West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Friday 5 August 1938, page 4


HOYTS, FREMANTLE. New Theatre Opened. Taking its place among the best theatres in the state, Hoyts Fremantle theatre was officially opened last night, when a distinguished audience witnessed the inaugural programme. "As modern as time itself," the programme stated, and the appearance, accommodation, acoustics and general appointments of the new theatre supported that state-ment. A triangular block of land on which, years ago, early pioneers of Fre-mantle erected an inn, has now become the site for a modern stream-lined build-ing which, at night, is a blaze of light. A pleasing connection between the old Crown Inn and the new Hoyts Fremantle theatre was given last night by the in-clusion among those who attended the opening ceremony of descendants of the pioneers who erected the first building on the site in 1836. "A dream of eight years has now been fulfilled," said Mr. S. W. Perry. chair man of directors of Hoyts Fremantle, Ltd, when he introduced last night the Acting-Mayor of Fremantle (Cr. Stevens), who officially opened the new theatre. Mr. Perry recalled landing at Fremantle from an interstate liner and visualising then an up-to-date theatre worthy of the importance of Fremantle as the main port of the State. Convenience for patrons has been the key-note in the construction of the new theatre, and the quaintly shaped ticket office allows easy access from all sides. The circular foyer is spacious and is de-signed to prevent any overcrowding. One moves naturally towards the various stalls entrances and cloak rooms and to the ample staircase leading to the dress circle and lounge. The various fittings have been carried out to harmonise with the decoration scheme, in which pastel shades of green predominate. Entrances and all floors of the theatre have been richly carpeted, and noteworthy features of the theatre include a crying room, in which mothers may take recalcitrant children without spoiling their own entertainment and without interfering with the pleasure of other patrons. Special attention in the theatre has been paid to the acoustics and an unusual (and attractive) "ripple" roof aids the sound equipment. Streamlined "fins" ex-tending from the proscenium to the circle railing also play their part in giving faith-ful sound recording. The interior decora-tion of the theatre is carried out in ton-ing pastel shades and curtains, lighting and other fittings have been made to conform. The "floating screen" is a new departure in screen entertainment which adds to the enjoyment of programmes. During intermissions patrons will enjoy the quiet luxury of the lounge, in which comfortable furniture harmonises with the decorative scheme. The theatre was officially opened last night in the presence of a large audience. which included the Premier (Mr. J. C. Willcock) and many prominent citizens of Perth and Fremantle. Mr. J. C. Glass, assistant general manager of Hoyts Theatres, was present and an interesting feature of the brief opening ceremony was the reading, by Mr. Perry, of telegrams and.cablegrams of congm latipn received from various parts of Australia and over seas. These included messages from the Mayor of Fremantle (Mr. F. E. Gibson), who is in England, and from no lesser film personages than Samuel Goldwyn (the famous film producer), Gary Cooper (the well-known star), Walt Disney (whose production "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" was the film selected for the inaugural programme), and the popu-lar child star, Shirley Temple. In the foyer of the theatre, floral tributes of congratulation were displayed from Messrs. H. Vivian Taylor and Soilleux (architects for the theatre in conjunction with Messrs. Oldham, Boas and Ednie Brown), British Empire Films, National Film Supplies, Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., Mr. James Stiles, Harringtons Raycophone Pty., Ltd, the Reelers' Fraternity and others. An attractive souvenir booklet, giving the features of the theatre, was compiled by Mr. R. Smith and given to the guests. In opening the theatre, Cr. Stevens said that he was proud to be associated with the ceremony. The theatre had been made possible by the association of Fremantle business men with Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., and he was proud to know that there were so many people in Fre-mantle who had such faith in the town. 'I have also a word of comfort for the people who have no faith in Fremantle," said Cr. Stevens, and laughter. "Pro-vision in this theatre has been made for a 'crying room,' and, although this is in-tended for babes and sucklings, I am sure some others will feel perfectly at home there." After the opening ceremony, the audi-ence, which packed the theatre, witnessed the first Fremantle presentation of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Love on a Budget."