Obituary: Max Kay, entertainer and politician

Died: June 4, 2019

Max Kay, who has died at the age of 83, was a Scots-born entertainer who emigrated to Australia in 1967 where he would become one of that country’s most-loved performers.

Born Glasgow in 1936, Kay began his career as an entertainer in his native Scotland as a rock and roll lead singer, touring internationally with the legendary Andy Stewart.

He married Norma - a dancer - in 1960, and seven years later, together with their young family, they emigrated to Perth, Western Australia.

Max quickly made his mark Down Under as a businessman and entertainer, making regular appearances on both television and radio before – in 1976 – the entrepreneur in him took a major step forward when he opened the Civic Theatre Restaurant under the Civic Clock, Inglewood where he would write, produce and perform in shows with a cast of actors, dancers and singers. The premises in Inglewood were rented – and four years later he made a significant investment, spending One Million Australian Dollars converting an old factory in nearby Highgate to hold an expanded Civic Theatre.

The Civic Theatre would become an iconic Western Australia venue, attracting a staggering 1.75 million theatre-goers in the 25 years that Kay ran it, employing up to one hundred people during the busy seasons including stage performers, technicians, administration and sales staff. During its heyday famous entertainers including the legendary British comedian Ronnie Corbett performed at the venue.

In 2000 Max Kay was named Citizen of the Year and twelve months later – in his 65th year - he closed the Civic Theatre Restaurant to pursue his charitable and community work. He was elected to Perth City Council following the closure and in 2002 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the Entertainment Industry and to Charitable causes.

Kay would fulfil the role of Perth City Councillor for fully five years until stepping down in 2006. He did not always enjoy the role of Councillor – but in October 2007 he was a candidate for the position of Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, his manifesto describing himself as “an outstanding choice because I can give full-time commitment to ensure that the interests of the people are represented with focus and dedication.

“I will listen to the people of our city, our visitors and the government of the day to bring a balanced perspective to the decisions that will shape our city's future. I will endeavour to keep the City of Perth a safe and friendly place for people to enjoy and be proud of and I will work tirelessly in shaping our city infrastructure and helping the council work to make the very best decisions for our future.”

Despite his strong candidature Max Kay was NOT elected – but brushing aside the disappointment he continued his public service by becoming more and more immersed in public service.

Amongst the charities and community projects he served assiduously and enthusiastically were as President of the National Trust of Western Australia, St. Bartholomew’s Foundation for the Homeless from 2005 – 19 as a Director and the Perth Theatre Trust as a Board Member from 2003 – 07 and again from 2011 – 17.

Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, he devoted much time and effort as a Board member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Western Australia, making a significant contribution to help those affected by the disease, including the adventurous endeavour of abseiling down Perth’s tallest office building in his trademark kilt to raise funds and awareness for the community he so tirelessly served.

Max had never been happier than when on the stage – and was drawn out of fifteen years of retirement to perform in the ‘Best of British’ show at the Perth Concert Hall. He played two nights at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre which were complete sell-outs with a wonderfully entertaining show, full of nostalgia, hilarious comedy and singalongs. He returned to the stage at ‘The Astor Theatre’ - just a short distance from his beginnings - with a one man show – ‘AN EVENING WITH MAX KAY’,

Max Kay died on 4th June 2019 following complications from pneumonia. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Norma, children Gary, Melanie and Julie, and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service held at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth was attended by almost 1,000 people and opened with a performance by the Rockingham City Pipe Band, paying homage to Kay’s Scottish heritage. Members of the military, clergymen of different faiths, the young, the old and politicians from both sides of the divide paid their respects, including former Western Australian Governor Malcom McCusker, former Premier Colin Barnett and the Minister for Local Government, Heritage, Culture and the Arts David Templeman.

Gary Kay read his father’s eulogy at the memorial service, stressing that - despite having a private funeral - the family knew more had to be done to honour the entertainment icon and loving father and grandfather.

“We were overwhelmed by the public response and we knew we had to do something. He was absolutely one of a kind. He was adored by our entire family.”

Robert McElroy