History

Cummins Theatre is one of the oldest buildings in the Shire of Merredin.

For eight decades and counting it has served as a centre for performances, meetings and social functions of both the local and wider community. It is part of the heart of Merredin.

The Theatre owns its existence in Merredin to James Cummins, who was the Mayor of Kalgoorlie and owner of both the Merredin and Kalgoorlie breweries. Mr Cummins purchased the Tivoli Theatre, which had been built in Coolgardie in 1897, and had it dismantled and sent in pieces to Merredin by train. Here, the thirty year old Theatre was rebuilt where it stands today on Bates Street. Cummins Theatre, renamed in honour of its founder, opened to the public on the 10th October, 1928.

Cummins Theatre is available for hire to community members and touring production companies alike, and as a result of this, many public events are held at the Theatre, including weddings, school productions, awards nights and social occasions such as balls and dances, in addition to a wide variety of theatrical and musical performances.

Cummins Theatre has played host to a number of Australia’s favourite artists over the years, including AC/DC, Slim Dusty, Johnny O’Keefe, Rolf Harris, Lano & Woodley, and David Helfgott to name a few.

Cummins Theatre Conservation Works
In 2009 the Shire of Merredin received funding to complete comprehensive works to Cummins Theatre. These works included the following upgrades:

The Refurbishment to the Fly Tower
The Refurbishment to the Orchestra Pit
The installation of reverse cycle climate control
New storage rooms and facilities
The Refurbishment of the backstage area including; dressing rooms, green rooms and performers facilities.

Completed in September 2010, the project was made possible by funding from the following:

Federal Government: Job Fund, Heritage Division
Government of WA: Royalties of Regions
CCAFF, Department of Culture and the Arts
Lotterywest

Are you interested in personal stories of Cummins Theatre CLICK HERE