The Majestic Theatre in nearby Pomona is a beautiful piece of history and well worth the short drive. Originally built as a social hall in 1921, it's promoted as the oldest authentic silent movie theatre in the world and the longest continuously operating movie theatre in Australia — a rare survivor from the days of travelling picture shows, still screening films from its original timber hall.
At the heart of the theatre is its organ console, the only one in a Queensland theatre, positioned to the left of the stage. It's an electrical 1936 Compton, originally from the Regal Cinema in South Shields, England, and is complemented by a pipe chamber housing ranks salvaged from theatres as far afield as Halifax and Dunedin, New Zealand. The instrument underwent a six-and-a-half-year restoration before relaunching in 2019.
For 35 years it was local legend Ron West at the keyboards, improvising the score live to match the action on screen — he retired in January 2024 after an astonishing 4,129 screenings of The Son of the Sheik alone. Classically trained musician Chris Rose, who spent ten years understudying Ron, has now taken over, bringing his own blend of formal training and live improvisation to each silent film screening.
Silent movies now screen every Saturday at 12 noon (tickets are $15 for adults, and free for children under 13). The theatre also hosts live music and stage events throughout the year — check the What's On page on the theatre's website for what's coming up.
