What is the oldest theatre in Perth?

Thu, 21 Sept 2006, 07:20 pm

Kirilee12 posts in thread

A very quick posting, I'm just wondering as it has been kind of bugging me for a while now, which theatre in Western Australia is the oldest? Or even what was the first built? The oldest record I can find is His Majesty's Theatre - 1904. Anything earlier?

Thread (12 posts)

Threaded Flat

KirileeThu, 21 Sept 2006, 07:20 pm

Don AllenFri, 22 Sept 2006, 08:20 am

St Georges Hall - The

St Georges Hall - The Georgian style portico is heritage listed. It is all that remains of Perth's first purpose built theatre, opened in 1879. http://www.whatson.com.au/php/wonseeperth.php?wlkey=3927&seq=33 The Maj may be oldest still functioning as theatre.

KirileeFri, 22 Sept 2006, 10:18 am

Confused?

Thank you... so, to my knowledge so far: St Georges Hall - 1879 T. G. A. Molloy's Theatre Royal - 1900... But then, I haven't heard of Theatre Royal. The discription sounds somewhat like that of His Maj's which opened in 1904 (and the theatre and adjoining hotel took 2 years to complete), and was constructed by Perth businessman and one-time Lord Mayor of Perth, Thomas G Molloy. Thoughts?

LabrugFri, 22 Sept 2006, 10:33 am

Interest

You might find this useful Kay

http://wwwmcc.murdoch.edu.au/ReadingRoom/film/image/Honniball.html

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing ... and occasionaly dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director

http://au.geocities.com/labrug

LogosFri, 22 Sept 2006, 10:54 am

According to information I

According to information I have in my library here in little old Adelaide the Theatre Royal Perth was operating as part of Harry Rickards Tivoli Theatre Circuit in 1902. A few years later actual date unknown possibly post World War 1 I have found a reference to Ben and John Fullers circuit operating the Theatre Royal andf His Majesties Theatres in Perth. At that time they were also operating The King's Theatre Fremantle. The references come from "Act as Known" by Valentyne Napier who worked as part of the Napier Family speciality act on the world Vaudeville Circuit. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

KirileeFri, 22 Sept 2006, 02:58 pm

Thank you... yes the Royal

Thank you... yes the Royal (or TGA Molley Theatre Royal) was actually finaced by the same person who build His Maj. Found that out just after I posted. Something tells me I might have to make a stop into the Museum of Performing Arts... Ivan King is a very learned man.

KirileeFri, 22 Sept 2006, 03:04 pm

Thank you also Logo.

Thank you also Logo. Actually, yes, very happy you brought The King's Theatre up... I was sure there was a theatre in Fremantle also. Great help! *hugs*

JoeMcSat, 23 Sept 2006, 02:30 pm

Speaking of the Fuller

Speaking of the Fuller Theatre, as a bit of whatever!
The Bridgetown Rep were using a number of flats marked as the fuller theatre, back in the 90’s & the frames were still in great condition, except some needed to be reskinned. By the way the Bridgetown Repertory was known as the oldest continuously run, including world wars, community theatre in the state & arguably in the country. Except I believe there might be a contender in SA?
However there was in the foyer at Bridgetown, a framed dated certificate from the Roads Board, establishing the actual building. However i believe it was a in existance a long way prior to WW1.

LogosSat, 23 Sept 2006, 03:11 pm

Longest running

The Adelaide Repertory Society began in 1908 and have not missed a year. They claim to be the longest continuosly running amateur society in the southern hemisphere. A very difficult claim to support or challenge, The Launceston Players have I believe been running for 75 to 78 years in Tasmania without ever missing a year. What an amazing piece of history those flats were. I bet they've disappeared now. I believe I belong (at 55) to the last generation that were as a matter of course taught to build flats with full lap jointing and size and canvas stretching. Size of course is a health and safety nightmare but you can use PVA glue to seal and stretch canvas if you dilute it carefully with ordinary water. Got to get it just right. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

LogosSat, 23 Sept 2006, 03:15 pm

History

And who still uses lines to lace flats together. You should be able to change an entire stage set in a few minutes using lines and brace and weight. Haven't seen brace and weight in SA for ages although it is still common in the UK. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Grant MalcolmSat, 23 Sept 2006, 04:47 pm

Logos wrote:> And who still

Logos wrote:
> And who still uses lines to lace flats together.

If they're going to be moved, yes.

Mind you, this in a venue with a full height tower and a couple of dozen flylines.

About the only thing flown in and out in most productions is a few LX bars for rigging purposes.

:-\

> Haven't seen brace and weight in SA for ages
> although it is still common in the UK.

I have it from one recent arrival that hammer and four inch nails are the most common set construction tool.

:nuts:

Go figure!

Cheers

Grant

--
Director, actor and administrator of this website

JoeMcSat, 23 Sept 2006, 10:34 pm

Blimey I still use and

Blimey I still use and advocate cleat & sash toggle lines, for joining flats up. Heaven forbid even thinking of using nails, the only thing I would use them for is as a removable drop pin in hinges on frrench braces. Even with a long standing box sets, in my opinion, securing with cleat serpentine lacing toggle lines, is still a better method causing less damage, making bump in/out much easier & faster.
Size these days has been replaced by watered down plastic paint. Which is cheaply available now working well in shrinking & sealing the unbleached calico skin. However either starch or the diluted pva suggested works well, as an elcheapo alternative.

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