Built by locals and run by volunteers, Blyth Cinema celebrates two decades of popcorn, passion, and community spirit
It started with a few second-hand seats and a big idea, and now, two decades on, Blyth Cinema is a country town icon that’s run by volunteers, loved by locals, and still serving popcorn on Saturday nights.
Launching a cinema in a small town, with no staff, no experience and no money is pretty gutsy, and some would say an impossible mission. Cue the theme music. But the people of Blyth pulled it off, and not just once.
It all began when Ian Roberts of Medika Gallery bought the old Masonic Lodge with a vision. He called a town meeting (the population was then around 250) and shared his idea to turn the heritage-listed building into a movie theatre. He then asked his fellow Blythians if they were keen to help. In true country style, the answer was a resounding yes.
In 2005, Ian’s vision came to life as he and his team of determined locals transformed the lodge into a fully functioning cinema. They sourced second-hand seats and curtains, laid the concrete for an angled floor, installed Dolby sound, and built a candy bar stocked with all the essentials. From the start, it was a community effort, and it quickly became a go-to spot for Friday night films and school holiday matinees.
Then, in 2022, a second 50-seat theatre was added to this popcorn-powered gem, which has been punching above its weight since day one.
These days, the cinema isn’t just a local treasure. It draws visitors from across the region, around the country and even overseas. Whether it’s a Saturday night screening, a school visit or a special event, Blyth Cinema continues to deliver.
And at the heart of it all is the warm and welcoming Nat McElroy, who has been at the helm as Cinema Manager for almost 10 years, a role she describes as “10 of the best”.
“This is a dream job. I get paid to watch movies!” she laughs. Though anyone who’s met her knows she does a lot more than that. Nat is quick to acknowledge that the cinema wouldn’t exist without the tireless volunteers and the dedicated committee that keep it all going. “It’s a real town asset, run by a passionate committee of dedicated locals,” she says.
Fast forward to 2025 and they’re celebrating 20 years the only way they know how, with a night at the movies.
This Saturday, May 24, they’ll roll out the red carpet and raise a glass (or a choc top) to two decades of community-driven cinema, followed by a screening of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (M) – a fitting tribute.
There’ll be drinks, nibbles, plenty of popcorn, and no doubt a trip down memory lane reminiscing where it all began.
Blyth Cinema Turns 20
When: Saturday, May 24 6:45pm
Where: Blyth Cinema, 15 Moore St, Blyth
Tickets: $25 (includes drinks, nibbles and film screening)
For more information and ticket purchases head to Blyth Cinema’s Facebook Page or website blythcinema.au
