov 1907 Page 13
1913 - THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS
[2923] Chief Secretary's Office,
Sydney, 30th April, 1913.
"THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS ACT. 1908."
THE following list, to date, of Theatres and Public Halls, to which the provisions of Part II of the "Theatres and Public Halls Act, 1908," have been applied, is published for general information.
FRED. FLOWERS, For Colonial Secretary.
Gulgong....Prince of Wales Theatre; Town Hall
Source: Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001) Wed 30 Apr 1913 [Issue No.67 (SUPPLEMENT)]
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Peter Porter, proprietor
Pictoria Theatre, Gulgong
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum
The people of Gulgong will be pleased to hear they will have another opportunity of hearing Australia's greatest tenor, Alfred O'Shea, who will give a return concert in Gulgong on Saturday, February, July 4. It is very seldom that singers of Mr O'Shea's calibre visit the country towns, therefore the news of his return visit to Gulgong should be welcomed by all. Although still young, Mr O'Shea has achieved success in London, Paris and Milan, and he has been acclaimed a brilliant star on the horizon of lyric art. Mr O'Shea studied singing in Italy, from Frederico Corraelo and in Paris from 'La Pierre' and after a highly successful debut in Milan he created a sensation in the Queen's Hall, London.
Mr O'Shea came back to his native country in 1924 with the greatest combination of artists Australia ever heard, the Melba-Williamson Grand Opera Co. In 'La Boheme' with Madame Melba, in 'Rigoletto' with Toti Dal Monte, and in Butterfly with Madame Concato, he created a furore. His concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will for long be remembered as feasts of art and for the enthusiasm with which the delighted audiences acclaimed the singer.
Great as Alfred O'Shea is as an operatic artist, nevertheless it is into the songs of the people that he throws tbe fullest expression of his heart and voice, and in these he is becoming supreme, and not to hear Alfred O'Shea is not to know one of the greatest singers of the musical world.
Toti Dal Monte
Autographed photo from Opera House foyer.
Autographed photo from Opera House foyer.
1928 - Benedict's Ball
OUTSTANDING SUCCESS - SOME CHARMING FROCKS
OUTSTANDING SUCCESS - SOME CHARMING FROCKS
The Benedict's Ball which was held in the Pictoria Theatre, Gulgong, on Tuesday evening September 4, proved most successful, about 200 people from Gulgong and surrounding districts being present.
Delightful music was rendered by Mr. Stan Johnson's Mudgee orchestra, and the catering was in the capable hands of Mrs. P. Boyd. All present pronounced the evening a huge success and the general desire was to make the ball an annual event.
Among the many charming frocks worn the following were noticed. — Mrs. C. R. Niven, diamante trimming on blue georgette; Miss J. Johnston, pink velvet; Miss. D. Upham, fuschia georgette with feather trimmings; Miss Ivy Inder, gold lace and pink georgette; Miss Eileen Inder, red georgette and silver trimmings; Mrs. J. New-Campbell, black crepe de chene touched with cerise; Dr: Marjorie Tunley, rose georgette; Sister Whitlock, black velvet; Miss M. Croome, old rose crepe de chene; Miss D. Mulholland, Chinese red morocain diamante; Miss J. Heard, white beaded crepe de chene; Miss M. Chapman, blue georgette and taffeta; Miss L. Max well, blue velvet; Mrs. C. S. McFarlane, peach georgette; Mrs. A. L. Henderson, black georgette beaded in silver; Mrs. C. M. Lowe, black embossed georgette; Mrs. T. Maxwell, black georgette, sequin trimmings; Mrs. J. J. Dowd, black satin and lace; Miss E. Oram, black georgette and silver; Miss E. Matchett, white georgette and silver beads; Miss M. McLean, blue georgette and silver; Mrs. J. Small, flame charmeuse georgette; Mrs. J. H. Stahl, black georgette, relieved with pink; Mrs; Dr. Allport, brown and gold tulle; Mrs. J. F. Litchfield, pink georgette relieved with blue; Mrs. R. Glasson, black georgette; Mrs. G. Brownhill, black lace; Mrs. A. Ramsey, rose crepe de chene; Miss M. Snelson, black, georgette; Miss Una Hasenkam, green taffeta and georgette; Miss Lyn Moras, flame georgette, rhinestone trimmings; Miss Grace Moras [sic, Morris] black net trimmed with velvet flowers; Miss Hazel Byfield, white satin and silver lame; Miss E. Fyfe, georgette beaded with crystal, Miss Tuxford, apple green taceta with silver; Miss Snelson, green ring velvet; Mrs. W. Fyfe, black crepe de chene; Mrs. F. Heard, alice blue crepe de chene; Mrs. J. F. Foster, black taffeta, chantilly lace, gold lame; Mrs. Wade Gudgeon, rose georgette gold flowers; Mrs. J. H. Dugan, black, georgette, sequin trimming; Mrs. A. Baldwin, black charmeuse; Mrs. B. Boulton, cream georgette; Mrs. E. O'Connell, fawn charmeuse; Miss Lowe, blue georgette; Miss Russ, black, georgette; Mrs. J. Black, pink georgette; Miss B. Bawden, blue crepe de chene.
Gulgong Opera House Ball (possibly 1928 Benedict Ball)
Source: O'Brien family collection (also hanging in Gulgong Opera Houae)
Source: O'Brien family collection (also hanging in Gulgong Opera Houae)
1929 - OLD DAYS RECALLED
In Mr B. Cornish's tailor's shop in Mayne street, Gulgong, is a printed entertainment admission ticket that recalls old days. The wording on the ticket i as follows: "Prince, of Wales. Opera House, Gulgong. Benefit and last appearance of Miss Maggie Oliver, February 17, 1S72. Stalls 1/-."
The theatre known as the Opera House was situated at the rear of Mr Tuxford's store in Mayne street, the entrance being between the store and the premises occupied by Mr. Cornish.
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Gulgong Opera House without verandah, date unknown
Source: Gulgong Gossip, August 2023
Gulgong Opera House, date unknown
Source: Australian Government
Prince of Wales Opera House, Gulgong
Prince of Wales Opera House, Gulgong
Source: Wikimedia
Source: Wikimedia
The Gulgong Opera House Society rehearses a melodrama in front of the ticket box.
Chandelier donated by James Niven
Antique mirror in the Gulgong Opera House foyer
Source: Julie Rusten
Old phone in ticket booth of Gulgong Opera House
Source: Photo by VO
