Some literature makes claims that the brothers Janmohamed Hasham and Valli Hasham built the Regal Theatre. However, I vaguely recall my dad telling me that they in fact purchased the property after construction. I have come across some evidence confirming this!!
William Miller Robertson is listed as a company director in the 29th December 1934 edition of the Kenya Gazette. (see screenshot below).
Additionally, one of the Kenya Regiment Association booklet‘s (see screen shot below) explains that business was so bad at the Regal Theatre in 1935, that William Miller Robertson who was running the theatre and who was a registered architect decided to design and build the Port Reitz Hotel to generate income.
Consistent with the above, the 20th November 1934 Kenya Gazette indicates that the Regal Theatres and Cinemas (East Africa) Limited sold the business (assets and goodwill) to Valli Hasham & Company (see screenshot below). Amazing!!
This further adds to the role and influence of the British in the early development of the theatres, cinemas and the entertainment industry in Kenya.
It appears William Miller Robertson continued in the capacity of a manager or lessee at the Regal!!
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