Foundation Theatres and The Star plan to transform the 4000 seat Event Centre at The Star Sydney into a two-theatre complex. The project will be funded privately and deliver to Sydney the theatre infrastructure necessary to accommodate the city’s growing needs for the next decade.
The new complex will feature: (a) 1550 seat Broadway-style theatre on two levels capable of hosting large scale musicals, dance, drama, concerts, ballet and opera with a full fly system and orchestra pit (New Theatre); and (b) 1000 seat comedy and live entertainment theatre capable of hosting comedy, live music, cabaret, plays and small-scale productions (Live Room).
The New Theatre will have a stage and facilities that are capable of hosting leading complex productions in a similar way to the existing Capitol Theatre & Sydney Lyric. This theatre will have a more intimate 1550 seat configuration with great accessibility and sightlines. We will use similar technology to that employed so successfully at the Sydney Lyric to make a ‘breathable’ auditorium that can change in size to accommodate smaller audiences in an intimate setting.
The Live Room will provide a wonderful new performance space for live music, comedy, cabaret and smaller-scale plays and other theatrical productions. The auditorium will have the flexibility to accommodate the developing trend toward immersive and interactive theatrical works. Seating up to 1000 patrons, the Live Room will be a welcome addition to Sydney’s performing arts scene.
The new complex will have first-class facilities for theatre-makers and theatre-goers and will complement the existing theatre offerings in Sydney. We anticipate the new theatres will open in 2023.
