The Thousands

Cremorne’s Hayden Orpheum truly deserves to call itself a "picture palace". Having opened in 1935 when movie going was really magical, its interior still is.

Restored in 1987, the Orpheum’s interior replicates all the original art-deco fittings, color schemes, lighting and design. It’s got a classy upstairs bar and six cinemas, each with their own unique name, design, and red velvet curtain (which ascends before the main feature, naturally).**The outstanding namesake "Orpheum" theatre has a Wurlitzer pipe organ that raises and lowers through a trapdoor in front of the screen. Resident organist Neil Jensen performs before some of the theatre’s special events, like weekly movie luncheons and Sunday classic film matinees, which also include live swing or jazz music, and are particularly popular with the grey brigade.

While this area of the North Shore isn’t the easiest for everyone to access, the Orpheum is more than any old multiplex. It makes a night at the movies feel like a night at the opera.