The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Chinatown
Returning for one night only
The Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival.
The first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were shown at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 1896!
In 1909 the first bioscope pictures were shown in the main hall (now the Minerva Space) at the BMI. Later, in 1917, the hall was leased to the Austral Photoplay Co. for showing silent pictures. Then in 1919, a syndicate, including Messrs J. Clemens, C. Gemmola and F.S. Jelbart opened the Britannia Picture Theatre in the same space.
The Britannia was later followed by the Odeon Cinema, and then Vegas 70 theatre in 1966. The Vegas was a staple in the Ballarat film scene for 15 years. The Vegas was closed in 1981, after which the Sturt Cinema opened in 1994.
We invite you to revisit the old Vegas Cinema for a night of 70s blockbusters!
Popcorn, snacks, and choctops will be available from the refreshment stand.
The bar will be open for Friday Night screening only – beer and wine will be available.
Chinatown
Friday 23 May at 8.30pm
Director: Roman Polanski
Writers: Robert Towne, Roman Polanski
Stars: Jack Nicolson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston.
USA, 1974, M, Running Time: 2hr 10min.
Blazing Saddles & Chinatown
Cost $23.05 one session GA
Cost $34.82 for double feature: Blazing Saddles & Chinatown GA
Mary Poppins
Cost $23.05 GA
Cost $17.41 child (U16)
Cost $58.36 Family of 4
Cost $69.15 Family of 5
Includes booking fee & gst.
More Vegas 70 Screenings
Mary Poppins | Saturday 24 May at 10am
USA, 1964, G, Run Time: 2hr 19min.
Proudly supported by:
This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival
This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.
