Gala celebration to mark reopening of restored Enmore Theatre

Along with all other live performance venues across Sydney, the Enmore Theatre closed its doors in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Now after nearly a year long hiatus from its usual operations as Sydney’s longest running live performance institution, the Enmore is preparing to reopen once again and to welcome Sydneysiders back from Monday 22nd February.

During its closure, the venue’s owners, Century Venues, seized the opportunity to bring forward a planned restoration of the iconic Newtown venue.

The Enmore is the only theatre in Sydney from the Art Deco movement that remains in its original condition, making it imperative that the restoration works remain true to the original style.

The restoration works included reinstating the side wing balconies in accordance with the original 1936 architecture, a full renovation of the elaborate art deco ceiling and its intricate lighting design, reinstatement of the original 24 metre art deco bomber light and upgrades to the building’s fire safety protection.

The new works also saw the installation of two and a half kilometres of state-of-the-art LED strip lighting. The lighting can be computer programmed to synchronise with an artist or band’s performance resulting in a spectacular visual experience for the audience.

On Monday 22nd February, the Enmore will reopen its doors with the 'Sounds of Sydney Reopening Night Gala', featuring a mix of local and national artists including Ian Moss, Tim Freedman, Choirboys, Alex the Astronaut, Red Riders plus more to be announced.

The gala will be a celebration of Sydney with artists performing a mix of original songs alongside covers by Sydney artists or of their favourite song about the city. All ticketing proceeds from the night will be donated to the Australian music charity, Support Act.

Century Venues, Chief Operating Officer, Sam Nardo notes “we can’t wait to welcome people back to the Enmore. While we were devasted by the impact of COVID-19 on our business and the industry, we’re pleased we could utilise the time to restore the Enmore to its original glory and take it to the next level.

‘The Enmore has hosted some of the world’s most iconic artists and created lifelong memories for artists, promoters and punters alike. I encourage everyone to come along and help us celebrate our reopening – it’s going to be big.”

Built in 1908, the Enmore has long enjoyed a rich and colourful history including as a photoplay theatre, a cinema and most recently, as a much-loved live performance hub. For over a century it has played a key part in bringing the local community together for reasons spanning entertainment, activism and celebration.

Renowned artists that have graced the Enmore stage include musicians Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Grace Jones and Pink, as well as comedians Joan Rivers, Jason Alexander and Trevor Noah.

The Enmore Restoration Works Team
Concept and Project Manager, Daniel Guida from DG Consulting Services: Structural Engineers, Mott MacDonald: Colour Consultant, Kat Everett: and Technical and Lighting Design, Joe Caruso.

Sounds of Sydney Reopening Night Gala
When: 7.30pm on Monday 22nd February
Where: The Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown
Tickets:  $55 via www.enmoretheatre.com.au   

Line-up (more to be announced)
Ian Moss
Tim Freedman
Choirboys
Alex The Astronaut
Red Riders
Isabella Manfredi (ex. The Preatures)
Murray Cook (ex. Wiggles)
Mian Ring
Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys
Andy Golledge.