The Collaroy cinema is breathing new life into entertainment on the Beaches
Since its early days of operation in the 1930s, the heritage-listed art deco building that is now United Cinemas Collaroy has long entertained locals.
And now there’s a new feature at the cinema – live entertainment! This summer Collaroy will be buzzing with rock bands, big bands, caberet and performances for children.
It’s something that Christine McCormack, owner of Northern Beaches Entertainment, was excited to bring back to the beachside suburb.
“I was missing quality entertainment,” Christine says, adding that Lizotte’s in Dee Why was a great venue for live music on the Beaches, before it closed in 2015.
“Going to pubs and clubs and being in that drinking environment, it’s really hard to hear the music over the top of the noise. So I wanted an environment where people could come and enjoy the music without having to deal with that.
“I also wanted really good entertainment that I didn’t have to travel for – that we could have on the Peninsula.”
Christine, with the support of United Cinemas owner Roy Mustaca, has booked a number of upcoming acts, including Fabba, a group which specialises in covering ABBA hits. They will be at the theatre on 11 January with a show that promises to take audiences on a musical journey.
Stacey’s Got a Gun is a high-voltage band which will be rocking the stage at the theatre on 18 January at 2.30pm, delivering a captivating show charged with raw power and passion.
And for those who love country music, The Grand Ole Country Showcase will deliver hits made famous by the likes of Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, John Denver and Johnny Cash. The showcase will be on 18 January at 4pm.
Former Hi-5 member Nathan Foley will also make an appearance on the Beaches, hitting town with his Aussie to the Bone show which celebrates the legends of Australian Pop and Rock like Beaches- bred band INXS, the Divinyls and Cold Chisel. See Nathan at 3pm on 25 January.
But Christine’s plans won’t stop there – her other motivation for bringing back a live music venue is to give teenagers, particularly the under 16s, a safe place to be entertained and meet up with their friends – particularly with the social media ban now in place. Keep an eye on the website to see what’s coming up.
She is also looking for people to join the Youth Ambassador Program at the theatre, giving teenagers the opportunity to generate ideas, join in events and learn about the behind-the-scenes action.
For tickets and information, visit northernbeachesentertainment.com.au