New owners for Brisbane Arts Theatre

The Ad Astra Theatre Company has announced its purchase of the under threat Brisbane Arts Theatre.

Operating since 1961, the historic Brisbane venue had been threatened with potential demolition and replacement by apartments prior to its purchase by the Ad Astra Theatre Company last month.

Ad Astra Theatre Company owners Dan and Fiona Kennedy are reported to have paid $3 million for the property at 210 Petrie Terrace on the edge of the Brisbane CBD.

Commenting on the acquisition, Fiona Kennedy advised “this iconic venue has been the theatrical home for so many actors, directors, designers, technicians and playwrights.

“Its history is central to the story of theatre in Brisbane.”

Founded as Brisbane Amateur Theatres in 1936, the company officially became known as the Brisbane Arts Theatre in 1947. 14 years later, the Petrie Terrace building became the company’s long term home - having been purchased in 1956 for £6000.

The sale, which will ensure the Brisbane Arts Theatre’s survival as a company, largely resulted from it being hard hit during pandemic lockdown.

Dan Kennedy said they believed the theatre was worth saving, advising of plans to refurbish the property.

He stated “Fiona and I think it is wonderful that we are able to help save a landmark like the Brisbane Arts Theatre from demolition and preserve such an important venue for Brisbane’s theatre scene.

“We look forward to a long and happy association with Brisbane Arts Theatre.”

Brisbane Arts Theatre President Tallulah Grey added “we’re so pleased to confirm that the location will remain as a theatre going forward, and will be the future home of the Ad Astra theatre company.

“Brisbane Arts Theatre will remain leased tenants for the next 18-30 months in our current location, and, after that, 210 Petrie Terrace will remain the home of our Children’s Theatre program for the foreseeable future.”

Fiona Kenneday added “we look forward to giving our professional theatre company, Ad Astra, a permanent home and the emerging artists of Queensland the opportunity to create, produce and perform.

“We are unashamedly ambitious. We want to help launch professional careers and we hope the artistic community of Queensland will join us in striving to generate more opportunities for our talented, determined, enthusiastic performance artists.”

For more information, go to www.adastracreativity.com/brisbane-arts-theatre

Images courtesy of the Brisbane Arts Theatre.