Cummins Theatre
Location: 31 Bates St, Merredin.
Phone: (08) 9041 3295
Email: cumminstheatre@merredin.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm*
*Note: The Opening Hours may be altered depending on the availability of staff.
Visit the Cummins Theatre Website
Book Tickets Here
Cummins Theatre is one of the oldest buildings in the Shire of Merredin. For nine 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 owes its existence in Merredin to Mr James Cummins, who was the Mayor of Kalgoorlie and owner of both the Kalgoorlie and Merredin 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 on Bates Street. Cummins Theatre, renamed in honour of its founder, opened to the public on 10 October 1928.
Cummins Theatre is available for hire to community members and touring production companies alike (* please contact the theatre directly to enquire about hiring) and as a result many public events are held at the theatre including weddings, school productions, awards nights and social occasions such as balls and dances, in addition to a wide variety of theatrical and musical performances.
Cummins Theatre has played host to a number of Australia's favourite artists over the years including AC/DC, Slim Dusty, Marcia Hines, The Wiggles, Johnny O'Keefe, Lano & Woodley and David Helfgott to name a few.
The Theatre is and continues to be, a cultural hub of Merredin.
For more information on Cummins Theatre, please visit the Theatre's website at www.cumminstheatre.com.au.
Venue Tours
Explore over 100 years of history in a guided tour of the Cummins Theatre.
Visitors have the opportunity to view the foyer museum, main auditorium, stage, backstage areas, kitchen, Tivoli Room and gardens while being guided through the venue with an informative tour by venue volunteers. Tours can be tailored to your interests and can be a simple 'look and see' or a fully guided tour pointing out the historical aspects of the theatre along with anecdotes and a few ghost stories for good measure. All tours are free however donations are welcome with all funds being donated to the upkeep of this historic venue.
To book a tour please contact the theatre or the Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre.
If you just require a peek at the main auditorium please pop into the theatre office during office hours and we will be happy to give you a quick look of the main auditorium.
*Please be aware that if an event is booked into the theatre we may be unable to provide tours of the venue. Visitors are encouraged to contact the theatre to ensure a tour is possible on their requested day.