MEDIA RELEASE
25 January 2011
Will swap: gala tickets for grand piano
The refurbishment of The Gaiety Theatre in Zeehan is nearly complete, all except for one small detail... a grand piano. Zeehan’s Gaiety Theatre began operating as a cinema in 1899, just three years after the world’s first public cinema screening in France. Once the renovations are finalised, The Gaiety will be the only cinema of its age in Australia showing Edwardian‐era films and to authentically recreate the ambience of old, the project managers are seeking a piano to accompany planned silent film screenings. With the theatre’s original piano no longer available, The Gaiety is hoping to secure a seven‐foot, steel‐ framed, black grand piano for a Gala Opening Night on Saturday 16th April. The Gaiety will celebrate its return with a cinematic vaudeville show featuring some of the world's first films as they would have originally been presented in Zeehan between 1899 and 1910. Mining Heritage Strategy project manager, Wayne Bolton, and Gaiety Theatre project coordinator, Bernard Lloyd, are putting the call out for assistance – a grand piano is wanted for loan, donation, purchase or barter. “Music adds such ambience to a film screening,” said Mr Bolton, “and so we’re keen to accompany the old silent films with a grand piano to faithfully recreate a piece of our local history.” “We’re hoping we can find one before April. All offers will be considered. Anyone who can help us out for the Gala or with a long‐term solution will get front‐row seats and star treatment at the opening,” Mr Bolton said. The redevelopment of the Gaiety is one aspect of the Cradle Coast Mining Heritage Strategy being implemented by the Cradle Coast Authority based on a TQUAL grant from the federal government. The grant of $432,250 was awarded to refurbish The Gaiety Theatre and develop five satellite experiences in other mining towns in the region. Information regarding the grand piano and any offers to assist can be made to Wayne Bolton on 0418 555 748. Details of the Gala Opening, including ticketing information, will be available closer to the event. End… A copy of the Mining Heritage Strategy can be downloaded from www.cradlecoast.com. Cradle Coast Authority tourism works with the tourism and associated industries, councils, state government and visitor centres to create a regional tourism sector that delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the Cradle Coast. PHOTO: A packed house in the hey‐day of the Gaiety Theatre featuring the original performance piano. Photo courtesy of the West Coast Pioneers Museum. Media Contacts: Wayne Bolton ‐ Ph: 0418 555 748 Amanda Wilson ‐ Ph: 6431 6285 Mining Heritage Strategy project manager Communications Manager