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

  • Chopin's Last Tour

    14 JUNE @ 7:30pm

    “Chopin’s Last Tour” is set in Scotland, 1848, the year before his death. He is in Scotland at the invitation of one Lady Jane Stirling who loves him.

    It is the story of his life through his feelings and music, (live piano during the show). It answers the questions, “What was this man, who wrote such wonderful music, really like?

    What were his circumstances, what influenced him and who did he mix with?”

    This production has been performed, with success and rave reviews in Edinburgh, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Avignon(FR), London, New Zealand and others.

    If you love his music this is a must see show.

    More information at www.anvilcreektheatre.com

  • This Is Me

    21 JUNE @ 7:30pm

    The Nambucca Valley’s Wyz Wimmin & Friends Theatre Company (WW&Fs) has built a reputation for excellence since forming nearly ten years ago. Its latest production is ‘This is Me’ and it is coming to the Playhouse Theatre on Saturday 21st June at 7.30 pm

    Recently playing to audiences in the Nambucca Valley and Bellingen, these are patrons’ Facebook comments: ‘Don’t miss this show … book in for laughs, tears and thought provoking entertainment’ (Anne); ‘Absolutely loved the show’ (Pam); ‘This is a must see. Such a talented group. Saw the show today and absolutely loved it. Thank you Wyz Women!!’ (Helen).

    The production features a rich diversity of characters sharing their inimitable stories. Among them is Marley whose fondness for chocolate got her into trouble with the law, not that she appears contrite. Other characters on stage will include the elderly Nona, whose boyfriend’s daughter is causing her grief, and then there’s Lydia who asks a younger friend’s advice about pleasing a man, with unexpected results…

    Please note that the production has adult themes and language and is NOT suitable for children.

    More information on the WW&F’s website: wyzwimmin.org.au 

  • Stage Whispers

    28, 29 JUNE

    A selection of monologues by young local performers in Years 7 to 11.

  • Press Play

    19 JULY @ 12noon

    We invite our younger audience members to explore their own voices. The pre-concert improvisation workshop makes for a great family holiday activity, and you don't need an instrument or any musical experience to join!

    FREE ENTRY - NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED

  • Stories in Sound

    19 JULY @ 2:00pm

    We all have important stories to tell, and our own unique voice to tell them with. When we listen to the stories that composers share through their music, we learn not only about the story, but about their emotional connection and experience of the story. From Margaret Sutherland, one of Australia's classical music legends, to the new voice of Imogen Ferdinando, Dialogue of Minds invites you to share in their retelling of these tales.

    Join international chamber duo Dialogue of Minds as they dig out untold stories. Australian clarinetist Kristina Newton and Swedish pianist Joel Slott visit Australia for just a handful of concerts after their second London tour. Their ambition is to always find ways to inject classical music with new life, whether that be with new commissions or new interpretations. They are admired for their sensitivity, having received training and praise across Europe.

    We also invite our younger audience members to explore their own voices. The pre-concert improvisation workshop makes for a great family holiday activity, and you don't need an instrument or any musical experience to join!

  • Stefano Rocco Quartet

    2 AUGUST @ 7:30pm

    The Stefano Rocco Quartet, recently released the second studio album WILDLIFE, which we had the pleasure of promoting across 5 European countries on tour in January 2025.

    Here you can watch our first single's video "Catwalk".

    WILDLIFE was recently reviewed by Filipe Freitas on Jazztrail.net :

    "Rocco’s musical tastes are both complex and unexpected, and the album’s arrangements reflect his refined artistry"

    I’m lucky to be joined by one of the finest lineups in the country:

    Ed Rodrigues - drums

    Nick Southcott - piano

    Elsen Price - double bass

  • Lube Me Alone

    9 AUGUST

    Vanessa Larry Mitchell returns with another hilarious show.

  • Max Alduca Jazz Quartet

    10 AUGUST

    Max Alduca is one of Australia’s most in-demand bassists, regularly touring nationally and internationally with Hamed Sadeghi’s Eishan Ensemble, Hilary Geddes Quartet, The Pocket Trio, Microfiche and many others. He has also worked with prominent artists including Mike Nock, Paul Grabowsky and Dale Barlow. The quintet, formed in 2022, reflects Alduca’s long-standing musical relationships with Geddes, Avgenicos, Sweeting, and Waples. Their collective sound, shaped by years of collaboration, is at the core of Monastery.

  • 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

  • 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 Deidre Rickards (piano).

  • 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.