An amphitheater in the heart of Cambridge will soon undergo major scrutiny to determine if it is worth keeping.
The City of Cambridge is considering a strategic and operational review of the Quarry Amphitheater on Readbold Hill in City Beach to understand where it fits into Perth’s theater world and what structural work is needed to restore it to its former glory.
The 557-seat theater – a state registered heritage site – is used by several schools in the western suburbs, as well as the WA Ballet and Opera from November to March.
It is also a popular venue for weddings and private functions with its large picnic area and open space.
However, a council report said the need for major repairs and a review of personnel management at the site needed to be addressed, which will cost the council around $270,000 over the next 12 months.
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The site was a working limestone quarry until 1906 and was abandoned until 1986 when it was converted into a theater by former Perth City ballet director Diana Waldron and her late husband Ken .
Ms Waldron told PerthNow her husband suggested using the abandoned quarry space as a theater site when Her Majesty’s Theater became too expensive for ballet performances.
“Ken was brought up in Floreat so he used to go to the quarry with his friends after school,” Ms Waldron said.
“So we went up there and immediately fell in love with the place, which was nothing more than a hole in the ground; I remember saying we could put this there and that there.
“This fortnight a grant of $468,000 from the Community Employment Program had become available, which we managed to receive, so we hired about 74 people to help us build it.
“From 1982 to 1986 we built it from over 3000 concrete bricks and when it opened at the end of 1986 everyone was so proud of him for what he had done; it was just complete love that made it a magical place.”
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In the council’s report, officers found that although demand for the site was increasing, the site was operating at a significant deficit for the City of Cambridge, which was ‘unlikely’ to change without a detailed review.
It is estimated that $270,000 will be needed to upgrade the quarry, including restroom renovations, a disabled access ramp and rock face repairs.
The Quarry Amphitheater is used for ballet, opera and jazz performances, as well as by Trinity College and the Presbyterian Ladies College for their annual concerts.
While Trinity has used the space since the early 2000s, PLC has held its annual prom concert at the theater for over 32 years.
PLC music director Chris Goff said theater was an important part of the school’s history and social calendar.
“There is a relaxed summer feeling to our prom concert as PLC staff and families arrive early to arrange their picnics, have time to chat and enjoy the view over the rooftops of the city at dusk,” Mr. Goff said.
“As the daylight fades, the skyline is replaced by city lights for our concert backdrop.
“The acoustics created in this natural setting are amazing; no matter where you sit, the sound is always wonderful and truly encouraging for our aspiring musicians.
Ms Waldron hoped the board would seek help from herself and other stakeholders who had been affiliated with the theater in the past to help guide the way forward.
“It doesn’t require a lot of work in my opinion because these concrete blocks will be there for a thousand years,” she said.
“What’s missing is management; there must be theater people running it and a caretaker there during office hours.
“Ken and I built the Quarry Amphitheater for the community so anyone could walk in and afford to walk in.
“It’s just magical up there and what’s unique is that it’s a theater in an old quarry with fantastic sound; we have to keep it.
City CEO Karl Heiden said he was unable to comment on seeking outside help until a decision was made by the council.
The City of Cambridge is due to consider the strategic and operational review of the Quarry Amphitheater this month.
