The State Theatre captures the glamour of the 1920s picture palaces. It was built in 1929 by Union Theatres Ltd, at the peak of cinema's popularity in Australia. Going to 'the pictures' was a favourite leisure activity in the 1920s and 1930s, not only in the city but also in the suburbs. Matinees often drew women bent on combining a trip to 'the flicks' with shopping, and the Saturday serialised matinee was extremely popular with children, while evening programs attracted courting and married couples. Hollywood blockbusters of the 1930s were designed to be shown in lavish theatres, such as the State Theatre. The 'talkies' were introduced in 1927, radically transforming the experience of going to the cinema. Although built to screen talking films, the State Theatre incorporated orchestral facilities and a Wurlitzer organ. The Wurlitzer organ was used to accompany silent films and provide entertainment during other performances. During the 1930s the State Theatre's program included not just a feature film, but also vaudeville acts. We have a great photo of the State Theatre chorus girls performing on stage in the 1930s. The State Theatre was one of the largest cinemas in Sydney, able to accommodate about 2,500 patrons. It is a lavish mish-mash of styles, typical of the atmospheric cinemas designed by architect Henry Eli White. White also designed the Capitol Theatre. The exterior of the State Theatre is a Gothic skyscaper style. You enter through the foyer which is a Gothic entrance hall and ascend a curving marble staircase, passing art galleries in the auditorium, velvet lounges, and, in the theatre itself, Romanesque statues and a magnificently enormous chandelier. Even the toilets are over the top, with women having the butterfly room and the men's a baronial theme. As well as the main cinema, Union Theatre's built a theatrette in the basement which showed newsreels and there was a multi-storey office block that included offices, retail space, even a ball room. The State Theatre is a rare survivor. We have a great short interview with Stuart Green from Greater Union about the history of the theatre. It has seen through two restorations: one in the 1980s and a second is currently underway to improve backstage facilities. Today the State Theatre shows mainly live theatre: rock concerts, musicals and the like. The Sydney Film Festival is one of the few occasions that the State Theatre shows films these days. So put on your glad rags, go see a film and experience how the State Theatre was meant to be - transporting us to another world through cinema. It's a moment in Sydney's history. If you missed Lisa's segment this morning on 2SER, you can catch up with the podcast here.