If entertainment is high on your wish list, then make sure you check out what’s happening at the Civic Theatre.
A plethora of shows – from solo musicians to bands, comedians to plays, and much more – regularly adorn the stage of the iconic Hunter Street venue.
Civic Theatre location
Civic Theatre is located at 375 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300.
The Civic Theatre is best accessed by light rail with the station, appropriately named Civic. The stop is located directly out the front of the Theatre.
A number of on-street and off-street parking options are available within a short walking distance.
Civic Theatre architecture
Designed by renowned architect Henry Eli White, the exterior of the building is in the Georgian Revival mould, with the interior decoration in the Spanish Baroque style with a marble staircase, terrazzo balcony and chandeliers.
The historic 1520-seat premises, built at a cost of 71,863 pounds, opened its doors on 12 December 1929 by NSW Premier Sir Thomas Rainsford Bavin, who declared it “The Wonder Theatre of Australia”.
On that occasion, more than 150,000 candles were placed around the facility.
And, ever since, the majestic centre has stood as a beacon for culture and enjoyment.
History of the 90+ year old theatre
Designed as a “live” theatre, the building was initially leased for more than four decades as a cinema.
In 1930, radio station 2HD set up its first studio on site.
Newcastle Theatres merged with Greater Union in 1933, with a further five-year lease being granted.
However, in 1941, Hoyts Cinemas took over the reins and remained its operator until 1973, when the then-named Newcastle Council announced plans to demolish the Civic Theatre.
But, thanks to public opposition, that decision was reversed.
A year later, upgrade works occurred to phase out cinema operations and move to theatrical productions.
In 1977, the Australian Ballet presented The Merry Widow with Australian Opera staging Don Giovanni 12 months later.
The premises then closed in 1992 for a $10.4 million refurbishment to restore it to its former glory. Re-opening in 1993.
The Civic Theatre, in conjunction with the Newcastle City Hall, was eventually listed on the NSW State Heritage Register on 27 September 2012.
Headliner performances
Over the years, the likes of
- Dame Joan Sutherland
- Sir Peter Ustinov
- John Cleese
- Oasis
- Kylie Minogue
- INXS
- Glenn Frey
- Tina Arena
- AC/DC
- Blondie
- silverchair
- Live
- Alice Cooper
- The Veronicas
- Angus and Julia Stone
- Missy Higgins
- Tori Amos
- Guns N’ Roses
- Joe Cocker
- The Black Crowes
- Bill Bailey
- Kasey Chambers
- Hugh Laurie
- Kris Kristofferson
- James Blunt
- Vance Joy
- UB40
- Guy Sebastian
- Morrissey
- Bernard Fanning
- Colin Hay
- Paul Kelly
- Human Nature
- Jimmy Barnes
and countless other stars have performed within its confines.
Recently, the Civic Theatre hosted Jersey Boys, which broke all box office records in the Hunter.
In 2023, Newcastle’s Civic Theatre will host Broadway phenomenon Billy Elliot and Come from Away.
For more entertainment stories:
- The Very Popular Theatre Company scoops pool at CONDAs
- Newcastle Fringe Festival to turn it on again in 2023
- Billy Elliot pirouetting his way to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre
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