Page 29 - CinemaRecord #83

Despite this, the theatre was built before
electronically amplified sound was common,
so the acoustics of the theatre are such that
speech on the stage can be clearly heard at the
back of the auditorium. The empty space
within the hall amplifies the sound by utilising
the internal echo.

The Cummins Theatre ran as a cinema until
1966. In 1974 the Merredin Shire Council
purchased the theatre for use by the Merredin
Repertory Club, which continues to stage
productions in the theatre to this day. To
facilitate this extended use, the Cummins
Theatre Annexe and Tivoli Room (comprising
kitchen, dining, bar and toilet facilities) opened
in March of 1991, as a welcome addition to the
building.

For over eighty years, the Cummins has
served the community well, not only as a
cinema, but as a venue for live performances,
meetings and social functions.
Ornate ticket box
In 2009, it received a major upgrade. The
Shire of Merredin received funding for
comprehensive works; these included the
refurbishment to the fly tower and orchestra
pit, the installation of reverse cycle climate
control and the renovation of the backstage
area including the dressing rooms, green rooms
and performers facilities.

The Cummins Theatre is classified by the
National Trust of Australia (WA) and, since
1995, has been listed in the Heritage Council
of Western Australia's State Register of
Heritage Places. H

Acknowledgements:

● Images by Ivan Maguire
Additional information:
● www.cumminstheatre.com.au
● AMMPT Cinemaweb.
View of “Circle” area seating

THIS IS YOUR MAGAZINE

YOUR CONTRIBUTION OF

NEWS ITEMS, ARTICLES,
AND IMAGES

IS ESSENTIAL TO

CONTINUE THE

PUBLICATION OF
CINEMARECORD

“Stalls” area, set up for a function

CINEMARECORD # 83 29