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Taken on: May 25, 2013

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This cinema has a long history. It was the first purpose built sound cinema in the southern suburbs of Perth.

Constructed by local identity and film entrepreneur James Stiles, and designed by the prominent art deco architect, William Leighton. The cinema is included on the State’s Heritage Register.

Originally named “Como Theatre” (still visible), the Theatre was immediately successful, an anodyne to the Great Depression. In the 1960s the names was changed to “Cygnet Cinema” to reflect the Festival of Perth’s black swan logo, of which the cinema was a busy part. The cinema has had slim days since the 60s, however, it is still in business screening movies.

On the external wall of the associated cafe, is situated this plaque, which gives a brief history of the building. It reads as follows:

City of South Perth - Como Heritage Trail

This cinema was opened 4 March, 1938 as the Como Theatre, being the last and finest of four cinemas, including as outdoor picture garden, built in the South Perth district by local identity, and film entrepreneur, Jimmy Stiles. It is an excellent example of the art deco style of architect William Leighton, and is included on the State’s Heritage Register.

Group that erected the marker: City of South Perth, Heritage Council of Western Australia, City of South Perth Historical Society.