From 1909 to 1915, the Burlington Picture Palace operated an open-air cinema onsite with seating for some 2,000 people. Although this was the era of silent film, screenings were not soundless. A live brass band provided accompanying music to enhance the films’ atmosphere. Vaudeville acts also performed on the Burlington stage in between film showings, ranging from tenor singers to comic impersonators to monologues by dramatic actors. The Burlington’s grand opening on Saturday evening, 18 December 1909, was described by the Sydney Morning Herald as an immediate success: ‘Attracted by the band, the popular prices, and the cool evening air, a considerable gathering assembled, and warmly applauded the films.’