Sydney's Footbridge Theatre to reopen after almost 20 years

After almost 20 years of use as a lecture hall, the University of Sydney’s Footbridge Theatre is set to reopen - managed by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

First opened in 1961 as the Union Theatre, the venue is known for having given a start to many famous theatrical names including Shakespearean actor/director John Bell, theatre and opera director Neil Armfield, performers Marcia Hines and Nancye Hayes, film director Bruce Beresford and author and feminist Germain Greer.

Commenting on the repurposing of the venue, University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mark Scott stated “we are delighted to welcome the public back to the Footbridge Theatre, a cherished venue by so many.

“This space has always been a hub of creativity and inspiration, enriching the cultural fabric of the city. Its revival means we can continue to build strong connections with the Sydney arts community, ensuring everyone benefits from this vibrant cultural exchange.”

Located on Parramatta Road in the inner Sydney suburb of Camperdown, the refurbished Footbridge Theatre will be operated by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to give students enrolled in the Music Theatre degree a permanent production home that can replicate professional standards and practice.

The students will use the refurbished theatre for classes, rehearsals and full productions performed for the public. Jazz and contemporary music students will also perform in the theatre.

Professor Reid noted “the reopening of the Footbridge Theatre is more than just a restoration; it is a rekindling of fond memories for so many in our community.

“Generations of Sydneysiders have cherished moments of joy and laughter in this iconic space, and its revival brings those memories to life once again.

“Our students from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music are excited to infuse the University of Sydney’s main campus with vibrant performances. They’ll bring not only their talents but also a renewed sense of life, laughter, and creativity, enriching the campus and adding to its cultural heartbeat.”

The new refurbishment includes:

• State of the art sound, lighting and projection equipment

• 230 seats - the perfect mid-size theatre that Sydney needs

• A small orchestra pit for 22 live musicians

• A manual fly tower for students to learn traditional theatre skills

• Restoration in keeping with the heritage of the building, staying true to fond memories of the proscenium arch stage and 1960s ceiling features

History of the Footbridge Theatre
Originally conceived in 1955, and designed by renowned theatre architect John W. Roberts, the theatre first opened on 16th September 1961, with 655 seats and a proscenium arch stage design.

It became the Footbridge Theatre in 1981.

It hosted student theatre productions and film screenings and was later leased by Gordon Frost Organisation and rented out to professional companies such as Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre Company and Sydney Festival.

Passersby to the theatre will notice the distinctive iron sculpture on the façade, by Lyndon Dadswell, has remained part of the refurbishment. It was added in 1962 and represents ‘University Life’.

University of Sydney Associate Professor Cameron Logan, Director of Masters in Heritage Conservation, said the theatre was part of a post-war trend to include the wider community on Australian campuses.

“In the postwar decades planners and policymakers encouraged Australian universities to reimagine their mission and transition away from their former role as privileged enclaves of scholarship and elite networking toward an idea of themselves as modern, knowledge-centred public resources.

“At the University of Sydney and other institutions this more civic conception was promoted through the addition of new regionally significant cultural facilities which adopted the language of modern architecture. The Footbridge (formerly Union) Theatre was part of this trend.”

Professor Reid concluded that investing in the restoration of the Footbridge Theatre is an investment in the future of the arts, going on to say “the revival of the Footbridge Theatre not only benefits our students, but it also holds immense value for the city of Sydney.

“By nurturing and cultivating our talented individuals, we are contributing to the rich cultural fabric of our community.

“As these graduates step into the professional realm, Sydney can anticipate an influx of exceptional and well-trained performers who will bring joy, entertainment, and a touch of magic to the stages of our city.”

Images: The Footbridge Theatre in October 2024 (top, credit: Fiona Wolf) and the interior of the venue (below, credti: Grant Leslie Photography).