Wittenoom Theatre Gardens 3rd Avenue and King Street, Wittenoom, WA

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Wittenoom Theatre Gardens 3rd Avenue and King Street, Wittenoom, WA – PHOTO 1949 Tom Whiting.

The first films in Wittenoom were screened for the mine workers and their families before 1947, in the 16mm format and were free. The location was a site in the gorge. An iron bio box housed the projectors, and the patrons sat on tin drums or packing cases. A stage was mounted on drums with steps at one side and the screen was placed behind and above the stage. Screenings here went on for some years, at least to 1949.

Pioneering Times

Utilizing only one projector, Charlie Smith continued regular 16mm film screenings on the site until the theatre was later erected. This was on the east corner of the junction of King and Third Streets. According to old tales there were many times when the spool ran out, Charlie had to be collected from the Hotel down the street to continue the screening - Contributed by Greg Lynch –