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

  • Lachlan McKenzie Quintet - "Departures" Album Release

    17 APRIL @ 7:30pm

    Lachlan McKenzie is a musician who has gained recognition both nationally and internationally for his formidable abilities as a jazz trumpeter and composer. Born and bred in Brisbane but Sydney-based since 2021, Lachlan has had the opportunity to perform & record with various well-known artists over the years. In 2023, Lachlan toured his quartet to Osaka, Japan to perform at the 25th annual Takatsuki Jazz Street Festival, and over the last two years Lachlan has also performed at leading jazz clubs in Seoul, South Korea and Bangkok, Thailand.

    “Departures” is Lachlan’s sophomore album, which features seven of his original compositions, coincidentally written over a seven-year period. The captivating, modern music explores themes of relocating, new beginnings, isolation, and sentimentality. Along with the pensive and evocative sound of Lachlan’s trumpet, the music is brought to life by a team of celebrated close friends and collaborators – Lachy Hamilton (tenor saxophone), Wilbur Whitta (piano), Jacob Graham (double bass), and George Greenhill (drums).

    Justin Yeo (tenor saxophone) and Alex Young (drums) will join Lachlan, Wilbur, and Jacob to form a special quintet for this album-release tour.

    Lachlan McKenzie – Trumpet.

    Justin Yeo – Tenor Saxophone.

    Wilbur Whitta – Piano

    Jacob Graham – Double Bass

    Alex Young - Drums

    BUY TICKETS

  • Armidale Sanctuary

    1 MAY

  • Persian Film Festival

    9 - 11 MAY

    Returning this year by popular demand.

  • Godtet

    1 JUNE

    Improvised music band from Sydney

  • Stage Whispers

    28, 29 JUNE

    A selection of monologues by young performers

  • Dialogue of Minds

    19 JULY

    Clarinet and piano chamber duo performing contemporary Australian compositions

  • Lube Me Alone

    9 AUGUST

    Vanessa Larry Mitchell returns with another hilarious show.

  • Max Alduca Jazz Quartet

    10 AUGUST

  • Antonietta Loffredo

    19 AUGUST

    Antonietta is a visiting performer from Italy who specialises in the toy piano and toy instruments.

  • Australian Haydn Ensemble

    6 SEPTEMBER

    Returning for another outstanding concert

  • Living the Tradition

    13 SEPTEMBER

    De Ziah and Date return for another inspiring concert of music with Irish origins

  • Kristian Winther and Brieley Cutting

    19 SEPTEMBER

    Violin and piano recital

  • The Vampires

    20 SEPTEMBER

    ARIA award winning world-roots jazz ensemble

  • Next to Normal

    21 - 29 NOVEMBER

    Winner of three Tony Awards, Next to Normal is a musical with a story centering on a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effects that managing her illness has on her family.

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 rtists.

  • 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.