The new Metcalfe Theatre
Tue, 14 June 2011, 08:03 amGordon the Optom1 post in thread
The new Metcalfe Theatre
Tue, 14 June 2011, 08:03 amIt is wonderful to see one of our professional treasures, Edgar Metcalfe, at last being recognised for all of his contributions to WA theatre. This is a new 280-seat theatre, the ‘Metcalfe Playhouse’ is situated within the Empyrean Centre for performing arts, 12 Lake Street, Northbridge - the site of the former IMAX cinema.
Converting this central and accessible venue was the brainchild of Janus (aptly the God of beginnings and transitions) Entertainment, owned by respected Perth director, John Senczuk. He hopes to give the many Perth performers a chance to put on their shows at an economical rate, and to use the theatre as a training ground not only for Empyrean Academy students, but also disadvantaged and Indigenous youngsters wishing to learn theatrical skills.
He hopes it will encourage Perth’s ethnic diversity to put on their own cultural performances.
The seating is exceptionally comfortable, semi-reclining like aircraft seating, and the rake of the auditorium such that everyone has an excellent view of the stage and ample legroom.
There are three levels within this centre, so that dance, music and live theatre can all be accommodated.
For a pleasant change, there is plenty of night car parking – even free street parking, and when the railway line is eventually ‘sunk’ and the whole area becomes part of Perth city again, this venue will become a thriving centre of attraction.
The theatre was launched by John Hyde MLA, Member for Perth, himself an Equity member and genuine supporter of theatre in WA.
With nine major productions before the end of the year, this theatre will be used constantly. This regular ‘bums on seats’ helps to keep the whole enterprise more economical.
The shows are diverse covering plays by Sheridan, Willie Russell, Elizabeth Jolley and the World Premiere of David Williamson’s new play. Then there are shows for children, with ‘The Magic Pudding’ and a pantomime. Light entertainment with a Noel Coward tribute and a comedy review.
Incidentally, the ‘Empyrean Heaven’ is the highest place in the heavens, where observers peer through the celestial spheres to the wonders of the Empyrean dwelling-place of God, contained within. The blessed celestial beings living there are so divine they are made of pure light - the source of light and creation. Hopefully there will be plenty of patrons viewing at the stars within the Metcalfe Playhouse, they deserve support.
It is wonderful to see one of our professional treasures, Edgar Metcalfe, at last being recognised for all of his contributions to WA theatre. This is a new 280-seat theatre, the ‘Metcalfe Playhouse’ is situated within the Empyrean Centre for performing arts, 12 Lake Street, Northbridge - the site of the former IMAX cinema.
Converting this central and accessible venue was the brainchild of Janus (aptly the God of beginnings and transitions) Entertainment, owned by respected Perth director, John Senczuk. He hopes to give the many Perth performers a chance to put on their shows at an economical rate, and to use the theatre as a training ground not only for Empyrean Academy students, but also disadvantaged and Indigenous youngsters wishing to learn theatrical skills.
He hopes it will encourage Perth’s ethnic diversity to put on their own cultural performances.
The seating is exceptionally comfortable, semi-reclining like aircraft seating, and the rake of the auditorium such that everyone has an excellent view of the stage and ample legroom.
There are three levels within this centre, so that dance, music and live theatre can all be accommodated.
For a pleasant change, there is plenty of night car parking – even free street parking, and when the railway line is eventually ‘sunk’ and the whole area becomes part of Perth city again, this venue will become a thriving centre of attraction.
The theatre was launched by John Hyde MLA, Member for Perth, himself an Equity member and genuine supporter of theatre in WA.
With nine major productions before the end of the year, this theatre will be used constantly. This regular ‘bums on seats’ helps to keep the whole enterprise more economical.
The shows are diverse covering plays by Sheridan, Willie Russell, Elizabeth Jolley and the World Premiere of David Williamson’s new play. Then there are shows for children, with ‘The Magic Pudding’ and a pantomime. Light entertainment with a Noel Coward tribute and a comedy review.
Incidentally, the ‘Empyrean Heaven’ is the highest place in the heavens, where observers peer through the celestial spheres to the wonders of the Empyrean dwelling-place of God, contained within. The blessed celestial beings living there are so divine they are made of pure light - the source of light and creation. Hopefully there will be plenty of patrons viewing at the stars within the Metcalfe Playhouse, they deserve support.