Julie Amos - 150 Years of the Capital

THE Capital Theatre is turning one-hundred and fifty this year and ahead of the celebration the City of Greater Bendigo is asking people to submit old photos or memorabilia from the venue to help with the festivities.

Bendigo Venues and Events manager Julie Amos said she believed there would be plenty of memories out there tucked away at people’s homes.

“When we think of the thousands of theatre troupes, school groups, choirs, touring acts, one-off performances and speakers that have graced the stage,” she said.

“There will be many photos, posters, programs, ticket stubs, promotional material and more that we hope residents can share.”

Ms Amos said organisers want to gather as much content as possible to help put together a “special anniversary publication of images.”

“We are asking people who may be able to provide originals or copies of photographs or memorabilia to take a photo or scan and send it to us,” she said.

The Capital Theatre has gone by many names according to mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, after first being built as a Masonic Hall in 1873.

“The theatre was renamed New Britannia in 1912 and became The Capital in the 1930s but has also been known as Bendigo Regional Arts Centre and the Bendigo Performing Arts Centre,” she said.

Cr Metcalf also called on for people to submit any memories of The Capital to help celebrate the occasion.

“I encourage our community to get involved in the planned celebrations and contribute any photos or memorabilia they may have,” she said.

“Everyone will have their own special memories and Bendigo Venues & Events would welcome hearing from you.”

Submissions can be sent to arts.info@bendigo.vic.gov.au and are being accepted until Friday, 17 February.