A 'Heritage Listed' Theatre in Merredin, Western Australia

Cummins Theatre was originally part of the Tivoli Theatre which was erected in Coolgardie in 1897. The Theatre was dismantled and railed to Merredin where it was re-built by James Cummins in 1928. Since its construction, the theatre has become highly valued by the community as a long-standing venue for live entertainment. In 1982, in recognition of its cultural heritage significance, the place was classified by the National Trust of Australia (WA) and Cummins Theatre was permanently entered on the State Register of Heritage Places in 1996. In 2009 the Shire of Merredin was successful in receiving funding to complete extensive renovations and conservation works to the significant heritage fabric of this heritage icon. Cummins Theatre will re-open in April 2010, bigger and better than ever.

Book an event at the theatre or come to see one of our events!

Country Arts WA & SmokeFree WA in association with Full Throttle Theatre Company present 3 Blokes & Their Barbies.

This hilarious show mixes comedy sketches, musical interludes with ‘bloked-up’ versions of favourites like Big Spender and Summer Nights and topped off with some backyard wisdoms and a lesson on the rules and regulations of the Aussie BBQ.
3 Blokes & Their Barbies will be at the Merredin Regional Community & Leisure Centre on Monday July 5. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7:30pm start. For more details please phone 9041 1611.
Locally presented by the Shire of Merredin.

CUMMINS THEATRE CONSERVATION WORKS

The Shire of Merredin is currently in the process of completing stages 1 - 3 of Conservation Works to Cummins Theatre.

The Shire has received funding from the following sources in order to complete the works: Wheatbelt Development Commission Royalties for Regions Grant Scheme, Community Cultural Arts Facilities Fund (Department of Culture and the Arts), Jobs Fund - Heritage Division (Federal Govt), Lotterywest, and the Merredin Repertory Club.

The project will deliver a number of upgrades to Cummins Theatre, incorporating elements from the Conservation Plan which was recently prepared for the heritage building.

These works will include:
the refurbishment of the fly tower;
the installation of a new flying system;
the reinstatement of 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 room, performer’s facilities, and loading zone, and;
the refurbishment of the Tivoli Room.

The Project is expected to take approximately 9 months to complete, and requires the Theatre to close its doors while the works are being completed. Unfortunately this means that Cummins Theatre will not be able to take any bookings until the venue re-opens in 2010.

If you had wished to use the Theatre prior to July, please contact the Theatre Manager, Jane Bandurski, on 9041 3295 or to discuss your options regarding alternative available venues.

The Shire of Merredin would like to thank all the people of Merredin and the surrounding communities for their continued support and patronage throughout the lifetime of Cummins Theatre, and we are excited to be creating an important future for this valued cultural heritage icon.

We look forward to bringing you updates on the progress of the Project over the coming months.