Zamia Theatre
Historic Venue with Modern Facilities
Opening in 1923, The North Tamborine Hall quickly became the hub of a small but vibrant community, used for films, concerts, roller skating, boxing matches, dances and formals.
Various owners ran the hall, notably The Howards for two decades from the early 1950's. In 1971, they refused to sell to a developer, accepting a lower bid from the Tamborine Mountain Progress Association to retain the hall in community hands.
Changing hands to the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Trust and the former Beaudesert Shire Council, in 2006 the building was taken over by the Scenic Rim Regional Council undergoing major restoration works.
The name Zamia Theatre dates from 1948 when Effie Anderson won a competition to rename the building, winning 10 shillings. The name refers to the Mountain's famous Lepidozamia fern. The Zamia Theatre is now managed by Tamborine Mountain Little Theatre and retains its integral position in the community's cultural, social and civic life.
Welcome!
After parking on the Main Street, you'll have a one minute walk to the Zamia Theatre and be rewarded with a smile from one of our members in the old-world Ticket Office!
Whether you've booked ahead, or you're trying your luck at getting in on the night, cash or EFTPOS is welcome.
Foyer
As you enter our Foyer, you'll step back in time and peruse historic photo's of the local legends who have been involved with the Tamborine Mountain Little Theatre since its beginnings in 1923.
Originally known as the Red Cross room. the Red Cross members used to meet under the Queen’s portrait. There was an ancient kitchen, old Lino on the floor, and a table.
Take a look at our original Westtex 14 carbon arc film projector.
One of two, the other original is now displayed at the Tamborine Mountain Historical Village at Eagle Heights. This replaced the original 16mm projectors which were unable to show the new cinemascope film.
The role of our volunteers was very specialised indeed and even involved the placing of extra mirrors and special lenses!
Refreshments or BYO
Our Refreshment bar sells tea, coffee, soft drinks and ice-cream and can be utilised as a bar (alchohol licence required) for some events.
The kitchen is ideal to plate up muffins for a Morning Tea or Sandwiches for the Afternoon Cuppa and comes with cups, saucers, cutlery, hot water, tablecloths and of course a sink to do the washing up!
The Stage
With a decent performance size, the stage features lighting (operated by the Bio Box), curtains & an automatic screen for films or audio/visual presentations.
Additionally backstage, there are two dressing rooms, two bathrooms with showers & an exit to side stage and rear exit
Theatre
Featuring the original beautiful timber floorboards, our Auditorium is decorated with old film, musical & play posters which have been shown or performed here.
It is currently home to our three plays per year, Movies on the Mountain, Film Club, Social Play Readings, Yoga, a Church group, Zumba, University of The Third Age, Dance and many others.
It can be arranged accordingly for:
150 people standing
100 people sitting in rows
80 people at tables
and has fans, air-conditioning and heating.
Bio Box
Insert what this area can do including wireless microphones, lighting, special effects, spotlights etc.
Insert more about what fab equipment you have up there!
Disabled Access
Parking & Access
We have two disabled parking spaces on the grounds to the right of the Zamia within the actual Theatre grounds. There is also one across the road in the angle parking.
There is a large ramp to the left of the front access of the Theatre for those who cannot manage stairs.
We have a disabled toilet in the hall adjacent to the Ladies toilet, a disabled lift to get those that need to on stage, & a disabled bathroom backstage.
Costume & Properties Loan
TMLT do lend out costumes & props which is a free service to our members.
We simply ask that items are signed out and are returned clean and un-damaged.
