PUBLIC TALK: Friends of the UWA Library Speaker

In the early days of the Swan River colony most theatrical and musical entertainment took place either in private residences or in the Court House (now the Old Courthouse Law Museum in Stirling Gardens). Gradually as the population increased and more public buildings were constructed, further venues became available such as the Town Hall and Mechanic Institute. However it was the first Gold Boom and the advent of cinema which caused custom-built theatres and cinemas to appear on the streets of Perth.

In his talk, Richard Offen will trace the history of the places of entertainment, looking at some of the lavish venues built in Perth and the surrounding suburbs during the halcyon days before television.

About the Speaker

Richard Offen is Executive Director of Heritage Perth, which was set up to show the heritage of Perth in a positive light as a major social and economic asset. Through a series of innovative projects, Heritage Perth is demonstrating that heritage places can find a role in today's society without losing either significance or historic value.

Doors open at 7:00pm. There will be a short AGM at 7:15pm followed by the speaker at 7:30pm

Cost: $5 donation. Members free