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Taken on: July 1, 2022

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Ascot Theatre and Gardens 33 Great Eastern Highway, Rivervale, WA

Photo - Courtesy of Sue Fury C/- Perth In Her Former Glory website.

It was the Belmont district’s only dedicated theatre

After World War 2. the hall reverted back for use as a cinema with seating for 250. For many years it was the Belmont district’s only dedicated theatre. In the main the theatre and gardens were operated by R. R. Perrie, who over the decades ran a circuit of theatres in the southern suburbs. This included Armadale Hall & Gardens, Gosnells Hall & Gardens, Queens Park Hall & Gardens and Bayswater Hall & Gardens . R. R. Perrie was a talented visionary and showman, with extensive managerial experience at the prestigious “Prince of Wales” (Perth City) and “Hoyts New Regent” (Perth City)

By 1959 the television juggernaut had began with the launching of TVW-7 Perth, and the resulting devastation of our cinema audience. The Ascot Theatre and Gardens survived longer than most, however were forced to close in 1966. And now after a lifetime of working in the Cinema/Motion Picture Industry this writer looks back with warm appreciation to the Golden Era, and know we have lost something very special with the passing of our suburban Picture Palaces and unique cinemas, such as the humble Ascot Theatre and Gardens in Rivervale WA.

Contributed by Greg Lynch –