Operators reveal new management team and logo for Theatre Royal Sydney

UK-based Trafalgar Entertainment, the new operators of Theatre Royal Sydney, have provided an update on the progress of the venue’s refurbishment while also announcing senior appointments - Jono Perry as General Manager, Nick Cook as Technical Manager and Houri Tapiki as Head of Customer Experience - the first members to join the Theatre Royal management team.

With work advancing in anticipation of welcoming back audiences this year, cranes recently hoisted the brand-new circular entrance drum and doors at the front of the venue as glaziers worked to secure the glass into position to unify the internal theatre foyer with Sydney’s King Street.

In a statement on the refurbishment, Tim McFarlane, Trafalgar Entertainment’s Executive Chairman Asia Pacific, advised “the transformation of the entrance and façade of the venue opens up unique views of the magnificent ceiling designed by the Italian structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi to street level for the very first time.

“Theatre Royal Sydney located within Sydney’s business and high-end fashion precinct and the new glass entrance signifies the window into its cultural world, truly where the city meets the stage.

“Audiences will clearly remember the circular entrance which has been unique to the Theatre Royal since Harry Seidler’s original 1970s design and we are thrilled to see the circular design take one step further in this redevelopment with a full transparent entrance showcasing and revealing the gorgeous theatre foyer within, allowing the connection with the city of Sydney inviting the passers-by to step inside and experience it’s cultural and live entertainment offerings.”

Management Team
The first appointments to the venue’s management team, sees Jono Perry ready to contribute his wealth of experience in the entertainment industry both Australia and internationally over 20 years.

Most recently as Wharf Renewal Project Director at Sydney Theatre Company, he has held as senior positions at organisations including Opera Australia, Brisbane Festival and the Queensland Ballet. Nick Cook has been engaged in live performance industries for close to 20 years, having held the position of Head of Technical Operations at both the Sydney Lyric and Capitol Theatres, as well as, most recently at the newly opened Sydney Coliseum. 

Houri Tapiki joins the team after most recently leading the Client Services teams at Ticketek which further enhances her expertise in leading customer experiences across a diverse range of venues and events.

Welcoming his appointment, Perry advised “the refurbishment and re-opening of Theatre Royal Sydney is another significant milestone rebuilding Sydney’s cultural life (and) will re-establish Sydney’s CBD as our driver for the cultural and visitor economy.”

Branding and logo
Another important milestone in the Theatre Royal redevelopment is the creation of its new logo by Sydney based award-winning agency Christopher Doyle & Co.

In line with the Theatre’s restoration, Trafalgar Entertainment wanted to create an identity that honoured Harry Seidler’s architecture and Pier Luigi Nervi’ foyer ceiling.

Staying true to this Modernist style, the bold and simple logomark that references the Nervi ceiling as well as the heritage of the Theatre’s name. 

Economic impact
With its location in the MLC Centre precinct at the heart of Sydney, Trafalgar Entertainment are mindful that the venue is an important cultural asset for Sydney and NSW.

Highlighting the partnership between the NSW Government, Trafalgar Entertainment and Dexus, owner and manager of the MLC Centre in aiming to enhance Sydney’s cultural landscape, NSW Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin, advises “city centres are evolving - the best will have a lively, rich mix of uses, day and night.

“This pioneering partnership will help to reinvigorate Sydney’s night-time economy, providing new jobs and making it amongst the best places to live, work and visit in the world.

“As the NSW Government plans for a strong economic bounce back from the challenges we’ve faced in 2020, the Theatre Royal will play a major role in enlivening our city’s economy. Internationally renowned musicals deliver around $25 million in visitor spend over a six-month run and around 200 jobs. Reopening the Theatre Royal will ensure NSW gets the first run for a host of international productions, before any other State, reaffirming our position as Australia’s premier destination for musical theatre.”

Dexus Head of City Retail Development, Amanda Pieriboni added "the reactivation of the iconic Theatre Royal will improve the amenity in the precinct and add to Sydney’s night-time economy, cementing the MLC Centre a true mixed-use destination.”

Sir Howard Panter, Trafalgar Entertainment’s Group Chief Executive, concluded “the eyes of the international arts industry are firmly set on Sydney as it heralds a further cultural renaissance playing a very important part in the recovery and renewal of the creative industries.

“Theatre Royal Sydney will be transformed with international standards to house world-class productions from Australia and around the world from major commercial musicals, plays, ballet & live music. TE is collaborating with leading producers and promoters across its industry networks worldwide to establish a diverse programme of first-class theatre productions.

Sydney holds a unique position as producers from all around the globe are circling to be one of the first to have their productions play in the Theatre Royal in 2021. We are currently in talks with producers across Australia, the USA and London, to confirm inspiring productions to relaunch Theatre Royal. We know this activity will play a key role in Sydney’s cultural and economic revival.”

Images: Concept's for the redeveloped Theatre Royal Sydney's entrance and foyer (top and below) and its new logo (middle).