St George’s Hall Facade (St. George’s Theatre (fmr))
St George’s Hall was the first purpose-built theatre in Perth, opening in 1879. Designed for solicitors Septimus Burt and Edward Stone, it was erected next to their office on Howick Street (now called Hay Street). The first performance took place on 4 December 1879, a melodrama called ‘The Colleen Bawn’ performed by local amateur actors.
The architect for the building was probably Henry Prinsep, who designed the Corinthian columns for the entrance, which together with the pediment above are all that survive of the hall after it was demolished in the 1980s. The inspiration for the design is said to be the Lyceum Theatre in London.
It seems that St George’s Hall was considered a place for Perth’s elite to enjoy entertainments, although for the youth who could not go to a Government House ball, provided they were appropriately chaperoned, there were regular dances at the Hay Street venue to a “three or four piece orchestra”.
After most of the hall was demolished in the 1980s, only the façade remained. 2008 the District Court Building was constructed behind the portico, and the architects of the new building have interpreted the St George’s Hall’s history at the entrance to the registry hall.
St George’s Hall was the first purpose-built theatre in Perth, opening in 1879. Designed for solicitors Septimus Burt and Edward Stone, it was erected next to their office on Howick Street (now called Hay Street). The first performance took place on 4 December 1879, a melodrama called ‘The Colleen Bawn’ performed by local amateur actors.
The architect for the building was probably Henry Prinsep, who definitely designed the Corinthian columns for the entrance, which together with the pediment above are all that survive of the hall after it was demolished in the 1980s. The inspiration for the design is said to be the Lyceum Theatre in London.
It seems that St George’s Hall was considered a place for Perth’s elite to enjoy entertainments, although for the youth who could not go to a Government House ball, provided they were appropriately chaperoned, there were regular dances at the Hay Street venue to a “three or four piece orchestra”.
By 1895, the Public Works Department had taken over St George’s Hall as offices, so a new hall with the same name was erected nearby, to a design by J. J. Talbot Hobbs. Old St George’s Hall, as the building was now known, was used as a government printing office and, later, for child welfare administration.
After most of the hall was demolished in the 1980s, only the façade remained. 2008 the District Court Building was constructed behind the portico, and the architects of the new building have interpreted the St George’s Hall’s history at the entrance to the registry hall.
Inquirer 10 December 1879
Herald 13 December 1879
Inquirer 14 December 1881
Daily News 10 October 1895
West Australian 21 February 1939
West Australian 22 December 1945