Regal Theatre

Statement of Significance

Refer to HCWA's Assessment Documentation of Places for Entry in the Register of Heritage Places.

Physical Description

Three storey cinema, enhanced by a rounded facade which addresses the corner and establishes a relationship with the Subiaco Hotel diagonally opposite. The two-tiered, half cylindrical tower is accented with ribbed vertical bands, which emphasise the verticality of the stepped banner. The symmetrical design is silhouetted against the skyline. The interior is modern and simple with geometric Art Deco graphic and chromic trims, relying on boldness and mass for effect. There is a linear fountain design and letter 'R' accentuating the front doors. For more detail refer to HCWA's Assessment Documentation of Places for Entry in the Register of Heritage Places & AHC documentation.

History

Previously Coliseum Picture Gardens c1925, the Regal Theatre was built in its place in 1936 as a hardtop cinema for Ted and Mary Coade. They previously owned West's Picture Show. On the opposite side of Rokeby Road, the Regal Picture Gardens were constructed, and together they provided summer and winter entertainment to the public. The Regal was built to show movies with sound, as the 1930s sound revolution in film renewed interest in cinema-going and resulted in a boom in the entertainment industry in the interwar period. The cinemas of the 1930s were built in sleek, modern designs to reflect the modernity and sophistication of the new age. The Regal's position in the streetscape and town of Subicao and its relationship to the Subiaco Hotel diagonally opposite, relects the confidence in the growth of Perth and the State as a whole. Regal Theatre was named after King George VI who had recently ascended the throne. The design is attributed to William G Bennett, (Plaza Theatre) with later modifications by William T Leighton (Picadilly Theatre & Arcade, Como Theatre, Astor Theatre). The Regal opened on 27 April 1938. In 1946 it was sold to Clarence (Paddy) Baker, whose name is commemorated in the Trust which now owns the theatre. Paddy Baker was a colourful and State-wide known picture showman. In 1977 the Regal was converted into a place for live performance. In 1986 Paddy Baker died, leaving the Regal to the people of WA. The Regal Theatre is a fine and rare example of an intact interwar cinema in WA. For more detail refer to HCWA's Assessment Documentation of Places for Entry in the Register of Heritage Places. (Ref: AHC documentation; Subiaco Post 19.9.79) Subiaco began to develop as a residential and commercial area in the 1890s, with the first buildings being established along the railway line. In 1895 Rokeby Road was not yet gazetted and Hay Street was called Broome Road. By the turn of the century most of the main roads in central Subiaco were built, including Rokeby, Heytsebury, Hamersley, Bagot, Townshend, Park and Nicholson Roads. Many businesses had been established in Broome Road. Broome Road was named after Governor Broome, and was renamed Hay Street after Vice-Secretary of Colonies, 1829. There were many land releases in the late 1890s and early 1900s as Subiaco become a popular place to settle, and businesses were attracted to the opportunity of opening in a new but stable suburb. The Rokeby Road and Hay Street commercial area was firmly established by 1915. Over the years the nature of businesses have changed. Originally there were estate agents, dressmakers, tailors, confectioners, drapers, grocers, restaurateurs and bakers; in fact most shopping could be done without leaving the suburb. (Sources: Wise's Post Office Directory 1893-1915; Real Estate Maps, Battye Library Collection; Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp. 92-110; Chate, A. H., History of Subiaco, c1952.)

Condition

Refurbished in 1995 under the direction of Architects Donaldson, Smith & Hooke.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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