The Rechabites' Hall

The Rechabites' Hall, located at 224 William Street in Northbridge, is a three-minute walk from the Perth city train station and bus services. Check out the location map.

From 1997 - 2008, The Rechabites’ Hall operated as a 140-seat, arena style theatre converted from an Edwardian dance hall. The venue is of significant heritage value and charm and under the management of the Performing Arts Centre Society supported an edgy, alternative program of new performance.

The Performing Arts Centre Society, trading as The Blue Room, ceased management of The Hall on 31 March 2009.

For general enquiries about The Rechabites' Hall, contact the East Perth Redevelopment Authority on 1800 639 726.

The Rechabites’ Hall Recent History

The upper level and foyer of The Rechabites’ Hall was leased to The Perth Theatre Trust between 1986 and 2009.

From 1986 until 1996 The Rechabites' housed various artists and theatre groups including: Giotto Arts Studio; Red Desert Productions (1993); The Aboriginal Music Theatre Training School, run in conjunction with The West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (1995-96); and The Australia Dreaming Project (1996).

PACS began managing The Rechabites’ Hall on behalf of the Perth Theatre Trust in July 1997. Riding The Tiger presented by The West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Red Desert and Artrage was the first public theatrical performance to be staged in The Hall (September 1997).

The management of The Rechabites’ Hall supported PACS’ core objective of developing new audiences, new artists and new ideas through the provision of affordable and accessible performing arts resources. The Rechabites' encouraged the attendance of a younger and/or more adventurous audience, and under PACS's management supported the presentation of almost a thousand performances and 117 different productions of both new an existing work.

The Rechabites’ Hall program also supported the professional development of exceptional performing arts practitioners.

Since 2000, PACS had been actively involved in assisting creative partnerships between independent producers working at The Rechabites’ Hall, and WA's professional performing arts agencies. In particular Perth Theatre Company's Umbrella Program, offering venue, marketing and production support to independent producers. Other agencies who have auspiced work at The Rechabites’ Hall include: Black Swan Theatre Company, Barking Gecko Theatre Company, and Tura New Music.

While the venue is somewhat lacking in basic audience and artists’ comforts, it is still possible to see the huge potential of the building with growing numbers of audience and artists attracted by its ambience, architecture, creative programming and central location.

The Rechabites’ Hall Past

Designed by Edwin Summerhayes, The Rechabites’ Hall, built in 1925, is a living reminder of a significant architect who influenced the early building development of Western Australia. It is difficult to find a comparable facade elsewhere in the City.

The Hall remained unaltered until it was sold in 1947 to The Commonwealth Bank. In 1952 a mezzanine level was added for storage (this has since been removed though the damage to plaster work can still be seen). 1962 saw the shop frontage changed, and the balcony enclosed to become a kitchenette.

The bank vacated the building in 1978 and Multiplex took over the space as a site office for the construction of the Alexander Library. Most of the drastic alterations to the building took place during this time on the assumption that The Rechabites’ Hall would be demolished. A fire in 1980 further destroyed sections of The Rechabites’ Hall and only temporary repairs were carried out.

Who were the Rechabites?

The Independent Order of Rechabites was founded in August 25, 1835 at Salford, Lancashire, England. The name for this abstinent Friendly Society, or Temperance Group, was taken from the people who make up the Rechab tribe.

The Order was first introduced to Australia in 1839 in Sydney and Adelaide, and Western Australia in 1876. By the 1920s, the Order had grown in WA to nearly 2,000 members.

The Rechabites’ Hall Future

The Rechabites’ Hall is recognised as a building of significant heritage value by the Heritage Council of WA and was placed on the permanent register in 2002.

A report in 1998 commissioned by the Department for Culture and the Arts suggested that it would cost around $2.5 million to upgrade and improve The Rechabites’ Hall as a performing arts venue. Since this report the estimated cost of restoring the venue has substantially increased.

The Rechabites’ Hall is currently enduring the ravages of increasing age. EPRA’s vision for the building is for it to be conserved and restored and ultimately used as multi-purpose venue with a cultural / entertainment focus, by a commercial operator.

PACS welcomes the long overdue restoration of The Hall. The appeal and charm of this divine venue is undeniable.