Perth Voice Interactive

CINEPHILES and theatre buffs are in for a treat this coming Thursday March 27 when one of Perth’s most-loved historians delves into the history of Perth’s theatres and cinemas.

History West (otherwise known as the Royal WA Historical Society) president Richard Offen is the former director of Heritage Perth and a regular on radio and tv, as well as being author of Then and Now, Lost Perth and A Perth Camera. He will be presenting the talk in the church hall at St Andrews on Stirling Highway from 10.30-11.30am.

In the early days of the Swan River colony most theatrical and musical entertainment took place in private residences, the Court House (now the Old Courthouse Law Museum in Stirling Gardens) or even outdoors.

Flourish

As the colonial population increased and more public buildings were constructed, venues such as the Town Hall (1870) and Mechanics Institute (1852) became available. 

However, it was the gold boom and advent of cinema which led custom-built theatres and cinemas to flourish on the streets of Perth.

The Theatre Royal opened in 1897, one of the first grand theatres in the state, showcasing a variety of performances from drama and opera to vaudeville acts, with its two upper floors still looking over Hay Street.

The first recorded public film screening in Perth took place in 1896 at the Cremorne Theatre, marking the beginning of WA’s cinematic journey.

By the 1910s and 1920s, picture palaces began to dominate the entertainment landscape. The Grand Theatre in Perth, built in 1916, was among the city’s first purpose-built cinemas. Silent films, accompanied by live music, were the primary attraction until the introduction of sound in the late 1920s. The advent of “talkies” led to the rapid growth of cinemas across the state, making film one of the most popular forms of entertainment.

The rise of television in the 1950s and 1960s led to a decline in cinema attendance, resulting in the closure of many historic theatres, though often a hidden gem remained behind the facade as the skyscrapers grew around htem.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in independent cinemas and heritage theatres. Venues such as the Luna Palace Cinemas, the restored Astor Theatre and The Backlot cater to audiences seeking alternative and arthouse films.

Tickets to the talk are $15 and bookings are essential from 9386 3841 or admin@histwest.org.au