The Ambassadors Theatre in Hay Street Perth was completed in 1928. It seated 1993 people and was famous for its crimson curtain with a lyre bird motif, a Wurlitzer organ that rose up from the pit and fabulous, opulent decorations.
1928
AMBASSADORS THEATRE
Beautifying the Interior
A glimpse into the Ambassadors Theatre in Hay-street is a revelation. Busy workmen are everywhere putting, the finishing touches to this palatial work of art. The temple and the statues stand out in bold relief against the blue sky background. As one gazes at the beautiful statue of Apollo, the Capitoline Wolf, and the many other works of art with which the place abounds, you realise the tremendous amount of thought and work that has been involved to give Perth a theatre that will rank amongst the best anywhere. The massive steel work and the huge quantities of concrete used in its construction have been so cunningly concealed by the ornamentation that only those who have had daily contact with the construction can fully appreciate what has been done. The huge ventilation ducts that supply pure air to every part of the structure remind one of the catacombs. They seem to be everywhere, and you need a guide when walking through them so that you will not lose yourself.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Friday 20 July 1928, page 6
Ambassadors Theatre Nears Completion
IMAGINE 200 MEN WORKING LIKE BEES ON THE INTERIOR of a big building—painters, electricians, plasterers, carpenters, and others, not finding sufficient time to light a cigarette, and you can visualise the work that is going on inside the Ambassadors Theatre that is nearing completion in Hay street. During the week, Contractor “Bill” Stirling Rogers took a “Truth” representative through this wonder palace. The sky ceiling, the wonderful atmospheric side walls, the beautiful fountains, the dozens of fine pieces of statuary, saying nothing of the hundred and one different hues and colours that are being used, will give to Perth people Australia’s leading atmospheric theatre.
“Bill” Rogers considers that his undertaking will be completed within four weeks. A hive of men have been digging deep down under the foundations of the theatre, making room for the installation of the Wurtlitzer organ and the rising orchestral platform, being installed at thousands of pounds. Hundreds of tons of plaster and cement, thousands of bricks and nails have been eaten up in what will be Perth’s biggest theatre. The Ambassadors should stand as a living monument to its owner, Sir Thomas Coombe, and with the theatre under the management of Union Theatres the public are going to be well catered for in the way of amusement. There is a surprise for everybody when the Ambassadors opens. Its grandeur is indescribable, for the decorating scheme is far and above not only what 99 out of every hundred have ever seen, but what must appear to the average Australian as unimaginable and in fact impossible. The Ambassadors is, in fact, grand.
Truth (Perth, WA : 1903 – 1931), Sunday 22 July 1928, page 10
BIG THEATRE DEAL MADE
Sir T. Coombe Sells Out UNION THEATRE’S CONTROL
Sir Thomas Coombe, who for 17 years has been interested in the theatre life of this city, has sold the whole of his interests to Union Theatres Ltd. When the Ambassadors Theatre, now in course of completion in Hay-street, is finally ‘O.Ked.’ ready for occupation, Sir Thomas’s financial interests in theatres will disappear. Such was the announcement made today.
This in effect means that Union Theatres Ltd. has taken over as from July 23 the following theatres:— Prince of Wales Theatre de Luxe, Murray-street. Grand Theatre, Murray-street. Pavilion Theatre, Hay-street. Ambassadors Theatre, Hay-street. Princess Theatre, Fremantle. For some years the Union Theatres have been interested in these theatres under an arrangement with Sir Thomas Coombe, by which he acted as local managing director, the Union Theatres receiving 50 per cent, of the profits, but the present arrangement means that Union Theatres Ltd. take over control of all the theatres which Sir Thomas Coombe and Union Theatres have controlled for so long. Some months ago Sir Thomas made a request to Union Theatres Ltd. to relieve him of the active work in connection with these enterprises and the arrangement indicated above is the result. It is understood that Sir Thomas will act in an advisory capacity for a short period. Once the financial arrangements are completed Sir Thomas will take an extensive trip abroad prior to settling in Perth permanently. Mr. Frank Mardon, of Union Theatres, has been responsible for the satisfactory conclusion of this big business deal.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Saturday 28 July 1928, page 6
THE PALACE OF DREAMS.—This beautiful piece of work is a portion of the decorative scheme of the new Ambassadors Theatre, Perth
Irwin Index (Mingenew, WA : 1926 – 1956), Saturday 28 July 1928, page 1
FEW of the people that pass the mass of timber and plaster remnants that mark the facade of what is known as The Ambassadors Theatre, in Hay-street, have a notion of the magnificent splendor that is taking shape within.
The left-hand side wall of the theatre, showing portion of the circle.
Truth (Perth, WA : 1903 – 1931), Sunday 29 July 1928, page 1
To Open in Six Week’s Time
ALTHOUGH NO DEFINITE DATE HAS BEEN ARRANGED for the opening of the Ambassador Atmospheric Theatre in Hay-Street, Frank Marden. the head of Union Theatres affairs in the West, states that the-official opening should be in about six weeks time— early in October, about Show week.
Built on land worth £64.000. Sir Thomas Coombe went to no end of expense to give Perth, Australia’s most up-to-date theatre. Then the good work has been carried on by Union Theatres, and they have not left a stone unturned. The colourings are magnificent, the decorations grand, whilst the Ambassadors will be able to boast of the largest and most palatial Foyer in any Australian theatre. The lighting effects at the theatre is going to cost £150 a week alone, but the Ambassadors should draw the big crowds like a magnet. When the Ambassadors opens iys doors to take the first shillings offerings at the window, the total expense of the theatre will have been over the £300000 mark.
Truth (Perth, WA : 1903 – 1931), Sunday 19 August 1928, page 12
AMBASSADORS THEATRE.
Mr. Bert Howell (left) and Mr. Cecil Shannon, who will be musical director and manager, respectively of the Ambassadors Theatre. They arrived in Perth yesterday.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 28 August 1928, page 16
AMBASSADORS THEATRE.
The doors of the Ambassadors Theatre will be opened at 8.30 to-morrow morning and the first performance in the Building will commence half-an-hour later. The
management states that its policy provides for a weekly change of programme and that notwithstanding how successful a picture may be it will not be shown for more than one week, while the stage attractions will also be changed weekly. The opening programme will include an American act by Helen and Prank, who will appear in a demonstration of intricate apache dances. These will be the unit stage stars, working in conjunction with the corps de ballet, while Bert Howell’s stage band will also appear. The unit orchestra on the hydraulic platform will render the overture “Dance of the Hours,” from “La Gioconda” (Ponechielli) and will also feature a specially composed musical score. Leslie Waldron at the console of the Wurlitzer organ will play “The Lost Chord” (Sir Arthur Sullivan) and an amusing novelty number “Ain’t it a grand and glorious feeling.” Box plans for the first week are on view at the theatre.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Friday 28 September 1928, page 21
AMBASSADORS THEATRE.
Although the Ambassadors Theatre has been open for three weeks, many of those who formed the big audience on Saturday night found it difficult to keep their
eyes on the screen and away from the many features which distinguish the Ambassadors from other, theatres— a blue sky, the statuary around the walls and the trees that edge the auditorium. This was in one way fortunate as the pictures, presented were the least interesting part of the programme. The management of the theatre attach great importance to the music, so much so that not only does a fine orchestra play, but varied items are discoursed from a Wurlitzer organ and from a stage presentation band. On Saturday night the orchestra opened the programme with ‘Light Cavalry’ (Suppe) and this was followed by ‘In a Monastery Garden’ and ‘Sing Me a Baby Song, played by Les Waldron on the organ. In the latter item humorous words and pictures were projected on the screen to synchronise with the progress of the tune and caused much laughter. The main picture was ‘Sporting Goods’ in which a handsome clothing salesman is mistaken by a wealthy girl for a millionaire ‘and lives up to the error, although penniless, he is about to be hounded out of the luxurious hotel in which he has been forced to stay when he gets an order for some suits, wins some money at cards and takes the girl. The other picture was ‘The College Widow,’ a highly improbable presentment of University life, in which Dolores Costello and William Collier, junior. are the principal actors. While the band, under Bert Howell, was playing on the stage, the Ambassadors ballet, prettily dressed, presented a neat dance called’ the ‘Fountain of Youth.’ Four singers— Rene Maxwell (soprano), Lilian Gibson (contralto), Alfred Cunningham (baritone) and John Priora (tenor)— rendered extracts from the operas ‘Rigoletto’ and ‘Traviata.’ Other items were the playing of the ‘Indian Love Lyrics’ suite on the Wurlitzer organ and the screening of some amusing animal cartoons, to organ accompaniment.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 22 October 1928, page 16
AMBASSADORS THEATRE.
“Something Always Happens,” a picture in which mystery alternates with broad comedy, is the principal pictorial attraction in the Ambassadors Theatre this week.
Esther Ralston falls the leading role. Richard Barthelmess and Marion Nixon are featured in a second film, “Out of the Ruins,” a story of war-time France. In collaboration with Bert Howell’s stage band and the corps de ballet, the dancers, Deno and Rochelle, take a leading part in the stage presentation with a Spanish tango and a comic knockabout dance. Selections by the orchestra and by Les Waldron on the Wurlitzer organ, together with a topical gazette and an amusing cartoon picture, complete the programme.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 11 December 1928, page 18
AMBASSADORS THEATRE
Musical numbers of seasonal appropriateness are the principal feature of the New Year holiday programme at the Ambassadors Theatre, which was successfully introduced on Saturday night. It embraces sprightly and graceful ballet numbers, first-class orchestral items, rendered by the stage band under Mr. Bert Howell, and songs by the popular Big Four. They harmonised effectively in “Get Out Get Under the Moon,” and a “Cornfield Melody,” and concluded with the rollicking number ‘Topical Tipperary.’ There followed a pretty song and dance scena with Scottish setting, in which the Ballet collaborated with the grotesquely garbed Big -Four to produce an amusing finale. Les Waldron’s Wurlitzer organ recitals were again popular. He gave a skilful interpretation of Sinding’s ‘Rustle of Spring,’ and followed it with a very amusing novelty number, ‘Where Did You Get That Name?’ His offerings during the interval were also enjoyable. ‘Warming Up,’ featuring Richard Dix, is. the principal picture. Dix plays the part of a. country ‘rube,’ who comes to the big cities in search of baseball fame. He achieves it eventually, but the climb to the top of the ladder, which, incidentally, also brings about a successful conclusion to his love affairs, is accompanied by disappointments and stirring adventures, many of which are laugh able. Dix. plays the part to perfection, and is admirably supported by Mary Post and, Philo McCollogh. Much gunplay and thrilling encounters between the police and bank robbers are the principal features of ‘Ladies of the Mob,’ a picture which seeks to emphasise the truth of the adage, ‘You Can’t Beat the Law.’ Though somewhat exaggerated, it has a thrilling story, with a pathetic and somewhat sensational ending. The vivacious Clara Bow plays the leading role, while Richard Arlen plays opposite, her. It is stated that ‘Ladies of the Mob’ was written by a convict serving a life, sentence in an American prison. The programme also includes an interesting gazette. It will run for a week.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Monday 31 December 1928, page 2
1931
Midnight Performance.
There will be a gala midnight performance at the Ambassadors Theatre to-night at 11.15 o’clock to ntark the inauguration of the new policy of entertainment whereby special talkie attractions will be screened at this theatre, for limited seasons of one week. A large number of seats have been reserved already, and special transport facilities for patrons have ‘been arranged. Trams will leave the theatre for Leederville, Inglewood, Victoria Park and Subiaco, while, there will be a fleet of taxis available at the conclusion of the performance about 1.40 a.m. The principal picture will be Paramount’s musical comedy ‘Monte Carlo,’ starring Jeanette MacDonald and Jack Buchanan, which recently concluded a season of 15 weeks at the Prince Edward Theatre, Sydney, and is now entering on its sixth week at the Capitol Theatre, Melbourne. The supporting programme will consist of specially selected talking featurettes. The stage presentation will be of a gala nature, and will feature Bert Howell and his stage band, Brock and Thompson, tap dancers, Joy and Lazzeroni, whirlwind skaters, and Fred Moore, descriptive baritone. Bert Howell and his musical ensemble will render Rossini’s delightful overture, ‘William Tell’ and Les. Waldron at the Wurlitzer organ will be heard in classical and popular selections.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Friday 6 February 1931, page 3
HARRY CROSS – Musical Career
Mr. Harry Cross, who has been appointed musical director of the Ambassadors Theatre in succession to Mr. Bert Howell. has a lifetime of musical experience behind him. Mr. Cross started playing in a theatre orchestra in the north of England at the age of 13 years. He has played in orchestras in theatres of all descriptions. Fifteen years ago he came to Australia. In the moving picture business Mr. Cross found ample scope for his talent.
1941
Jack Harrison first performed in the incredible Ambassadors Theatre when he was 9 years old.
What an extraordinary experience that must have been!
MUSIC, MONEY and MOVIES
FRIDAY NIGHT February 7 1941 AMBASSADORS
Tuesday February 11 1941 HOYTS Fremantle
Presenting on stage, JACK HARRISON, W.A. boy acclaimed world wizard of the harmonica, Alwyn Kurts, Ron Moyle’s Band, Joan Bridger, Billie Barnes.
The West Australian Wednesday February 5 1941
The A.B.C. on Parade
Sunday 17th September at 3 Superb Concert
To Aid the Wooroloo Sanitorium Colony
Featuring…Jack Harrison (W.A,s miniature Larry Adler)…
and the U.S. Navy Band
Ambassadors Theatre
By courtesy of Hoyts Theatres Ltd. Broadcast by station 6WN
Daily News Friday September 8 1944 page 10
AID FOR WOOROLOO – Concert Next Sunday
Theatrical artists are expressing their goodwill towards the patients of Wooroloo with a benefit concert in aid of the Sanatorium Colony, at the Ambassadors Theatre on Sunday, commencing at 3 o’clock. The Australian Broadcasting Commission has consented to present a performance of “The ABC on Parade,” which will be the first public appearance of this broadcast show, recently returned from a tour of military camps. The producer and compere is Dave Howard, with theatre orchestra under the direction of Ivan Nylander and Tony North at the organ. Guest artists include Betty Hatfield (soprano), Eileen Moran (entertainer), Olive Dunton (xylophonist), Tony North (wizard of the wurlitzer), Vaughan Hanly (virtuoso violin), Nell Shortland-Jones (popular vocalist), Maurice Jaffey (tenor), Jack Harrison (W.A.’s miniature Larry Adler), Hannah Colley (trumpet soloist) the Paulasto Brothers (entertainers) and those nitwits of the network Joe Brennan and Ida Newton,
The second half of the concert programme opens with the US Navy Band compered by Stan Gervas of 6PM-AM Professional vocalists, entertainers and vaudeville acts will also appear in sequence with a grand finale by the US Band.
The Ambassadors Theatre for this concert was made available to the Wooroloo Farm Colony Committee by Mr S. W. Perry, resident manager for Hoyts Theatres, Ltd.
Dr Park, Commissioner of Public Health, will briefly indicate that the concert opens a week of intensified effort to interest the public in the colony development and welfare of the patients at Wooroloo.
Seats for the concert may be reserved at Nicholsons, the admission prices being 4/, 3/ and 2/.
The West Australian Wednesday 13 September 1944 page 4
Will Aid Orphans – Beauty will be on parade to help the orphans.
Supporters of the State Service Miss Australia contestants can be sure of seeing their chosen candidate, and be sure of helping the orphans, when they take their seats at the Ambassadors Theatre on Sunday. Show will commence at 2.15 p.m. and has many features. There is a strong supporting programme featuring George Webster’s Hawaiian guitars; Coral Gunning, entertainer, Jack Harrison, 14-year-pld wizard of the harmonica; Leonore Laye. soprano; Joan Curtin, xylophonist; Harry Ward, entertainer: Phil Davidson, vocalist, and Faith Court and Merime Holt with violin and piano. Piano accompanist will be Billy Edwards. Whole show will be compered by Dave Howard. There will be a full variety of entertainment, which will also include the first release of the ‘D’ Day epic film, ‘A Harbour Goes to France.’ A sing-song will be conducted by Les Waldron, now back from the forces and well acquainted with his old friend the Wurlitzer organ. Sunday afternoon gives an opportunity for the Perth public to do another Christian deed by helping the orphans and spending an afternoon with pleasant entertainment.
The Daily News Saturday 17 November 1945 page 15
Sunday Afternoon Concert.
A graphic film of the D-day operations will be screened at the Ambassadors Theatre on Sunday 18th November afternoon in aid of the “Daily News” Orphans’ Christmas Cheer. The picture shows the building and transporting of a harbour across the ocean to France. In addition to the screen entertainment the Australian Broadcasting Commission will present a variety show with the following artists: Dave Howard (compere), George Webster, Coral Gunning, Leonora Laye. Jack Harrison and Joan Curtin. Les Waldron at the Wurlitzer organ, will play for community singing for half an hour. The doors will be opened at 2 o’clock and entertainment will commence at 2.30 o’clock. The theatre has been made available by Hoyts Theatres, Ltd.
The West Australian Friday 16 November 1945 page 10
AMBASSADORS THEATRE
By courtesy of Hoyts Theatres, Ltd
Sunday Afternoon 18th November 1945
Coral Gunning – Stage and Radio Star
Jack Harrison – Wizard of the Harmonica
Phil Davidson – Popular vocalist
Dave Howard – Saxophonist
Harry Ward – Popular Entertainer
AMBASSADORS
A MIDDAY COMMUNITY CONCERT TODAY AT 12.15
Conducted by Johnny Turck with Dawn fields at the piano. Guest Artist, Jackie Harrison and His Orchestra
QUIZ SESSION WITH CASH PRIZES.
The West Australian Friday March 14 1947
— OFFICIAL OPENING —
WOOROLOO HOSPITAL QUEEN CONTEST
NEXT SUNDAY— AMBASSADORS 3 p.m.
By His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir James Mitchell, G.C.M.G. Presence of Official Party, Candidate, Supporters. Production and arrangement: Dave Howard.
Compere: James Condon. Jack Harrison’s Swing Quartette; Frances Moran; Dawn Hack; and 50 other leading artists,
Admission, 2/6 by ticket only. Limited number available at Theatre.
The Daily News 16 July 1948 page 7
Variety Show
Wooroloo Hospital Queen contest will be officially opened by His Excellency, Lieut Governor Sir James Mitchell at a variety concert to be held at the Ambassadors Theatre tomorrow, Sunday, July 18, at 3 pm. Local artists on the programme include pianists Henry Cochrane and Billy Clowes, Jack Harrison and his Swing Quartette, entertainers Dave Howard and Coral Gunning and songsters Maurice Jaffey, Dawn Hack and Betty Hatfield.
Mirror Saturday 17 July 1948 page 15
1948 AROUND PERTH WITH HARRY BLUCK
PERTH RADIO STATIONS USING MORE BANDS AND LIVE ARTIST SESSIONS
Quick survey of local musicians currently airing programmes in Perth shows what a keen interest is being shown by local radio stations, both national and commercial, in presenting “flesh and blood” shows, especially by members of the dance band fraternity. Here are where a few of our leading “outfits” can be heard over the local ether. Sammy Sharp’s Band (featuring a 15 piece combination) and vocalist Peter Boyd are prominent each Thursday evening over station 6PR with a Band Presentation and “Talent Quest” show. Over the same network from Perth town Hall, Chris Gosper and his “Music for Moderns” are relayed from their weekly midday sessions, which have proved a huge success, and shows signs of developing into something really big. From the same network come many other “live” shows including pianist Warrick Lever, Henry Cochrane and Jimmy Beeson. George Hay and his “Hawaiians”, Billy Barnes’ Hill Billys, Accordionist Harry Bluck, saxophonist Jack Pateman.
Theatre May Use More Music
News that Sammy Sharp’s Thursday night broadcasts shift into the Ambassador’s Theatre as part of the programme etc, may mean the thin end of the wedge for some other houses to follow suit and gradually reintroduce more musicians into local theatres. From observation it appears that Perth picture houses are not doing terrific business mid week. Perhaps some really good musical acts and support may be the answer, as indications from the other side of the show business points to outstanding houses for all flesh-and-blood performances.
Music Maker October 1948
The facade and interior of the Ambassador Theatre was later “upgraded” into an Art Deco Style.
It closed on February 2, 1972, and was subsequently demolished. The site was later redeveloped into arcade and cinema spaces (such as Hoyts Cinema Two), and the location now forms part of the central Perth commercial/mall area. A surviving lyre bird-embroidered stage curtain from the theatre is preserved at the Museum of Performing Arts at His Majesty’s Theatre.
https://www.historictheatrephotos.com/Atmospheric/Ambassadors-Perth.aspx