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The local council has expressed
interest in using the theatre as a civic
performing arts venue while the WA
Ballet has also been floated as a
possible tenant.
The cinema is still available for
special screenings, one of which was a
Tamil movie in September.
So while it may be the end of the
Astor as a suburban cinema, it may not
yet be the final curtain for this classic
suburban theatre, described by the
Heritage Council of WA as ‘a fine
example of Inter-war Art Deco design
with high aesthetic value, both
internally and externally’. It goes on to
say: ‘The architecture and exuberant
interior of the place enhances the
cinematic experience of the patron by
helping to foster a sense of occasion
and celebration.’ That was certainly my
experience. ★

The author acknowledges the Heritage THE WEST’S BEST
Council of Western Australia and the
Art Deco Society of WA as sources for
Architect William T. Leighton's gardens were common in Perth, but
some information.
cinema designs in Western Australia when built as an adjunct to a
met with the same approval that ‘hardtop’ the practice had been to
greeted the work of H. V. Taylor, have separate machines.
Bruce Crick and Guy Furse in the The Astor is one of Leighton’s
eastern States. The four men more modest designs, unlike some
produced strikingly contemporary of his ‘statement’ theatres. His most
buildings from the mid- 1930s to famous designs include the Heritage
World War II, which often featured Listed Como/Cygnet in South
streamlined symbols and motifs. Perth, the Oriana Freemantle and
Leighton’s contribution to the Picadilly Theatre and Arcade.
functionality in cinema design has Among his many theatre
been described as ‘revolutionary’ by refurbishments were the Royal
the Heritage Council of WA. This Theatre and Grand Theatre. He
assessment is based on a number of also ‘simplified’ the Ambassadors
innovations in his designs, one of for Hoyts, but whether a
which was to service an indoor and ‘functionalist’ is the best person to
outdoor cinema (the Windsor, be let loose on an ‘atmospheric’
Nedlands) from the one bio-room theatre could be a matter of debate.
by setting the projectors on rails and -P.J.
moving them as appropriate. Picture

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