BOOKINGS
SERVICES
MONTHLY MOVIES
Once a month on the 3rd Weekend
SPECIAL EVENT MOVIES
Movies to mark certain days or special events
PERSONALISED EVENTS
Tailored to your needs with film and catering options available
ABOUT US
The AMUSU Theatre is located in Manildra, Central West NSW, a scenic 4 hour drive from Sydney over the Blue Mountains and not so far away :) Or for the locals a short 30 minute drive from Orange or Parkes. It is a rare purpose built Art Deco theatre that has been continuously operated since it was built in 1936. AMUSU Theatre still boasts the original carbon projectors, original seating including the 'Love Seat', original flooring, curtains and for a special touch, original old movie posters of yesteryear decorate the walls. AMUSU is now operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, headed by the amazing Joan Stevenson and partner in crime Alan Stevenson, Lyn Woodhart, Allan Tom's daughter (AMUSUs creator) and Kevin Penson! It still screens all the latest release films, once a month on the 3rd weekend. Which of course includes the World Famous AMUSU supper or afternoon tea… after the movie! A look at the Movie Museum or a chat with fellow movie goers is a must and you are always sure to find a friendly face if you are by yourself. AMUSU is an amazing place where some things stay the same and others keep changing. The beautiful gardens, outside seating areas and Paris Lane, are perfect examples of this, not to forget the new exhibits in the Museum! AMUSU is very adaptable and can cater for small buses, coaches, social and sporting clubs, school events, fundraisers and even social outings. Special screenings can be booked any time of the year with enough notice and catering options are available. Please note the theatre is accessible to the disabled, has cooling / heating / snuggly blankets for your comfort, a selection of yummy things and drinks available for purchase at the entry. Please note there is no Eftpos facilities at the theatre. Lastly the AMUSU is run solely on love, passion and hard work from a dedicated team of volunteers, so always be grateful and share a smile or two, as they keep the AMUSU running and evolving with your support. Sadly many other theatres of similar vintage have now closed from lack of support and increasing running costs. AMUSU has to support itself without any assistance outside the theatre, however special note must be given to our good friends at the Manildra Flour and Canola Mills, who help us out when we are in need. All money received by AMUSU goes directly back into maintaining and improving the experience for all to enjoy, including our future generations, hopefully for many years to come.
MUSEUM
AMUSU Theatre Manildra has an adjoining Movie Museum in Tom's Garage, that boasts a large range of movie posters dating back quite some years, some are even available for purchase. These previously belonged to Alan and Madeline Strahan, who donated their life collection to us. We will be forever grateful! The museum features many different sections and interests from surrounding influences, including of course film equipment of a byegone era and even a school learning section. This is open most weekends, or by special request and there is a small entry fee.
HISTORY
In 1923 a young man named Allan Tom realised his dream when he 'took to the road' with a 'Travelling Picture Show'. Screening in marques and halls in all kinds of weather, bringing entertainment to people in remote outback areas. Firstly Allan screened 'silent movies', then with the advent of 'talkies' the 'AMUSU Touring Talkies' was born. A few years later Allan established Theatres in Manildra, Cudal, Millthorpe, Tullamore and Peak Hill. For 72 years through drought, flood, depression, the advent of clubs, television and video, Mr Tom screened films for the small towns. He showed his last film in 1995 just a week before his death at age 93. He was one of the pioneers of the Australian Motion Picture Industry and his efforts were rewarded in 1993 when he was awarded the 'Order of Australia' Medal for his contribution to the entertainment industry. Allan Tom was on the road in the Goldfields and Western NSW until the 1940's with silent movies. The AMUSU Theatre was built in Manildra in 1936 alongside his garage. With its purpose built building, continuous use and heritage collection, the AMUSU is unique in NSW. Its significance to the state was recognised in October 1996 when it was listed on the State Heritage Register of NSW. The AMUSU in Manildra was the 18th theatre to be built in NSW. It has been operating continuously since the 1930s and now attracts people from all over the country and the world to Manildra to visit the theatre. The AMUSU Theatre is very evocative and visitors can appreciate the architecture and experience what it was like to go to the movies in a bygone era.
GALLERY
The Theatre
The Grounds
COMMITTEE
Alan Stevenson . Otto Fomotskin . Alan Strahan . Lyn Woodhart
Madeline Strahan . Joan Stevenson . Kevin Penson . Bennie Cowling
CONTACT US
Museum Opening Hours:
Generally
Sat - Sun: 11am - 2pm
Or by Appointment
Mon - Fri: CLOSED
Joan Stevenson
0418 452 902
15 Derowie Street
MANILDRA NSW 2865
AUSTRALIA
Theatre Opening Hours:
Once a month on the 3rd Weekend
Saturday 7.30pm
**6.30pm Winter Time***
Sunday 1.30pm
Or specified for
Special Events
For more information check our Posters or Facebook