The history of Gloucester’s Majestic Theatre is as dramatic as the movies that played there for over 50 years.
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Albert Augustus Smith, baker, bought the property in 1926 and built a bakery and picture theatre.
During Smith’s time in Gloucester a number of ‘unlucky’ events occurred. In 1927, fire nearly destroyed his theatre but for the brave efforts of Constable Lette.
In 1930, Smith’s wife Edith mysteriously disappeared never to be seen again. Suspected of killing her, Smith’s ovens were searched but no links were made.
In 1934, just after Smith remodelled the Majestic Theatre he was accused of setting fire to the rival Star Theatre across the road.
In 1935, Smith agreed to sell his theatre and bakery but later tried to renege. When he couldn’t get out of the sale he blew up the buyer’s house for which he was jailed.
Smith was no stranger to fire. In 1917 he had been jailed for setting fire to his first wife’s material shop. His bakery in Comboyne was set alight after it was sold to new owners.
Later, when living at Crescent Head, a series of fires were lit one of which killed his neighbour.
Although Smith was often suspected of these crimes, he was rarely convicted.
He later worked as a baker at Nabiac and died in 1958.
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