Astor Theatre

The Astor Theatre, originally known as the Lyceum Theatre, stands at the intersection of Beaufort and Walcott Streets as a beacon of Perth's cultural life. Designed by David McClure in the Federation Free Classical Style and built by Simon Bremner Alexander in 1914-15, it opened on 5 November 1919, catering to 1,060 patrons. Initially a venue for vaudeville and lantern slide shows, it transitioned to 'motion pictures and popular orchestra' under Harold Betteridge by 1922 and embraced silent films by the mid-1920s. With the advent of 'talkies' in 1928, the theatre, alongside the adjacent Lyceum Picture Gardens, became a beloved cinema destination.

In 1930, the venues were renamed the State Theatre and the State Summer Gardens, undergoing a transformation into the Art Deco style by architect William T. Leighton in 1939. The Astor Theatre, as it was named in 1941 by an Act of Parliament, continued to evolve, hosting a variety of entertainment forms, including musical theatre, concerts, dances, comedy, and live performances. Managed by various operators over the years, including Frank Tyler and Ray Tilley in 1941, the theatre changed hands multiple times until the Zimmerman family took over, securing its State Heritage listing in 1999.

The Astor witnessed a resurgence in the 1970s with live shows, despite the challenge of television's popularity. It underwent several renovations, including a split into two theatres and a period as a bingo hall and karate school. A public campaign saved it from demolition in 1988, leading to a restoration of its Art Deco features by Sydney businessman, Ron Regan.

The last film, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, screened in 2008, marking the end of its era as a cinema. Since then, the Astor has thrived as a live entertainment venue, hosting renowned artists like Sir Bob Geldof, Tony Hadley, Kim Wilde, and Weird Al Yankovic, as well as contemporary acts such as Birds of Tokyo and Kendrick Lamar. Now under the stewardship of the Zimmerman family, the Astor Theatre remains a cherished hub for live events, comedy, and concerts, continuing its legacy as a vibrant cornerstone of Perth's entertainment scene.