About

Established in 1932, the Garrick Theatre Club is situated in the heritage listed town of Guildford, Western Australia and is named after David Garrick, the famous English actor, dramatist, theatre manager and producer who influenced nearly all aspects of European theatrical practice throughout the 18th century and was considered the most influential Shakespearean actor. Garrick was born in Hereford, England on 20th February 1717 and died 20th January 1779, being buried in the prestigious Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.

Instigated by Mrs Emelye-Marie Dancer on 13th May 1932, the first minuted meeting of the Garrick Dramatic and Repertory Club was held at “Riversleigh” on Swan Street, home of Mrs Firth, who with her daughter Mrs A Bleakely, arranged to accommodate the newly formed club. As the club grew, a larger home was found at the Mechanics’ Institute on Meadow Street. (Pic Riversleigh in 1968)

In 1934 the club moved to the old Commissariat Store and Quarters alongside the Guildford Town Hall. The original structure was built in 1853, designed and constructed as part of the Guildford Convict Depot by Lieutenant Edmund Du Cane and built in the early colonial days by convicts. The building had also housed the local fire station for many years and the auditorium is where they kept the fire engines. With the full support of the then Guildford Town Council and the current City of Swan, 90 years later we are still here and strong.

The charming building we call home has gradually evolved over the years. Backstage we have the Green Room, the du Cane dressing room, a large wardrobe and other storage. The stage was rebuilt with a ‘revolve’ in the 1990s. Refurbishments and improvements to the auditorium seating required us to reduce the number of seats but our audiences are greatly appreciative of a better view of the stage, new upholstery and extra leg room.