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he Theatre Royal was Perth’s
Tfirst major, purpose built
legitimate theatre, as His Majesty’s
was not constructed until 1904. Yet
the Theatre Royal had a very
chequered career, alternating with
movies until becoming a permanent
cinema and one capable of screening
70 mm films. Yet today it is all but
forgotten, apart from some people
who may recall seeing My Fair Lady
there in its record breaking season
back in the 1960s. Its massive
classical façade still dominates that
part of Hay Street, but now it looks
more like a department store rather
than a major theatre.
The Theatre Royal was located at
639 Hay Street. It was opened
19 April 1897 for entrepreneur
T G Molloy, a former mayor of
Perth. The architect was a Mr
Johnson, while the contractor was
G Liebe, who later built His
Majesty’s.

The Daily News reported:
“OPENING OF THE THEATRE
ROYAL – THE SILVER KING theatre actually belonged to T G Molloy. It is Cremorne Gardens. Molloy then leased the
With a great flourish of trumpets, pardonable also interesting to note that the first attraction Theatre Royal to Spencer’s Pictures in 1911.
under the circumstances, that of practically was The Silver King, confirmed by other Renovations had begun in 1910, which
opening the first theatre in Perth, The Silver contemporary reports, although at least one included a bio box built outside the auditorium
King was produced last evening in the presence other source states incorrectly that it was and a new ventilation system. The theatre had
of a brilliant assemblage that filled the Robbery Under Arms. been tastefully decorated, sumptuously
auditorium in all parts, standing room being furnished and completely equipped with the
scarcely obtainable. The enterprise of the WA CinemaWeb stated, “A long association latest appliances for the perfect reproduction of
management, Messrs Jones and Lawrence, is with film commenced before the year was out, Spencer’s Pictures. The Royal re-opened on
worthy of every support and encouragement at as the theatre became the fourth venue used for 12 July 1911 as a full time cinema. One report
the hands of the public. moving pictures in the state, and the first to stated that, “alterations to the Theatre Royal
devote a whole programme to film: from have given Perth another passable theatre” and
“On entering the theatre for the first time last 26 December 1897 to 2 January 1898, Jones that Spencer’s Pictures had leased it for thirteen
evening, a pleasurable surprise greeted the and Lawrence presented a season of the film of years. Another source stated that the alterations
spectators, for the new theatre, modelled as it the Corbett-Fitzsimmons prize fight. Soon after, had cost some £7,000.
is somewhat on the lines of the Melbourne Harry Rickards secured the lease, which he
Bijou, is one of the prettiest little theatres in maintained for the next ten years. His The Daily News reported on the opening:
Australia, and reflects the greatest credit on vaudeville company presented the first of many
the architect, Mr George R Johnson with a seasons in the theatre from 23 January to “THEATRE ROYAL – SPENCER’S PICTURES
proscenium opening of 21 ft 6 in in width, by 12 February 1898, and from 1900 to 1909 other Wednesday next is to see the opening of the new
22 ft 6 in in height and a stage of 40 ft, fitted Rickards companies arrived in Perth late each theatre, now one of the prettiest and cosiest
with all the modern appliances, a gridiron 50 year to take advantage of the summer season.” theatres in Australia. A magnificent
ft high capable of taking any scenery, the programme will be presented on opening night.
management should experience little difficulty In 1899, complaints were made by an inspector Spencer’s Royal Orchestra will provide the
in staging pieces of every description. regarding the exit for 850 persons from the overtures and incidental music.”
stalls and family circle into a nine feet wide
“The dome of the auditorium is fitted with a passage between the theatre and adjacent Respected cinema historian, Ross Thorne,
sliding roof, after the style of the Melbourne Metropole Hotel, while the 225 patrons from noted that archival drawings showed extensive
Princess Theatre. At the back of the dress circle the dress circle exited to Hay Street. reconstruction of parts of the building by
the theatre is replete with ladies’ retiring rooms architects Hobbs, Smith and Forbes, which
etc, while at the other side of the footlights Other attractions around this time included the show that parts of the theatre were
ample provision is made in the way of ladies Bracey Opera Company, and Charles Anderson. reconstructed, with existing walls and new
and gentleman’s dressing rooms.” walls, but no indication as to which had to be
When Rickards took over the theatre in 1902 removed. These plans show that the theatre was
Although Jones and Lawrence are mentioned, on a five year lease, he was quite successful as to be considerably enlarged, but unfortunately
they were the lessees/proprietors, but the he had previous experience at the open air the drawings are undated, but believed to be

26 CINEMARECORD # 96