Bijou Theatre

Author

Shire of Esperance

Place Number

00828

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Location

115 Dempster St Esperance

Location Details

Other Name(s)

(Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes)
RAOB Hall (fmr)

Local Government

Esperance

Region

Goldfields

Construction Date

Constructed from 1896

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type	Status	Date	Documents	More information
State Register	Registered	01 May 2012	Register Entry Assessment Documentation	Heritage Council

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type	Status	Date	Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type	Status	Date	Grading/Management		More information
Type	Status	Date	Category	Description	More information
Local Heritage Survey	Adopted	27 Apr 2021	Exceptional significance	Exceptional significance Essential to the heritage of the locality. Rare or outstanding example. Desired Management Outcome: Include in Heritage List. The place should be retained and conserved. Any alterations or extensions should reinforce the significance of the place, and be in accordance with a Conservation Plan (if one exists for the place).
Municipal Inventory	Adopted	27 Mar 1997

Physical Description

The Bijou Theatre was built over a period of only 31 days. The size of the original building was 93 ft x 32 ft, height 22 ft, auditorium 55 ft x 32 ft with stage 17 ft x 30 ft. The floor was pine. Two backdrop scenes were painted by H Gough, one of West Beach and the "Grace Darling" entering the harbour and the other scene of a drawing room. Patrons were seated on wooden stools and chairs. Illumination was by six large kerosene lamps.
Today the Bijou retains the original facade but it now bas raked seating, consisting of 160 padded fold up seats. A rear balcony accommodates stage lighting and sound operations. A bar/kiosk bar been built inside
the small entrance foyer. Steps either side lead up to the auditorium.

History

The theatre was the main source of entertainment for the people of Esperance for more than 30 years after construction. It was erected by E J McCarthy & Co for the Adelaide and Esperance Land Company and opened by Mayor Thomas Edwards. The first Esperance Show was held in the Bijou in 1897. Prior to this building becoming the centre of entertainment gatherings were held in a local warehouse. From the beginning the venue hosted balls. concerts. variety shows. meetings. plays. flower shows. court sessions. etc.
The building was the headquarters of the RAOB (Royal Antedeluvian Order of Buffalos Lodge) for some years. Films were shown for many years up to the late I 960s. The Esperance Repertory Club started in 1965 and bought the theatre from the RAOB Lodge. The group later become the Esperance Theatre Guild and to date still maintains the building's tradition as a prominent entertainment venue.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Roof and walls.
Modifications: Raked seating, bar/kiosk, dressing rooms, kitchen and toilets installed by Esperance Theatre guild.

Associations

Name	Type	Year From	Year To
Edward James McCarthy	Architect	1896	-

References

Ref ID No	Ref Name	Ref Source	Ref Date
	"Esperance Times Newspaper".		16/9/1896

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch	General	Specific
Original Use	SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL	Theatre or Cinema
Present Use	SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL	Theatre or Cinema
Other Use	SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL	Other Community Hall\Centre

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Carpenter Gothic

Construction Materials

Type	General	Specific
Wall	TIMBER	Other Timber
Roof	METAL	Corrugated Iron
Wall	METAL	Corrugated Iron

Historic Themes

General	Specific
OUTSIDE INFLUENCES	Depression & boom
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES	Sport, recreation & entertainment
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES	Cultural activities

Creation Date

06 Sep 1988

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

14 Jun 2021

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.