Page 30 - CinemaRecord #83

The PALACE

THEATRE

BOULDER WA

n May 1916, a New Palace Theatre was reported to be nearing
Icompletion in Burt Street (the main street), beside the Lyric
Theatre Gardens, open air theatre in Brookman St. From 1920, the
Lyric changed it’s name to the Palace Gardens. Advertising at that
time refers to the Palace Theatre & Gardens.

In October 1929, a Raycophone sound system was installed. In 1933
Goldfields Pictures bought the Palace Theatre and Gardens.

Descriptions of the theatre in the thirties describe it as having ramped
rear seating, with the bio box located in a rear corner, where the
projectors could be swung around to project out and into the gardens
next door. The theatre was used in winter and the gardens in summer.

In 1942 the theatre and the gardens had 1100 seats each, and the
premises were screening six nights each week. In the sixties, it was
still operating, but was sold in 1975. In the nineties the building was
still standing, but in use as a skating rink.
In 2002 the building was gifted to the Boulder Promotions and
Development Association. After a massive clean-up the building became
the Palace Theatre Recreation Centre Inc. Above: The Palace Theatre earlier this year Image: Mike Trickett

The Palace Theatre is once again in use, providing a valuable asset to the Boulder Community. H

Acknowledgements:
Images and current information: Anne Petz
Additional details AMMPTcinemaweb

The auditorium c. 1940

The foyer c. 1940
The Palace during construction
Today used as a community recreation centre

30 CINEMARECORD # 83