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 has played host to a number of Australia’s favourite artists over the years, including AC/DC, Slim Dusty, Johnny O’Keefe, Lano & Woodley, The Wiggles, David Helfgott, Sherbert, Marcia Hines, John Paul Young, and many, many others.

The theatre was permanently entered on the State Register of Heritage Places in 1996, and is highly valued in its community for its live entertainment.

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

Repairing rising damp and joinery work
Repair of awnings, rear door, shop front, and timber frames
Sanding and polishing floor boards
Internal and external painting
Reinstating the orchestral pit and stage curtain
Refurbishing the fly tower and stage
Upgrading the bar area and installing air conditioning

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