About


Book Tickets
Book Tickets

Tickets to Enmore Theatre events can be purchased through the following channels:

  • Online: www.enmoretheatre.com.au
  • Phone: (02) 9550 3666

A per ticket booking fee applies to all tickets purchased, excluding Enmore Theatre events. As a condition of sale there are no exchanges, refunds or cancellations once the booking is complete, unless otherwise specified in the Entertainment Industry Code of Practice. Our Box Office and Phone room accept all major credit cards except eftpos.


The Best Live Music Venue In NSW
The Best Live Music Venue In NSW

The Enmore Theatre has been awarded the Best Live Music Venue in NSW award at the 2023 National Live Music Awards.

Thank you to our patrons, clients, staff and supporters. You make us who we are, and we strive to keep brining you all live experiences that you will cherish.


History
History

The Enmore Theatre is now Sydney’s oldest and longest running live theatre.

The Enmore Theatre plays a distinctive role in the social and cultural life of the city and occupies a unique position in Sydney’s theatrical history. Originally built in 1908 and opened to the public as a photo-play theatre in 1912, The Enmore and the Szarka brothers commenced a succession of sold out performances and remarkable success.

The theatre was extensively renovated in 1920 and given a handsome palladium style façade. Hoyts closed the Enmore and began an extensive modernisation of the entire building. The theatre re-emerged as a “large art deco showplace”, with a newly renovated stage, increased stage flying capacity, new façade, interior and décor. It is this art deco remodelling that appears today.

The evolution of the building over nearly a century has resulted in an architectural fabric that includes elements of Art nouveau, Edwardian, Art Moderne and various Art Deco styles.

Unlike so many of its sister city theatres, the Enmore defied demolition. Like Paddington, Glebe and Newtown, Enmore was never pro-development until the early 1980’s. It was during this period that the majestic Regent Theatre was demolished, the Capitol condemned and closed and the Walter Burley Griffin designed Paris destroyed for redevelopment. This left a deep void and created a demand for a theatre of the Enmore’s capacity, staging facilities and heritage ambience and appeal.

The Enmore Theatre is classified by the National Trust and is listed in the Historic Buildings Register of the Australian Institute of Architects. The Enmore Theatre is one of two surviving art deco theatres in Sydney and the only one in its full original condition.

Why does the Enmore Theatre need a Restoration Levy?

The Enmore Theatre is the oldest working theatre in Sydney and is a building of national cultural and heritage significance. Century is committed to its long-term preservation, while continuing to provide our patrons and artists with the very best experience. This is why we have introduced a Heritage Fund, which is applied solely and directly to maintaining and enhancing the Theatre’s heritage fabric, and artist and patron amenities. During the Covid 19 pandemic we committed to and completed a full restoration of the auditorium and the installation of the loges to the dress circle. These balcony boxes were in architect Charles Bohringer’s plans but were never installed in the famous 1936 renovations. The contributions raised from the Heritage Fund were a substantial support to these recent renovations, that were carried out at an extended period of no income to the theatre. We thank you for helping us to achieve this bold renovation and look forward to carry out further improvements.


Marrickville Medal for Conservation
Marrickville Medal for Conservation

The Enmore Theatre was announced the winner of the Marrickville Medal for Conservation and commended for Interior Adaption at the recent Inner West Council’s 2022 Built Environment Awards.

The Marrickville Medal for Conservation has been awarded annually since 1995 and was one of the first of its kind in New South Wales. It celebrates built conservation works that contribute to the understanding and preservation of the Inner West’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

In March 2020, the pandemic saw the Enmore forced to close its doors. With the stage dark, it provided the venue’s owners, Century Venues, an opportunity to bring forward a planned restoration of the iconic Newtown venue.

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 instalment 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.

Managing Director of Century, Elia Eliades, who has owned and operated the historic theatre since the mid-1980s said, “The Enmore is the only theatre in Sydney from the Art Deco movement that remains in its original condition. It was therefore imperative that the restoration works remained true to the original style.”

Builder, Designer and Project Manager for Century, Daniel Guida, was the person charged with this major undertaking. “What started as an upgrade designed to work around performances, expanded into a full scale operation,’ said Guida. “With the forced shutdowns, we took the opportunity to fill the auditorium with scaffold and complete far-reaching heritage reinstatements.”

Chief Operating Officer for Century, Sam Nardo, said this major commitment allowed the group to reinstate the side balcony extensions to the dress circle level. “This has totally changed the relationship between the house and the stage,” said Nardo. “ The whole balcony level was refloored and re-racked to secure perfect sightlines from every seat. Artists and audiences now enjoy greater intimacy and connection.”


Location
Location

The Enmore Theatre is located in the Newtown Entertainment Precinct, Sydney’s unique heartland of live performance, music, cinemas, restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels. Historic King St and Enmore Rd play host to this vibrant nightlife.

The Enmore Theatre
118-132 Enmore Road
(closest cross street – Simmons St)
NEWTOWN, NSW 2042
AUSTRALIA


Accessibility
Accessibility

For information about accessibility and accessible ticket bookings please call our Box Office on (02) 9550 3666.


Age Restrictions
Age Restrictions

The Enmore Theatre runs Licensed All Ages and Over 18’s Only Events. The event specific age restrictions will be stated at the point of purchase. You will be required to present valid photo ID if you have purchased an Adult 18 & Over ticket.

We strongly recommend patrons 15 years and under be accompanied by a responsible adult.