Theatre Royal
639 Hay Street,
Perth,
WA
6000
639 Hay Street,
Perth,
WA
6000
3 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Grand Cinemas (Australia), Hoyts Theatres, MGM Theatres
Architects: Alfred R. Baxter-Cox, William Thomas Leighton, William G. Wolf
Firms: Baxter-Cox & Leighton
Functions: Retail
Styles: Italian Renaissance
Previous Names: Hoyts Cinema 4
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Originally opened as a theatre on 19th April 1897 with stage productions and vaudeville it also presented earliest screenings of films in Perth.
A permanent bio box was built in 1910 with sliding roof to cool the theatre, and it was later wired for sound in the late-1920’s.
By 1934 it was contracted as the MGM house for new release product. Renovations were carried out in 1938, to the plans of architect William T. Leighton, of the architectural firm Baxter-Cox & Leighton.
The theatre was converted for 70mm with “My Fair Lady” in the 1960’s with removal of the third tier and installation of floating ceiling. Later in the 1980’s it became adjoined as part of Hoyts Centres Cinema Four. The complex was closed in April 1999. The facade and upper parts of the auditorium survived, and the building now contains a series of retail outlets.
Contributed by
Mark Nicol
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
Archival picture; “Silver King” was the opening attraction at the Theatre Royal, so the picture is probably from 1897: http://tinyurl.com/32jdtva
Great Vintage photo Chris.
Photographed in August 2010:
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Great photo here of the old 3 tier horse shoe auditorium:
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And the retractable roof:
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Updated modernised 1940’s auditorium:
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Floating ceiling installed and removal of third tier:
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My Fair Lady commences in glorious 70mm 6 track Stereo sound:
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Sadly like the Ambassadors becomes part of Hoyts distruction and is now Cinema Four, and sadly I had to work in the high rise that replaced them.
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I think the dress circle may still be there, on the top floor behind the facade.
The Royal Theatre building was also the Hotel Metropole (part or the buildingas well(dates of opening and clossing of the hotel unknown?).
The inside of the Royal Theatre is intact inside on the top floor behind the facade.
I think some old movie posters were found after the theatre closed, while being renovated. Most of the theatre remains, i would'nt call it demolished. The Theatre Royal and Metropole hotel was heritage listed on 7/8/1978. The Theatre Royal was the first purpose built theatre in Western Australia(and maybe Australia?)!?
I’m surprised this building hasn’t been fixed up and reopened as a picture theatre or stage theatre.