1920s

In 1929, the Bondi Pavilion opened to much fan fare. One unique feature of the site was its capacity to hose a full-sized theater stage with the backdrop of its rear classically-styled arch. Now a grand entrance from Campbell parade, this was designed to host all types of performances—from live plays to movies, cinemas and orchestras. This stage was set at the back of the Pavilion, creating an amphitheater with plenty of seating.

The stage area was open-air, with hundreds of deck chairs arranged for the audience. Along the sides, tall columns held up large hessian screens. Part of the seating area was paved, while the rest was grass. A high projection booth at the back overlooked the whole space, allowing for film screenings. Much of this outdoor amphitheater is still visible today.

In the 1930s through to the 1950s, this space hosted ballroom dancing, waltzes, and concerts with top orchestras, as well as movies—drawing large crowds of locals who came to dance during the day and watch movies at night, long before television arrived.

Local Jim Deagonhart describes his childhood visits in the early 1950s:
"I remember the movies and the big crowds on fine-weather nights. Sydney’s mild climate and the Pavilion’s shelter from southern winds made it a perfect spot. Strolling through Bondi Park to the Pavilion in the evening must have been magical—ballroom music floating through the air, couples swaying under the stars, and a beautiful, open sky. It left many with treasured memories of dancing and movie nights".

More recently, the stage area was converted into a grand entrance to the Pavilion, improving access to the upstairs cinema and a wide range of exhibitions and services for both the Bondi community and its many visitors.

Courtesy Waverley Library Local Studies Collection.