The Astor Theatre

Bathed in the electric glow from neon signage and glittering lightbulbs over the entrance awning, the Astor Theatre elicits the old-school thrills of a big night out before you even set foot inside. Home to raucous concerts and side-splitting comedy gigs, it’s the beating creative heart of Mount Lawley, and home to the burlesque festival too. Which is fitting, given it once screened racy adult movies. Built in 1914 just as the First World War was breaking out, this palace of entertainment got an Art Deco makeover just before WWII. In other words, it’s seen a lot in its time and is still standing proud. A close shave with the wrecking ball in the late ‘80s was seen off by impassioned locals. It seems the Astor will always have the last laugh, which is why it’s one of the main venues of the Perth Comedy Festival when the chuckles buckle up every April.