Images: Naomi Jellicoe. Pictured Above: Dunstan Playhouse
After an extensive redevelopment delivered by the State Government in partnership with the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust, the iconic Adelaide Festival Centre is welcoming audiences back with improved comfort, accessibility and state-of-the-art upgrades across its key performance spaces.
The $55 million transformation includes the Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre, with new auditorium seating installed in all three venues, alongside upgraded foyer and auditorium lighting designed to elevate the audience experience. Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre have also received new stage flooring and fresh carpeting in both foyers and auditoriums, and the Festival Theatre’s dressing room wet areas have been refurbished to better support visiting artists and productions.
Accessibility has been enhanced with improved pedestrian access through a new lift and staircase, plus upgrades to the Western Plaza, making it easier for visitors to move between the city and the theatre. Inside, Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre have updated foyer furniture, and the Banquet Room has been refreshed with a new ceiling and paint.
Space Theatre
The upgraded foyers reopen on February 23rd with From Mid-Century to Now: Selections from Adelaide Festival Centre’s Collections, a free exhibition celebrating the centre’s visual and performing arts heritage. The exhibition offers a rare look into the stories, milestones and creative evolution of Australia’s first major performing arts centre.
Audiences will first experience the improved theatres on February 27th, when three major productions take to the stage as part of Adelaide Festival. Festival Theatre will host a new interpretation of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, Dunstan Playhouse will present History of Violence by German director Thomas Ostermeier, and Space Theatre will showcase contemporary dance from China with Re-shaping Identity.
Adding to the excitement is the launch of Angry Penguin, the centre’s new restaurant, opening on the same day. Inspired by an art rebellion and led by Executive Chef Alex Katsman, the venue will combine elevated dining, European techniques and local South Australian produce.
Festival Theatre
“South Australia is proud to be the festival state, and this extensive redevelopment ensures that Adelaide Festival Centre will remain the heart of the arts in our state for generations to come,” shared Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels. “This upgrade will ensure we continue to attract major productions and foster local talent for years to come.”
Adelaide Festival Centre chief executive Kate Gould added, “I am delighted to welcome back our audiences to experience the beloved Adelaide Festival Centre as we re-open with greater accessibility and comfort for both our patrons and our artists.”
Adding an extra layer of fun, the refurbished seats in Festival Theatre and Dunstan Playhouse are available for purchase with personalised plaques, allowing patrons to become part of Australian theatre history.
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