Pink cursive text reading "The Playhouse" on a black background.

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

  • Event poster with illustrations of an eye and an ear, showcasing details of a theatrical presentation titled 'The Armidale Playhouse Presents'. The poster includes information about a play 'Edward Cowie', descriptions of sensory experiences, and event details including date, time, and website.

    The Seeing Ear and the Listening Eye

    May 15 @ 7:30pm

    Edward Cowie - composer, performer, visual artist, natural scientist, writer film-maker and broadcaster returns to the Armidale Playhouse to share a new 'adventure in thinking and sensing'. Edward will show us that our prime senses of seeing and hearing are in fact deeply connected.

    BUY TICKETS
  • Poster advertising a live music event featuring Stefano Rocco Quartet at The Armidale Playhouse on Saturday, May 23, 2026, 7:30 PM, with a picture of a man with a beard in formal attire holding a yellow guitar.

    Stefano Rocco Quartet

    May 23 @ 7:30pm

    Italian-born, Sydney-based guitarist and composer Stefano Rocco leads the Stefano Rocco Quartet, presenting original music at the crossroads of modern jazz and cinematic atmosphere.

    Influenced by artists such as Pat Metheny, the quartet blends lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and a strong sense of storytelling into a sound that is both soulful and contemporary. Described by Nikos Fotakis (AustralianJazz.net) as having “a humanistic approach to jazz, creating soothing and heartwarming soundscapes,” the group delivers energetic and emotionally engaging live performances.

    The quartet has released two albums (A New Night, A New Day – 2020; Wildlife – 2025) and has performed across Australia and Europe, including Italy, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, and Denmark.

    Stefano Rocco – guitar, compositions

    Nick Southcott – piano

    Nate Griffin – drums

    Winston Weng – double bass

    See video teaser below.

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  • Flyer for a fundraiser screening titled "What would you do to protect hope itself?" supporting the Thin Green Line Foundation and Oceania. Features a patch with a mountain landscape, river, and red hibiscus flower, with details on event time, location, and activities.

    Guardians of Hope

    June 13 @ 7pm

    This powerful documentary shares the stories of protected area workers across Oceania who are on the frontlines of protecting our natural world and cultural heritage. Filmed during a remarkable year-long journey, it offers a rare and moving glimpse into the courage, resilience, and purpose of those who dedicate their lives to caring for land, people, and future generations.

    Why come along?
    This is more than just a fundraiser film screening; it’s an opportunity to:

    Be inspired by real stories of hope and impact

    Listen to the Director, Amanda Dudgeon

    Connect with others who care about community, environment, and purpose

    Support initiatives that strengthen and equip ranger communities across Oceania

    All funds raised go directly to the Protected Area Workers Association

    More details and tickets: Guardians of Hope (Humanitix)

    Whether you’re passionate about conservation, curious about the stories behind the people protecting our world, or simply keen for a meaningful night out, this will be a memorable and worthwhile event.

    Feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested. It would be great to see some familiar faces there!

    BUY TICKETS

What We Do

  • Three performers on stage during a show, with a banner reading 'Appleton' in the background. One performer is on a pedestal, holding a microphone, dressed in pink and colorful pants. Another performer in a sporty green and neon outfit stands to the right, holding a book or item. A third performer, kneeling in front, is reaching towards the performer on the pedestal. The stage is decorated with bags and colorful objects.

    Drama

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

  • A group of five musicians holding string instruments and a flute, standing together against a plain white wall, dressed in elegant, vintage-style clothing.

    Chamber Music

    We present world class concerts by international and local artists.

  • Poster for The Persian Arthouse Festival, scheduled for May 3-5, 2024, focusing on childhood themes. The poster lists screening times and films: 'The Runner' on May 3rd, 'Bashu, the little stranger' on May 4th, 'Where is the friends house?' on May 4th, and 'Breath' on May 5th. It features images from each film, with titles and screening times.

    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.

  • A woman with messy hair and tears on her face lying in bed, looking distressed, with the book cover's title "Teardrops on My Dildo" and author's name Vanessa Larry Mitchell visible.

    Comedy

    We offer the perfect venue for stand-up comedy.

  • A promotional banner for the Armidale Sanctuary Humanitarian Settlement Inc featuring Elijah Buol OAM, MAICD, CEO, announcing a lecture about building unity through hope, compassion, and society, with a smiling man in a suit holding a glass of water.

    Lectures

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

  • Three musicians performing on stage with a grand piano, a double bass, and a drum set, in front of an audience in a dark theater.

    Jazz

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

  • Two men playing acoustic guitars on stage with sheet music stands in front of them, sitting on chairs on a rug, with a third guitar resting against a chair.

    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.

The Humideale Playhouse, a small building with a covered porch and a sign, is shown with a wheelchair ramp, surrounded by trees and other buildings under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a piano keyboard showing black and white keys in black and white.

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.
Learn more about our technical specs.