Max Kay

Max Kay AM (1936 – 4 June 2019) was an Australian entertainer, restaurateur and local politician. Born in Scotland, he moved to Perth, Western Australia in 1967, where he was known for his theatre restaurants and involvement in public life.

Max with his wife Norma in 2011

Kay began his career as a performer in Scotland, and toured internationally as the manager of fellow Scottish entertainer Andy Stewart. Kay emigrated to Perth in 1967.[1] In 1976, he opened the Civic Theatre Restaurant in Inglewood, where he performed shows he wrote and produced himself. In 1980, Kay spent $1 million converting an old factory in Highgate to hold an expanded Civic Theatre,[2] which ran until he closed it in 2001.[3][4]

After moving on from the theatre restaurants he continued to perform one-man shows,[5][6] but concentrated on charity work, as a councillor on the Perth City Council, and as member of several boards.[7][8][9] He was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2003 for his work with charities and community projects.[10] He continued his involvement with Curtin Radio 100.1 FM well into his later years.[11]

Kay died on 4 June 2019, at the age of 82, from complications of pneumonia.[12][13][14] His memorial service was at His Majesty's Theatre, Perth on 22 June, and was attended by almost a thousand people.[15][16] The event was opened with the Rockingham City Pipe Band playing in Hay Street, and continued in the theatre. His son, Gary Kay, gave the eulogy.[17]

References
  1. Hedley, Kate (5 June 2019). "Curtain falls for one of Perth's most loved entertainers". WAtoday. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  2. "Max Kay Care & Ageing Expo". Community News Group. 10 July 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  3. Stevenson, Kinder & Scott Corporate Photography; HRRC (1969), Max Kay of the Civic Theatre Restaurant, retrieved 23 June 2019
  4. TITLE: Immigration – Migrants in the arts and entertainment in Australia – Max Kay, from Britain, top night club entertainer in Perth, 1969, retrieved 23 June 2019
  5. "An Evening With Max Kay".
  6. Juanola, Marta Pascual (25 July 2016). "Max Kay spends an evening with Mandurah locals – Photos". Mandurah Mail.
  7. Max Kay for Perth Lord Mayor in 2007, Max Kay, 2007, retrieved 23 June 2019
  8. "Vale Max Kay". www.perth.wa.gov.au.
  9. "Vale Max Kay AM – PCFA". www.prostate.org.au.
  10. "Max Kay". Business News.
  11. "MAX KAY – Entertainer & Entrepreneur". maxkay.com.au.
  12. "Iconic Perth entertainer Max Kay dies in hospital". The West Australian. 5 June 2019.
  13. Hedley, Kate (5 June 2019). "Curtain falls for one of Perth's most loved entertainers". WAtoday.
  14. "Legendary Perth Entertainer And Councillor Max Kay Has Died". Triple M.
  15. "Max Kay's wife flags fun-filled memorial". The West Australian. 7 June 2019.
  16. Sunday Times June 23, 2019, page 21. Lisa Thomas Kay maxes out theatre
  17. "Perth bids farewell to much-loved entertainer Max Kay". The West Australian. 22 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
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