Orpheum Cremorne – opulent old-world movie palace

The Orpheum is not much to look at from the outside – old run down building, big ugly sign, and located on the busy Military Road.  Never in my few years of passing by this cinema did I think of setting foot inside.  Until now.

Not much to look at from the outside

One day while browsing the internet, I came across some photos of a grand, old-world cinema with velvet ruby red curtains set against a grand opulent gold frame, reminiscent of the days when the great classic films were released (think Gone With The Wind).  To my surprise, the photos were of the Orpheum!

Lucky for me, Mr. A took me to see The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel there, which was showing in the main cinema (there are other smaller cinemas which are each decorated differently but keeping within the art-deco style).

Inside the cinema building

Inside the cinema building

We settled into our seats with champagne and to our surprise, before the film started, a man playing an organ raised up from under the stage and played old classic film music for 5 – 10 minutes, before disappearing under the stage.

The man playing the organ, entering from below the stage

The side of the cinema

Behind the curtains

This is a unique cinema experience that everyone should try once.  I’m a little scared of old things (being haunted) but I’m glad I went.  Now I know the inside is a lot better than the outside!

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Address: 380 Military Road, Cremorne NSW 2090
Phone: (02) 9908 4344
http://www.orpheum.com.au/