The Betty Terry Memorial Theatre

In 1914, Wagin's first electric power supply was turned on, operating from the power house on the north-east side of Trent St, between Tudhoe and Trimdon Sts. A larger building was constructed on the same site in the twenties, and survived a fire in the forties, with assistance for rebuilding coming from the SEC. In 1960 the power house ceased operation when the SEC took over provision of the power for the town.

Frank Terry arrived in Wagin in 1963 to run the drive-in for Pat Baker. When it closed in 1983, he tried to revert to pictures at the Town Hall, but it was too big. So he bought the old powerhouse - which since 1960 had been used by the SEC as a storeroom. It was a very appropriate use for the building, given both the frequent association of the powerhouse and the cinema in the very early days of film, and that the building has echoes of art nouveau in its facade. The lighted sign for ´Little Gem Theatre' was placed vertically on the facade, like some of the earlier suburban cinemas.

Inside, it was set up with second-hand gear, including one hundred seats from the Theatre Royal: these were replaced ten years later with larger ones so in 1997 there were only 76 seats. The projectors were not brought across from the drive-in (they are still there), but were constructed out of other projection equipment, providing facilities for both 35mm and 16mm (including 16mm xenon).

The conversion of the building took eighteen months, with Frank Terry doing the metal work including the equipment, and Arthur Kersten on the timber side. The cinema opened in 1984, Friday and Saturday nights at first, then two additional nights, because some people in the town could not come on a weekend. It can fill on a weekend, particularly with a popular film: the best has been Babe, which ran twice a night for four nights and then more.

It is a cosy theatre, with comfortable seats, the walls draped and a rich red stage curtain. The ceiling has acoustic tiles, and the floor is carpeted. There is a tiny traditional foyer, and an old projector on display at the entrance to the theatre itself.

Bookings can be made at the Wagin Community Resource Centre – or take your chances on the night

Current movies are shown fortnightly; Friday night, Saturday Matinee and Saturday night