After nearly three decades of framing the magic on stage, the Empire Theatre’s iconic red curtain has taken centre stage itself with the installation of a beautifully designed new version.
Unveiled ahead of Queensland Ballet’s Coppélia, the new curtain marks the first upgrade of its kind since the theatre’s reopening in 1997. At nine metres tall, 18 metres wide and weighing over 300 kg, it makes an immediate impression, crafted from premium, fire-retardant velour in our signature rich red.
What makes this change particularly special is the attention to heritage: the original gold fringing has been preserved and seamlessly incorporated into the new design, bringing a thoughtful connection between past and future.
This project, which was 18 months in the making, isn’t just a technical improvement; it reflects a broader belief in the value of live performance and the importance of investing in the spaces that bring it to life. For audiences, the house curtain has always been more than fabric; it’s the visual signal that something memorable is about to begin.
“Thank you, Empire Theatres Pty Ltd, for trusting us with this beautiful project,” commented Nick Cook, Managing Director, Showtex Australia & New Zealand. “The Showtex Australia team, led by Hylen Hernandez, had a blast ensuring they did justice to this iconic curtain and valance.”
