Rechabites Hall- what's the story??

The first time I worked in the Hall was probably three or four years ago when we used it as a rehearsal venue for a Blue Room show I was doing at the time - at that point, it was in far worse condition than it is today, and I felt that the Hall was sadly bound for an abrupt demise (probably for more bloody luxury apartments which are going up in every corner of Perth wherever something comes down). I then went overseas for a period and on return, was surprised to hear that the Hall had been renovated slightly and turned into a theatre. Intrigued, I went along to see a show there, and was impressed by the work that had been done on it, while noticing several areas which could be improved, for example the lack of an adequate lighting rig in the ceiling. A year later, I worked in the Hall and noted that a rig had been added, as well as several improvements in the foyer. I guess what I am getting at is that the Rechabites Hall has been undergoing a slow transformation over the past few years. I mean, it would be great to get a million dollar grant or donation to give the building an instant facelift, but it is inevitable that renovations will be a gradual process while funds are being collected. The building is not endangering either performers or audience members in its ramshackle qualities. We need the Rech Hall due to the fact that it is very rare to find a performance space of its size (aside from perhaps the Bridge and the Quarry, and I would wager that hire rates are far more reasonable at the Rechabites) which might accomodate the larger plays that will not fit into the Blue Room (who are, to answer your question, the managers of the venue). Maybe we need to launch a public appeal amongst the theatregoing public to help restore (or God forbidding if Eliot gets his way, SAVE) the Rechabites Hall, to make it an effective venue. I have plenty of ideas of my own on how to improve the venue - the dressing rooms are hideously inadequate AT THE MOMENT, as are the backstage areas - and they could do with some more comfortable seating. To change these things, however, requires money, and nothing will be done unless this money is raised. I have often said that if I won the lotto the first million of my winnings would go straight to the Blue Room to develop two of my favourite venues. Realistically though, I think the key is to let the Blue Room board of this need for alteration (and I know some board members haunt this site) - perhaps someone needs to prepare an appeal and go before the board suggesting a fundraiser to save the Rechabites.

I understand your point, Eliot, but give the Hall a chance. By bringing structural engineers in to SEARCH for faults, you are not actively supporting the arts in this building, but instead are consciously looking to bring about its downfall. Change takes money, sure, but it also takes time. Who's with me for helping the Hall?

Toby