Leeton's Roxy Community Theatre reopens after crash, builder collapse

For many regional towns in Australia, the local theatre is a treasured source of inspiration, entertainment, and connection. This is especially true of the Roxy Community Theatre in Leeton, New South Wales, which has been inspiring the local community for nearly a century. The Roxy Theatre serves as a cultural hub, fostering creativity and bringing people together through shared experiences.

Actor Jake Speer, who has starred in "Home and Away" and Netflix series, traces his love of performing back to his earliest memories at the Roxy. Speer is a member of the Roxy Theatre's rebuilding committee, emphasizing the theatre's importance to him. "It was a magical place for me growing up," he recalls. "The theatre itself set me on this path."

However, like many regional theatres, keeping the Roxy Theatre running has not been easy. Recent renovations have faced numerous challenges, and last year, a runaway car crashed into its timeless facade, causing disruptions. Therefore, the recent reopening of the Roxy Theatre, welcoming the community back, is a cause for celebration. The community's enthusiasm underscores the theatre's vital role in the town's social fabric.

The two-story Art Deco theatre, designed by architectural firm Kaberry and Chard, opened in 1930 with 1,091 seats across two levels. The firm designed a total of 57 theatres in Australia, but few still stand today, including Sydney's iconic Enmore Theatre. The theatre's construction was funded by entrepreneur George Conson, who envisioned the venue as a "palace of dreams." Historian Noel Thomson, who provided project advice to Leeton Shire Council, said the theatre was built in a relatively short time during a turbulent economic period. "It was a significant employer for people in Leeton at the time, and it's amazing that it was built in about eight months," Mr. Thomson said. "Now, you'd be lucky to get your house built in that time."

In 1977, the theatre faced an existential threat when it was slated for redevelopment. A strong community response prompted the "Save the Roxy Committee" to raise $27,000, which helped the local council purchase the venue for $75,000 in 1978. After these efforts, 95 years after the theatre first opened, it holds a special place in the hearts of residents. Today, the venue is an important community hub, serving as both a town hall and an emergency evacuation center. In 2021, the theatre was forced to close for urgent upgrades to the walls, as well as a new roof and disability access.

The project cost approximately $12 million, with half funded by the New South Wales government and the remainder by the council and the federal government. But construction stalled when builder Lloyd Group entered voluntary liquidation in early 2023. Leeton Shire Council General Manager Jackie Kruger described the builder's collapse as a "terrible nightmare." Unwilling to put the project out to tender again, the council took on the project and engaged Peter Salisbury of Salisbury Constructions to manage it. In October 2024, a car lost control at the roundabout outside the theatre and crashed into the building, destroying some of the heritage tiles and glasswork, causing work to stop again. The council managed to find a skilled artist to restore the unique facade.

Mr. Salisbury praised all the local artisans who helped bring the theatre back to life. "I think it will be very satisfying to come and enjoy the fruits of their labor," he said. Mr. Salisbury said the theatre is special to the people of Leeton. This is evident in the dedication of nearly 90 volunteers, known as the Roxy Dream Team, who help run the theatre. "Leeton has an Art Deco festival every year, and this is the centerpiece of that festival. Unfortunately, it's been out of action for the last few years, but it was obvious to us that retaining all the features of the Art Deco design was significant to the town," he said.

The theatre was brought back to life at a grand reopening ceremony on Saturday, attended by hundreds of people. Jake Speer directed an hours-long "grand" reopening concert filled with song and dance, with more than 150 performers involved. "It's a recognition of the building's history and all the people who call Leeton home," Mr. Speer said. Jackie Kruger said improvements had been made to the theatre to make it more accessible for patrons. "Very importantly, we now have front-door access for people with disabilities for the first time," she said. Previously, disability access was only available through a side door.

While the main theatre is now reopened to the public, work will continue to build a new smaller theatre, called Roxy 2. Further upgrades will make the old supper room and upstairs offices available for artists.