Book a show or event at The Paragon Theatre Queenstown.
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Self-guided Tour
$7pp from 10am
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Wander through what was described as a 'Grand Talkie Theatre' built with tremendous wealth generated by the Mount Lyell Mining & Railway Company.
Find 6 interpretive stops that entertain and explain everything.
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1 - Start your tour with the foyer introduction.
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2 -Explore the main floor memorabilia and art displays with a coffee, tea or maybe a wine from our selection. Watch the screen presentation and soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful art deco marvel.
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3 - Up the stairs to the mezzanine, see the original golden era movie posters and artwork.
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4 - The mezzanine, where the dress circle patrons would enjoy snacks and drinks.
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5 - Take a seat on the dress circle in the premium reserved booths. Old style Gold Class!
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6 - Check out the carbon-arc projectors and adjoining work rooms with original equipment still in place. The AV display featuring past projectionists explains all.
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Weekend Tours by appointment
To book, call us on 0407 049 612
during normal business hours.
The Paragon Story
Built at a cost of over 5000 pounds by The Paragon Picture Co Pty Ltd as a "talkie theatre", The Paragon Theatre opened on October 28 1933. A packed house of 1150 were enthralled by Mae West in "She Done Him Wrong".
The theatre enjoyed capacity crowds until the emergence of VCR in the late 1970's. Patronage declined and the theatre closed in 1985. Soon after, the building was shoddily repurposed as an indoor cricket stadium which closed after a few years and the building left derelict.
In 2003 Dr Alex Stevenson took on the mammoth task to reopen as a 60 seat luxury cinema. Alex, and later wife Alice, spent 4 years restoring including painting the floor to resemble marble.
In 2012 they returned to their home in Zimbabwe passing the mantle to Francisco Navidad who operated a cinema buffs club but with the decline of mining "Cisco" made the tough decision to close the Paragon in 2014.
In July 2017 we began our quest to return this gem of Queenstown's history into a thriving entertainment venue for all to enjoy once again.
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Joy Chappell & Anthony Coulson
Tour Groups
Are you exploring Tasmania on a coach or with your car or bike club?
Looking for something beyond the ordinary to do?
Let us tailor a unique experience for your group.
Get exclusive access to World Heritage Wilderness, Pining & Mining and Hydropower heritage sites with our range of 4X4 adventures. Our guides local knowledge ensures you make the very best of your time visiting.
Check it all out here
After the days adventures enjoy this wonderful theatre for a dinner and movie night. Call us 0407 049 612 to discuss options.
Dinner & Movies
Group Bookings Only
The Paragon Restaurant and Cinema is presently available for private bookings of 15 people minimum.
So gather a group and book in for an exclusive night of fine dining with the best of wines, beers and anything else you may desire.
Organise a movie event of your own or enjoy our in house 2hr show which includes a featurette inspired by Alex Stevenson's 'A Brief History of this Spot' and features FRANKLIN, a moving documovie about the history making protest and blockade that saved a wilderness from development.
Indulge with delicious snacks and your favourite bevvie. Get cosy and have a ton of fun on a night at the movies immersed in this Grand Art Deco talkie theatre.
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Contact us here to book.
CONTACT US
The Paragon Theatre
11 McNamara St, Queenstown Tasmania 7467
info@queenstowntasmania.com.au
Ph 0407 049 612