309 Beardy Street, ARMIDALE NSW

The Playhouse is Armidale’s premier performance venue … for drama, music, film … and much more.

Join us to experience entertainment at its best.

Upcoming events

  • A Prelude to Remembrance Day

    5 NOVEMBER @ 7:30pm

    A presentation of spoken commentary, complementary visuals and musical interludes for solo viola and viola with piano.

    Presented by Robert Harris (viola) with Robyn Bradley (piano).

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  • Next to Normal

    21 - 29 NOVEMBER

    "A BRAVE BREATHTAKING MUSICAL.

    IT IS SOMETHING MUCH MORE THAN A FEEL-GOOD MUSICAL. IT IS A FEEL-EVERYTHING MUSICAL"

    Next to Normal is an intimate exploration of family and illness, loss and grief, featuring a thrilling rock score from composer Tom Kitt and Book & Lyrics from Brian Yorkey. At its heart is Diana, a suburban wife and mother living with bipolar disorder and haunted by her past. The musical won 3 Tony Awards® and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, one of only ten musicals to win the prestigious award. 

    This show contains adult themes and strong language. The music is loud.

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  • Outasight: The sounds of the Swinging 60s

    5 & 6 DECEMBER

    OutaSight: The Sounds of the Swinging’60s

    Come and join the Organismics and Katy Haselwood for an unforgettable evening of music from the Swinging ‘60s.

    The Organismics put their own idiosyncratic jazz-fusion-inspired spin on some well-known and lesser-known tunes of the ‘60s. Featuring Warwick Dunham on Hammond organ, Steve Thorneycroft on guitars, Cary Bennett on drums and vocals and with special guest Katy Haselwood on vocals, OutaSight: The Sounds of the Swinging ‘60s will be an memorable experience for young and old.

    Two shows only: Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December.

    Shows start at 7.30pm.

    Tickets $35/$25

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What We Do

  • Drama

    We stage drama prouctions by The Armidale Drama and Musical Society, University of New England, local schools and visiting companies.

  • Chamber Music

    We present world class concerts by international and local artists.

  • Film

    We screen films for a number of local organisations as well as presenting past production by Opera New England and The Armidale Drama and Musical Society.

  • Comedy

    We offer the perfect venue for stand-up comedy.

  • Lectures

    We are the perfect venue for your next lecture or presentation.

  • Jazz

    Chillout at one of our great jazz concerts by local and visiting artists.

  • Recitals

    Come and hear a wide variety of music from local and international artists.

Our History

In the 1960s, the Department of Education decided to build a new Drummond School, and The Armidale Theatre Club secured an old classroom building, relocating it to the current site of The Armidale Playhouse. Over the years, it evolved into a theatre, named 'The Armidale Playhouse' in 1968. Unfortunately, in 2006, it lost its artistic venue license due to fire and safety issues. In 2010, the Armidale District Music Society merged with The Playhouse, forming the Armidale Drama and Musical Society (ADMS), taking responsibility for the theatre.

Efforts to regain a performance license and create a modern theatre began in 2014, but they need your support. Donations are crucial to complete the renovations and make The Armidale Playhouse a fully functional public theatre once again. The ADMS has been actively fundraising, securing grants, and seeking community support to cover the continued upgrades. With your help, we can grow The Armidale Playhouse and continue to provide high-quality performances for the Armidale community. Your generous contributions will play a vital role in bringing the arts back to our city and creating a vibrant cultural hub for generations to come.

Together, let's ensure that The Armidale Playhouse thrives once again and remains a cherished place for the community to enjoy outstanding theatrical experiences.

Our Facilities

  • The theatre is equiped with a bar, kitchenette, disabled and ambulatory toilets and an outside deck to enjoy your pre-show and intervals refreshments.

  • Our back stage area has a comfortable Green Room and male and female dressing rooms. There is also a toilet and facilities for making refreshments.

  • We have a full lighting and sound rig, intercom facilities and a Hearing Loop. See our technical pages for full descriptions.

  • The theatre has its own Kawai grand piano.

Learn more about our technical specs.