Entertaining the community in a Majestic way

Philanthropist Khoo Sian Ewe (1886-1964), built the historic Majestic Theatre in George Town, Penang in 1929.

Straits-Chinese architect, Chew Eng Eam designed the en bloc development of the theatre and 12 shop houses along Jalan Phee Choon.

The Loke Thye Kee Restaurant at the Jalan Burmah junction was also built by Khoo.

The Majestic Theatre, formerly known as the Shanghai Sound Theatre, was originally designed as a live performance theatre.

It was the first cinema in Penang to screen Chinese talkies.

The Majestic Theatre was a popular movie spot and packed with crowds over the weekend.

It was not unusual back then to have movie buffs from the northern state travel to Penang to watch movies over the weekend.

In those days, hawker stalls would line the narrow lane selling snacks from fresh cut fruit to grilled chicken’s bishop’s nose on sticks!

Old cinemas like Majestic soon became obsolete as new cinema chains and shopping malls drew the crowds away.

Eventually the Majestic closed in 1990s.

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