Don Russell Performing Arts Centre

A shopping centre might be an unusual spot to find a theatre, but that’s exactly where you’ll locate the Dom Russell Performing Arts Centre. Lying some 25km southeast of the CBD, in Thornlie, and announced by its distinctive pale pink, blue and green façade, the celebrated community hub proves that creativity can flourish beyond the Perth Cultural Centre. Step inside and the proscenium arch theatre, run by the City of Gosnell, and its 216 seats are decked out in plush royal purple. The stage welcomes around 30 shows a year, from local performers to national tours. It also hosts scintillating talks, art exhibitions and classes accompanied with wine tasting, and music gigs and musicals too. The arts centre also accommodates a dance studio, with both spaces available for event hire. It’s the sort of place where young aspiring actors with big dreams learn the ropes in weekly performing arts classes and aim for the stars. Maybe you’ll spot the next big thing right here.