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

  • Clue

    NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 7

    Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT

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  • In Two Minds

    FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER @ 7:30pm

    Music inspired by Australian birds, landscape and paintings.

    Performed by Duo Menurida - Laura Chislett (flutes) and Edward Cowie (piano).

    BUY TICKETS

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.