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History of Theatres in Newcastle - Peter Whipper Snr - 23 July 1989
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SummaryInterview by Jenny Nichols in 1989 with Peter Carl Whipper about the history of theatres in Newcastle.
Peter was born in 1912 in Bolton Street Newcastle and came from a theatrical background, his father immigrating from Germany in his early 20s to be part of a "strong-man" act (stage name was "Apollo"). Later Peter's father went on to become stage manager at the Victoria Theatre and Civic Theatre.
It was through his father that Peter was introduced to the world of the theatre getting his first job at the Civic Theatre when it opened in 1929. There he repaired seats, did cleaning and also participated in 'skits' promoting the following week's entertainment. He eventually worked his way up the ranks to became Commissionaire at the Theatre Royal. Peter recalls many aspects of the theatre and entertainment over decades of the twentieth century, and reflects on stories told to him by his father, such as the time a lion escaped during a performance at the Victoria Theatre.
Peter talks about the 'Picture Palaces' of Newcastle, and the theatres that provided 'cheap' entertainment, they included the Strand, the Theatre Royal, Lyrique, Roma Theatre and the Tatler Theatrette. When the Strand was built it was claimed to the "the finest Theatre in the southern hemisphere", its decor a blend of Spanish and French. The Strand was built by Senora Spencer, who apparently was Australia's first female projectionist, she mysteriously disappeared after the Strand opened.
SubjectWhipper, Peter CarlTheaters20th Century Theatre Civic TheatreVictoria TheatreNewcastle (N.S.W)PersonNichols, JennyWhipper, Peter CarlInterview logPlaceNewcastle, NSWDate Created23rd July 1989IdentifierA6968 (iiiB)_Whipper
Peter was born in 1912 in Bolton Street Newcastle and came from a theatrical background, his father immigrating from Germany in his early 20s to be part of a "strong-man" act (stage name was "Apollo"). Later Peter's father went on to become stage manager at the Victoria Theatre and Civic Theatre.
It was through his father that Peter was introduced to the world of the theatre getting his first job at the Civic Theatre when it opened in 1929. There he repaired seats, did cleaning and also participated in 'skits' promoting the following week's entertainment. He eventually worked his way up the ranks to became Commissionaire at the Theatre Royal. Peter recalls many aspects of the theatre and entertainment over decades of the twentieth century, and reflects on stories told to him by his father, such as the time a lion escaped during a performance at the Victoria Theatre.
Peter talks about the 'Picture Palaces' of Newcastle, and the theatres that provided 'cheap' entertainment, they included the Strand, the Theatre Royal, Lyrique, Roma Theatre and the Tatler Theatrette. When the Strand was built it was claimed to the "the finest Theatre in the southern hemisphere", its decor a blend of Spanish and French. The Strand was built by Senora Spencer, who apparently was Australia's first female projectionist, she mysteriously disappeared after the Strand opened.
SubjectWhipper, Peter CarlTheaters20th Century Theatre Civic TheatreVictoria TheatreNewcastle (N.S.W)PersonNichols, JennyWhipper, Peter CarlInterview logPlaceNewcastle, NSWDate Created23rd July 1989IdentifierA6968 (iiiB)_Whipperloading google map....
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History of Theatres in Newcastle - Peter Whipper Snr - 23 July 1989, [A6968 (iiiB)_Whipper]. Living Histories, accessed 08/12/2023, https://livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au/nodes/view/76804