Approval
was given for the Erection of the Athenium Theatre Junee on the 1st
May 1929. The architects, Kaberry and Chard, wrote to say the Theatre was about
half completed by early July. It was officially opened on the 10th
October 1929 for “general entertainment purposes".
The movies were screened originally on a Tuesday and Wednesday, with the addition to include Friday and Saturday nights in 1934. By
1938, movies where shown six days a week - from Monday to Saturday. Around 7
occasions a year there would also be special events at the Theatre which
included: church balls, plays presented by the ambulance, Sorley’s touring
variety show as well as McKays. The Theatre was also utilised during the
daytime, its flat floor in the stalls being suitable for dancing lessons.