UNDER THE BAR - HAYDEN ORPHEUM PICTURE PALACE

Step back in time at Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, a gem nestled in Cremorne, where art deco grandeur meets modern cinema magic. 

Since its reopening in the mid-80s, this theatre has enchanted guests with its blend of retro aesthetics and contemporary offerings. From watching first-timers marvel at the ornate interiors to hosting celebrity Q&As and lively ABBA cover bands, The Orpheum offers more than just movies—it’s an experience. 

We caught up with Claudia, from their front of house team, to chat about Twilight marathons in pyjamas and nostalgic sing-alongs.

CP | What do you like most about working at Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace?

C | I love watching people come to The Orpheum for the first time, whether it’s for a special event or for date night.  We get to watch them live the whole experience that we have curated of getting physical tickets, our beautiful candy bar and the stunning Art Deco cinemas. Guests are always so in awe of the building and how unique it is - it's the best getting to see that.

CP | What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen or heard while working?

C | We were showing a Twilight movie marathon during Autumn and this lovely mum called up to ask if her daughter and her friends could wear pyjamas in the cinema. I said "of course!" - everyone gets super comfy for our marathons and they like to bring blankets too. On the day I saw a few girls come in with these Twilight-themed pyjamas and pillows and blankets with Robert Pattinson's face on them. They figured out that I was who she spoke to on the phone and the mother said that once we gave the all-clear the girls totally ran with it and they couldn’t have been more excited.

CP | What was your favourite artist to perform at Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace?

C | She wasn’t technically performing but Emma Thompson was so amazing. She was doing a Q&A for her film ‘Good Luck To You Leo Grande’ and she spoke so beautifully and it was so interesting hearing her speak about the film, her co-star and the whole experience - she had everyone just hanging on her words. If I had to say a performer though, the ABBA cover band we had in 2023, they had the whole look and sound and just brought the house down.

CP | Describe Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in three words.

C | Retro, aesthetic, bright.

CP | What’s your favourite drinking song?

C | ‘I Want You Back’ by Cher Loyd. I get really into acting out the story and the heartbreak.

CP | Where should we go after this?

C | Well... If you are looking for food and drinks or even just some drinks, SoCal is a great Mexican place that does the most delicious food. They have bottomless steak fajitas and Happy Hour from 3pm to 6.30pm every Friday. There is a Watermelon Margarita that is the most delicious thing ever!

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📍 Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace is located at 380 Military Rd, Eora/Sydney

OPENING HOURS:
Mon to Sun 10am - 9pm

IG: @HaydenOrpheumPicturePalace
https://www.orpheum.com.au/

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