St James Hall

Was St James Hall always a hub of entertainment? No. St James Hall, nestled on Phillip Street near King Street, had a more multifaceted past. St James Hall wasn’t just a theatre. It played a crucial role in Sydney’s small theatre scene. The building, owned by St James’ Church of England, sat on the same land. It boasted convenient access to trams, buses, and the St James railway station. This made it a popular spot for various events. Initially, St James Hall hosted concerts and recitals. Performers like James Brunton Gibb, Ethel Lang, and Wilfred Thomas graced its stage. Before 1940, amateur dramatic societies frequently used the hall. It also accommodated public meetings, symposia, and even exams. The Sydney Players Club, one of Sydney’s oldest “little theatres,” called St James Hall home from 1931 to 1948. The John Alden Company also staged Shakespearean and other dramatic productions there in 1950 and 1951. In 1950, the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) almost took over. The hall was dilapidated. It required significant refurbishment. A fundraising appeal was launched, supported by the Sydney Morning Herald. After delays, a Sydney University Dramatic Society play finally marked the WEA’s arrival in July 1950. St James Hall housed 300 seats, including a narrow gallery on three sides. In 1952, Sydney John Kay, a theatre entrepreneur, renamed St James Hall the Mercury Theatre. His professional troupe, also named Mercury Theatres, featured notable actors like Rod Taylor. Despite lower actor fees, Kay’s venture struggled financially. William Orr’s Phillip Street Theatre followed in 1954. Their topical revues gained popularity and showcased emerging talent. Sadly, St James Hall was demolished in 1961 to make way for an office block. Though a small theatre was included in the new building, the era of St James Hall ended. The Phillip Street Theatre moved to the Australian Hall on Elizabeth Street. The legacy of St James Hall lives on in Sydney’s theatrical history. It nurtured talent and provided a stage for countless productions.