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Don’t miss out on the latest live performances at the best theatres in Perth
Live theatre doesn’t cease to fascinate me. The colourful sets, the shining lights, and the actors’ expressive faces and gestures never get old!
Lucky for me, I never run out of opportunities to catch the hottest shows in the city. Perth has some of the most exquisite and prestigious theatres you’ll find on the Australian West Coast!
So put on your jacket, and let’s go visit the best theatres in Perth with shows and concerts that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!
Regal Theatre
Photo credit: catchersmitch
Website: https://www.regaltheatre.com.au/
Address: 474 Hay St, Subiaco
Contact details: +61 8 9388 2066
Starting off with a favourite of mine, the Regal Theatre is a historic Art Deco theatre located in Subiaco. It was built in 1937 by the Coade and Hewett families, ancestors of the famous playwright Dorothy Hewett.
One of its most iconic aspects, which I really fell in love with, is its impressive architecture and decor. Its exterior’s iconic curves, sleek lines, and neon lighting always make me wonder what life in Perth was like back then.
And its interior is no slack either. With a seating capacity of 1,074 people, this theatre has lounge seats and carved decorations that highlight the beauty of its interiors without being too distracting or flashy.
Pro tip: In case you still don’t have the time to check out this place, you can still admire its impressive architecture and decor by visiting this website, where you can go on a 3D virtual tour of the Regal Theatre.
His Majesty’s Theatre
Website: https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/his-majestys-theatre
Address: 827-905 Hay St
Contact details: +61 8 6212 9292
Operating hours:
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (SAT)
For those interested in learning more about Perth’s rich history, make sure to stop by His Majesty’s Theatre. Constructed during the time of extremely rapid growth in Perth from 1902 to 1904, it boasts an Edwardian Baroque architectural style.
Interestingly, with a seating capacity of 2,500 people, it once held the record for Australia’s largest theatre after it was opened to the public. As of today, it’s also considered the last Edwardian theatre still in operation in the country.
Of course, a theatre like His Majesty’s Theatre carries an air of prestige that most other theatres in the city lack.
From what I can remember, some of the most famous actors and actresses who performed here are Sir Ian McKellen and Angela Lansbury.
Pro tip: Since His Majesty’s Theatre has a lot more history behind it than what I can share here, I strongly suggest you sign up for one of their tours!
These tours will not only teach you about the theatre’s history; they’ll also give you access to places that are not open to the public, like the theatre’s backstage and orchestra pit.
Visit this website for more information.
Astor Theatre Perth
Website: https://www.astortheatreperth.com/
Address: 659 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley
Contact details: +61 8 9370 1777
The Astor Theatre Perth is an Art-Deco theatre built in 1915 by the Alexander Family. It was originally known as the Lyceum Theatre before being renamed the State Theatre in the 1920s, then renamed again to the Astor Theatre in 1939.
The reason for the two name changes is because an Act of Parliament deemed it an offence to use the word “State” in private businesses. Still, despite its tumultuous first years, this theatre still remains one of the most popular in Perth.
That’s because of its rich and impressive decor that boasts a stunning masonry interwar Art Deco design, both inside and out. In particular, I fell in love with the theatre’s Mayan flower motif that runs through the main auditorium.
Pro tip: Since you’re already in Mount Lawley, it wouldn’t hurt to enjoy a dinner in one of its fine restaurants after watching a show at the Astor Theatre Perth.
Some amazing restaurants you should try are Le Rebelle, Una Mes, and LÁntica Trattoria.
Perth Concert Hall
Website: https://perthconcerthall.com.au/
Address: 5 St Georges Terrace
Contact details: +61 8 9231 9999
If you prefer live music performances over dramas and comedy shows, then you’ll certainly like the Perth Concert Hall. Opened to the public on Australia Day 1973, it holds the distinction of being the first concert hall built in Australia after World War II.
Just from observing it from the outside, you can already tell it’s one of the most iconic structures in the city. It has a unique blend of brutalist mid-century classical architecture that’s complemented by a copper-topped dome hall.
However, what I really love the most about the Perth Concert Hall is its interior, as it boasts some of the finest acoustics in the southern hemisphere that were designed by the New Zealand acoustician Sir Harold Marshall himself.
Pro tip: For those who want to make their wedding more memorable, you’ll be glad to know that this theatre can be used as a venue for your wedding!
The main auditorium can be used to host the actual ceremony itself, while the post-ceremony celebrations can be held in one of the various indoor and outdoor spaces within Perth Concert Hall.
Please contact their email, [email protected], for more information.
State Theatre Centre of WA
Website: https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/state-theatre-centre-of-wa/
Address: 174/176 William St
Contact details: +61 8 6212 9292
Another iconic theatre you shouldn’t pass up on visiting is the State Theatre Centre of WA, located in the heart of Perth. Opened in 2011, it was constructed to provide a purpose-built contemporary theatre for the people of Western Australia.
The highlight of this place is the Heath Ledger Theatre, a 575-seat venue named after the famous Perth-born actor best known for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight trilogy. It hosts various performances, like drama and contemporary dance.
The State Theatre Centre also has another theatre called Studio Underground, a black box theatre where experimental shows are hosted. It even has a courtyard where outdoor shows are held and is a favourite hangout spot of mine.
Pro tip: Does the State Theatre Centre of WA have a show that your friends haven’t watched yet? Make sure they get the chance to do so by giving them a gift voucher that can be used to buy tickets for any ongoing show in this theatre!
The Blue Room Theatre
Website: https://blueroom.org.au/
Address: 53 James Street Mall
Contact details: +61 8 9227 7005
Keen on seeing the latest of what Perth’s independent theatre scene has to offer? The Blue Room Theatre, located on James Street Mall, has served as the creative hub for the state’s independent playwrights and artists for over 35 years already.
The most amazing thing about this theatre’s history is just how many renowned actors and actresses began their careers here. Some popular artists who started their careers by acting here are Matthew Lutton and Claire Hooper.
Another great thing I can say about The Blue Room Theatre is its two theatres, which allow spectators to see the performances up close and personal. This place also has a bar where you can catch a quick drink before and after a show.
Pro tip: There are plenty of varying shows held every year at The Blue Room Theatre. You can watch them all without putting a dent in your wallet by buying their MultiShow Passes, which come in packs of 4, 8, and 14.
You can buy any of these packs through this website.
Subiaco Arts Centre
Website: https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/subiaco-arts-centre/
Address: 180 Hamersley Rd, Subiaco
Contact details: +61 8 9380 3000
Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Subiaco Arts Centre is a historic structure built in 1956 that was originally used as the seat of government for the City of Subiaco. But by 1984, it underwent a radical transformation as it was converted into a dynamic performing arts venue.
Today, you can still see some semblance of its simple yet iconic modernist architecture that befits its former role as a bureaucratic building. Its boxy exterior is perfectly complemented by its huge windows and red bricks that adorn its walls.
Its highlight is the Main Auditorium, which can seat up to 305 people at a time.
It also has a more intimate performance area called The Studio and an outdoor amphitheatre where my friends and I regularly watch outdoor concerts.
Pro tip: After watching an amazing show here, you might be interested in learning more about the history of Subiaco and Perth in general.
You can do so by visiting the two amazing museums nearby, the Subiaco Museum and the Western Australian Medical Museum.
Garrick Theatre
Website: https://garricktheatre.com.au/
Address: 16 Meadow St, Guildford
Contact details: +61 8 9377 3358
Garrick Theatre, located in Guildford, is a theatre situated in one of the oldest surviving structures in Perth. Built in 1853, it once served as a commissariat store, quarters, and an infant health centre before it was remodelled to become a theatre.
Today, it’s known for hosting the longest continually-running amateur theatre group in Western Australia. The Garrick Theatre Club has been operating in this building since 1932 and has continuously inspired new generations of artists for decades.
Aside from this theatre’s rich history, I’m also in awe of the diverse range of shows featured here, including fantasy dramas, comedies, and tragedies. And the best part? Their tickets are very cheap, with prices of only $28 per person!
Pro tip: If you’re a huge fan of their shows, don’t forget to sign up for their membership!
Being a member lets you enjoy several perks, including discounted tickets, participation in events hosted by the Garrick Theatre Club, and the right to vote at club meetings.
Visit this website to sign up and learn more about this membership program.
Crown Theatre Perth
Website: https://www.crownperth.com.au/entertainment/crown-theatre
Address: Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood
Contact details: +61 8 9362 7777
Did you know that Crown Perth, the city’s most famous casino hotel, has its own live performance theatre? Located on the northeast section of the hotel, the Crown Theatre Perth has been a cultural landmark since its opening in 1985.
It boasts an impressive seating capacity of up to 2,300 people and a majestic interior that’s complemented by bright red walls and ceilings. It also features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems that ensure every performance here is unforgettable.
Thanks to its impressive features and massive size, the Crown Theatre Perth has hosted some of the biggest shows one could find in the city. In fact, it hosted the Mary Poppins show in 2023, a show that I still remember fondly to this day.
Pro tip: Once you’re done watching the show, there are still a lot of things you can enjoy during your visit to Crown Perth.
Aside from the casino mentioned earlier, it also has a sports bar where you can watch live games on giant TV sets while sipping fine beer.
This place also has plenty of restaurants where you can get a quick dinner before heading back home!
