The Rechabites' Hall

The Rechabites’ Hall is a 140-seat, arena style theatre operating from a converted Edwardian dance hall in Northbridge. The venue is of significant heritage value and charm and supports an edgy, alternative program of new performance. The auditorium is on the first floor and there is no disability access.

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

The Performing Arts Centre Society Inc manages the Hall as a venue for hire. View prices and tech specifications here. Please contact Jansis O'Hanlon at 08 9227 7005 or email: jansis@blueroom.org.au to find out more the venue’s availability and booking forms.

To book tickets to shows at The Rechabites' Hall, please visit www.bocsticketing.com.au or FREE CALL 1800 193 300 from 9:00am to 8:00pm Monday – Saturday.

The Rechabites’ Hall Program

The Rechabites’ Hall program supports the presentation of both new and existing works. The program also supports the professional development of exceptional performing arts practitioners and encourages the attendance of a younger and/or more adventurous audience.

Since 2000, PACS has also 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 offers venue, marketing and production support to independent producers through their Umbrella Program. Other agencies who have auspiced work at The Rechabites’ Hall include: Black Swan, Barking Gecko 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 management of The Rechabites’ Hall supports PACS’ core objective of developing new audiences, new artists and new ideas through the provision of affordable and accessible performing arts resources.

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 Today

The Rechabites’ Hall is presently owned by the State Government of WA with the head lease held by the East Perth Redevlopment Authority. The upper level and foyer of The Rechabites’ Hall has been leased to The Perth Theatre Trust since 1986.

From 1986 until 1996 The Rechabites’ Hall 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 has managed The Rechabites’ Hall on behalf of the Perth Theatre Trust since July 1997.

Since this time The Rechabites’ Hall has supported the presentation of almost a thousand performances and 117 different productions. 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 Rechabites’ Hall (September 1997).

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.

PACS’ present interest in managing the venue is maintaining the visibility and integrity of the venue as a performing arts space while it awaits refurbishment.

The appeal and charm of The Rechabites’ Hall is undeniable. The Rechabites’ Hall needs constant attention and is currently enduring the ravages of increasing age. PACS and its members are dedicated to the maintenance and improvement of this divine venue.

Pricing

Set Up

Members: $125 per day / $600 per week
Non-members: $180 per day / $900 per week

Performance

Members: $200 per day / $950 per week
Non-members: $950 per day / $1,200 per week

Find out more about the benefits of becoming a member.

Tech Specs

The Rechabites’ Hall Equipment List (63k PDF file)
The Rechabites’ Hall Plan (89k PDF file)
The Rechabites’ Hall Side Elevation (52k PDF file)