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In 1926 he formed a jazz group
called Radio Aces, who became an
early feature on Melbourne radio's
3LO. Les was also a composer, and
some of his music was released on
HMV records in 1947. His career at the
Regent Brisbane lasted 30 years. In
that time, Les filled the posts of pianist,
organist, arranger and musical director.
Just prior to the Second World War,
Reubert Hayes from Sydney, a rising
new talent, was appointed house
organist, a role he shared with Les
Maintenance time on the organ; probably mid-1930s when the console was polished
Richmond.
wood.
After the Regent Orchestra was
disbanded in 1944, the WurliTzer was After Reubert Hayes left for Sydney
given more prominence. With no in 1945, Les Richmond continued
immediate use for the orchestral community singing on Wednesday
elevator, a work team moved the organ mornings. The theatre manager at the
console to the centre of the elevator and time, George Bayer commented in the
raised it on a dais. The grand piano was trade magazine Action, 'that these
placed on the right hand side and the sessions were drawing great houses and
chrysoglott (a type of xylophone) was continue to build goodwill for the
placed on the left. The instruments - theatre.'
organ centre-stage and in front of a The Regent Brisbane featured two
decorative backdrop - became a rather organists, a practice which continued
unique arrangement. until 1950. The second musician was
Thousands of servicemen were Reg. Ives, who also deputised as the
stationed in Brisbane during the war. theatre's assistant manager.
Entertainment provided by the Forces Prior to 1953, the positions of the Leslie Richmond at the now painted
Sing-Song, held at the Regent every instruments around the WurliTzer were console. Gordon Berry Collection.
Sunday evening was enormously changed again. The grand piano was
popular. The program was broadcast moved on to the original organ hoist
over the A.B.C. network until the end and other components were moved
of the war. back into the organ chambers, thus
leaving a solitary console on its
familiar dais, centre-stage in the pit.

Organ console (centre), with chrysoglott on left and grand piano, right. Gordon Berry Collection.

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