Image-Regal Theatre-293
Image-Regal Theatre-838
Image-Regal Theatre-122
Image-Regal Theatre-190

THE JEWEL IN SUBIACO CROWN

In 1937, playwright Dorothy Hewett's father, A J Hewett, and her maternal grandfather, Ted Coade, commissioned and built a "hard-top cinema" on the site of the former Coliseum Open Air Gardens. It is believed the Coliseum was the first theatre built in suburban Perth to show moving pictures.

A CENTRAL ROLE IN WA’S CULTURE

Operating as a popular cinema for the first four decades, in 1976 The Regal was transformed into a performing arts venue, with a functional theatre space, fly tower, retail shops and backstage dressing rooms.

PADDY’s LEGACY

Paddy Baker was the owner of the Regal Theatre when he passed away in 1986, bequeathing The Regal to be held in Trust in perpetuity for the people of WA; now administered by the Regal Theatre Foundation.

Built in 1937 and officially opened in 1938, The Regal was named after King George VI who had recently ascended the throne at the time of opening. The neon and crown were added some years later.

1 / 4
Image-Regal Theatre-270
Image-Regal Theatre-892
Image-Regal Theatre-687
Image-Regal Theatre-178
The Regal was placed on the State's heritage list of buildings in 1994.

THE JEWEL IN SUBIACO CROWN

In 1937, playwright Dorothy Hewett's father, A J Hewett, and her maternal grandfather, Ted Coade, commissioned and built a "hard-top cinema" on the site of the former Coliseum Open Air Gardens. It is believed the Coliseum was the first theatre built in suburban Perth to show moving pictures.

A CENTRAL ROLE IN WA’S CULTURE

Operating as a popular cinema for the first four decades, in 1976 The Regal was transformed into a performing arts venue, with a functional theatre space, fly tower, retail shops and backstage dressing rooms.

PADDY’s LEGACY

Paddy Baker was the owner of the Regal Theatre when he passed away in 1986, bequeathing The Regal to be held in Trust in perpetuity for the people of WA; now administered by the Regal Theatre Foundation.

Built in 1937 and officially opened in 1938, The Regal was named after King George VI who had recently ascended the throne at the time of opening. The neon and crown were added some years later.

Image-Regal Theatre-583
Image-Regal Theatre-602
Image-Regal Theatre-187
Image-Regal Theatre-382
The Regal was placed on the State's heritage list of buildings in 1994.

COLGAN IN THE LIMELIGHT

Contracting through Hames Sharley Australia, Colgan carried out much of the restoration and refurbishment works on front and back of house facilities and external works, including repairs and refurbishment to the external awnings of that famous facade on the bustling corner of Rokeby and Hay.
A major undertaking to ensure compliance with modern standards involved the safe removal of the old asbestos roof and replacement with extensive acoustic attenuation works. The mezzanine floor also required extensive structural remediation.
Read more +
Image-Regal Theatre-684
Image-Regal Theatre-299
Image-Regal Theatre-918

In November 2015, work began on the auditorium. We installed all new electrical and mechanical services, carpets and theatre seating as well as sanding of the main auditorium floor.

“Reportedly home to his cheeky ghost, they say Paddy lived and died at The Regal, so it was more than just a business, it was his life, his home.”
Image-Regal Theatre-460
Image-Regal Theatre-285
The Regal is considered one of the most important examples of art deco architecture in Western Australia.
Image-Regal Theatre-508

The team carried out specialty repairs and conservation to the Theatre’s plaster cornices and unique art deco ceiling roses.

Image-Regal Theatre-148
Read more +
Image-Regal Theatre-499
Image-Regal Theatre-587
THE SHOW MUST GO ON

The two completed stages in 2015 were funded by the Regal Theatre Foundation through a series of successful grants – including a $1.5 Million grant from Lottery West and half a million dollars from the Subiaco Council.

The Colgan team and partners worked to an incredibly tight program of works to reduce the impact on operations and minimise loss of revenue for the client. In all, the theatre was shut down for just under three months over the 2015 Christmas period to allow the works to be carried out with maximal efficiency.

AWARDS & RECOGNITON

2016

Master Builders Association (WA) Best Refurbishment or Renovation: under $10 million

Project Contributors
Lead Consultant

Hames Sharley Australia

Architects

William G Bennett – Original
Hocking Heritage Architects

Maitland Heritage Engineering

Builder

Colgan Industries