Mr. Ron Campbell lodged plans for approval for the theatre in 1953. A subsequent record from 1955 suggests that the building may not have been quite complete at this time.
The Examiner, 28th April 1965
Cleaning up after George Towns 2000 pd theatre fire is Bruce Campbell, son of the owner, Mr. R.G Campbell. The fire, on Sunday night, destroyed interior fittings, including screens, drapes, speakers, staging, some seats, and a section of the ceiling.
In 1993, another fire ripped through the building. An electrical fault in a PowerPoint has been determined as the cause of the $100,000 damage bill. At this time, the theatre was used as an indoor cricket center.
The estimated $40,000 to the building and an additional $60,000 to indoor equipment. The theatre had been used for other activities such as rollerskating, indoor cricket, slot cars, and a second-hand store prior to the fire.
The Mercury, 4th November 1968
Built by Mr. R Campbell, assisted by the electrical side by Mr. W H Park, the track, of eight lanes, is 150ft. long with 90ft. of straights.
The new track has excited the interest of slot car fans from all over Northern Tasmania.
I recall watching a movie there in the early '60s but later roller skating then indoor cricket.
- John
Was so great working and having so many laughs with the Champion man John Nutting (Nuts).
- Peter
I remember going on a bus to the Picture Theatre when Friend Street was still gravel, old Poke Hills used to walk around with a torch telling everyone to keep quiet.
- Steve
U15 or U16 Cricket the " Dream Team " unbeaten for the whole roster...
- Ricki
Campbell's picture theatre! Every Saturday afternoon matinee.
- Maureen
Loved indoor cricket in there. I have a photo somewhere of our kid's team and trophies.
- Mark
Every Saturday Campbell pictures. Remember one film on west American people go into forests to fight and communicate by shrill whistling. The next day in the bush at George Town all you could hear was whistling.
- Joe
We had 65 teams playing indoor cricket, soccer, netball, and Volleyball until an electrical fault caused it to burn down unfortunately it was so popular and many nights having a beer or 2 afterward.
- Peter
Saturday afternoon matinee 6d (5c)I believe. Tarzan was a regular film.
- John
The best part shilling to get in!
-Joe
I remember Mrs. Campbell collecting tickets and selling sweets and remember the lion roaring I the Metro Goldwyn Mayer add. Also Eric and may Morley with their torches making sure everyone was quiet and finding the Jaffa rollers at the top end of the theatre. Also later playing indoor cricket there. Great memories
- John
Indoor netball with my school team. Playing against some older ladies.
- Tammy
My dad used to run the indoor cricket center wasn’t just for cricket, netball was played in there too, always said the G & T was named after his children!
- Tasha
Roller skating, indoor cricket, model racing cars... it's had quite an eclectic past.
- Peter
I spent many a day and a dollar at the slot car track that was there and also have vague memories of the picture theatre prior to the slot cars.
- Duncan
My mum worked there as usher Ron would operate the cameras and Mrs. Campbell ticket box and shop they were really nice people I think Mae Mauley worked there as well after mum left old poke Mr hills as he was Named was the usher didn't mind cracking you on the head with his torch either.
- Brian
I remember it as a roller skating rink and they would have bands play upstairs.
- Liz
Remember the bus that went round for people going to the pictures..running in the side door at Mario's at interval time to get your treats..or a Mario "special "
- Dianne
Remember lining up outside Saturdays to watch the movie. After that when it had a big slot car track spent a lot of time there as well.
- Michael
One of the best museums I have ever visited. Very interactive.