The live theatre experience is one to behold. With the power to inspire, educate and provide some good ol’ escapism it remains as relevant today as ever. Theatre enthusiasts in the city will be excited to learn about the reopening of one of Australia’s most coveted cultural institutions — the Theatre Royal Sydney.
After shutting its doors in 2016, the Theatre Royal will finally reopen on Thursday, December 2, after undergoing a massive refurbishment. Two exciting Broadway productions will kick off its latest program. Jagged Little Pill will hit the stage from December 2-19 followed by the highly acclaimed Girl from the North Country in January, which features songs by Bob Dylan.
Hit Broadway musical An American in Paris will also make its highly anticipated Australian debut next year in April.
Highlights of the refurbishments include a new circular glass entrance and new floor to ceiling windows that allow theatre-goers to view the stunning theatre foyer. The foyer features an aesthetically pleasing ribbed ceiling designed by Italian structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi and the stunning geometrically precise hanging Mercator sculpture by American sculptor Charles O. Perry.
Theatre Royal Sydney reopening
Originating way back in 1832, the 1200-seat Theatre Royal Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest theatrical institutions. The current theatre was designed by acclaimed architect Harry Seidler and constructed in 1976. Over the years it has provided a diverse range of entertainment to theatre lovers right from comedy to drama to musicals.
Sir Howard Panter, Joint CEO of Trafalgar Entertainment Group said of the reopening, “When we set our eyes on Theatre Royal Sydney, a true Australian theatrical icon, we were committed to restoring it back to all its glory, and to sit once again in the heart of Sydney’s CBD – where the city meets the stage.”
“Sydney has always been a landmark destination globally, and now it has back in place a landmark to visit and see the best of world class theatre. Opening this venue with the first international production outside Broadway, Alanis Morrissette’s Jagged Little Pill, we begin with our long-term commitment to Sydney Getting It First,” he added.
The reopening of the Theatre Royal is also expected to contribute to the arts sector and breathe fresh life into it following the devastating lockdowns in the last two years. It’s high-quality productions will deliver significant economic benefits right from employment opportunities to a much-needed boost for the hospitality sector.
Score tickets to one of these brilliant shows and experience the magic of the Theatre Royal Sydney for yourself.