The mysterious disappearance of the Grosvenor Theatre, Summer Hill (and other lost cinemas).

A talk by Paul Brennan

When: Saturday 11 April 2026. 10.00 for 10.30 am start

Where: Charteris and McLeod Learning Rooms, First Floor, Marrickville Library Pavilion, Cnr Marrickville and Livingstone Roads.

As a 16-year-old, cinema historian Paul Brennan was brought to the dilapidated Summer Hill Grosvenor Theatre by his parents. The front doors were smashed open, and he scrambled through the rubble salvaging pelmet curtains and ornamental plasterwork.

This sumptuous theatre (formerly in Sloane Street, north of the station) was designed and styled in 1930 by renowned architect Emil Sodersten (1899- 1961), who was born in Balmain and who co- designed Brisbane City Hall and the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

The Grosvenor Theatre, Summer Hill. No Date.
Image: Cinema Treasures.

The Grosvenor has been described as a ‘Spanish Baroque frivolity derived from Hollywood’. It was regarded as one of Sydney’s most beautiful ‘picture palaces’.

Arnold Zimmerman oversaw the interior design which complemented the exterior in grandeur.

Interior, The Grosvenor Theatre, Summer Hill. No Date.
Image: Cinema Treasures.

Much of the plaster work was supplied by T. Grounds & Sons of Newtown. Seating over 2,000 people, the theatre was opened on 29 October 1930 by the Ashfield Mayor.

Demolition of The Grosvenor Theatre, Summer Hill. C 1970-71. Image: Cinema Treasures.

Celebrating a 50-year career in the Australian screen industry, Paul Brennan was awarded The Cinema Pioneer of the Year in 2024 for services in business and innovation, restoration and recovery of lost films. Operating at least seven Australian cinemas over the decades culminated in a nine-year consultancy with Nationwide Event Cinemas.

Paul’s new pictorial book The mysterious disappearance of the Grosvenor: Summer Hill’s lost movie palace, which has been nominated for a 2026 National Trust Heritage Award, will be on sale for $55 (payment by card only).