Memories of Mullumbimby ~ The Empire Theatre

Remembering the Empire Theatre, Mullumbimby

Those new to town would know of The Empire Cafe Mullumbimby, but did you know that the corner block beside the Cafe was Mullumbimby's own cinema, The Empire Theatre?

For older locals, the Empire Theatre was the heart of Mullumbimby's social scene for decades. This cinema, on the corner block beside the iconic Empire Cafe, holds a special place in the memories of those who grew up in the town.

The theatre was operated by Mr. Tony Peters for years, however, the rise of television in the 1960s led to a dramatic decline in paying customers, and the theatre was forced to close its doors in 1964. 

But the story didn't end there. The Mullumbimby Ex-Servicemen's Club took a chance and reopened the theatre on a trial basis in December of that year. This venture was short-lived, but the theatre was then leased by Mr. Curran for film screenings and other purposes until its final closure in the early 1970s.

As the years passed, the Empire Theatre was eventually demolished in 1994, leaving behind a wealth of happy memories for the community.

Cinematic Memories on the Big Screen

For many locals, the Empire Theatre was the gateway to a world of cinematic wonder. Residents recalled the wide range of films they had the opportunity to experience on the big screen, from the original Star Wars to classic Disney movies and from Superheroes to James Bond Moonraker along with Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon and the classic Sound of Music.

Whether it was the latest blockbuster or a beloved classic, the Empire Theatre provided Mullumbimby residents with a place to come together and share in the magic of the movies. 

Cherished Memories 

Many locals recall the unique experiences that came with visiting the Empire. From the jaffas rolling down the aisles and even bats to the infamous "egg fights," the theatre was a hub of lively activity. Locals reminisced about the great friends they made and the fun-filled nights they spent at the cinema.

For some, the Empire Theatre held even more personal significance with family connections to the adjacent Empire Cafe or to the taxi driver who collected the Movie reels from the city buses on the highway at Uncle Tom's. Others remembered the creative ways they would find to enjoy the movies without paying, like pooling their money to buy a single ticket and sneaking in through the side door.

Despite the passage of time, the Empire Theatre remains etched in the collective memory of the Mullumbimby community. As one local noted, "Mullum isn't the same" without the Empire Theatre. The theatre's legacy lives on through the stories and recollections of those who were lucky enough to experience its magic.

Preserving the Past at the Mullumbimby Museum

The Mullumbimby Museum houses a collection of the original seats from the Empire Theatre, allowing visitors to get a real sense of what it was like to watch a film there.  Visitors can step into the past and imagine the bustling atmosphere, even the jaffas rolling down the aisles! Whether you're a longtime local or a visitor to the area, a visit to the Mullumbimby Museum is a must.

Thank you to everyone who shared their memories of the Empire Theatre, your stories have helped preserve an important piece of Mullumbimby's history.