Theatre Orchestras

Orchestras were also required by some of Adelaide’s theatres for operas, ballet, vaudeville, music hall and musical productions.  The best known of these was the Theatre Royal Orchestra.  The Theatre Royal was built in Hindley Street in 1878, replacing a theatre built in 1868.  Extensive alterations were made to the theatre in 1884, and again in 1913-14.  It was Adelaide’s best known and loved theatre until its demolition in 1962 by Miller Anderson and Co., an Adelaide department store, who erected a car park on the site.  Many of the productions at the Theatre Royal were under the direction of J.C. Williamson Ltd., one of Australia’s leading theatrical companies .  William Cade (1883-1957) was appointed Music Director at the Theatre Royal in 1912 .  Later, William Cade was Music Director for the Wondergraph Theatre.

-Robert Brown