In the Space: Enmore Theatre
If walls could talk, the Enmore Theatre would have enough stories to keep you entertained for a lifetime. The iconic theatre, located in Newtown, Sydney, has seen it all: from photo-play theatre to concerts, from silent movies to live performances. Today, the theatre is the longest-running live venue in Sydney and is considered a medium-sized venue that can hold up to 1,700 people when fully seated and 2,500 when seats are removed.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The Enmore Theatre was built in 1908 and opened in 1912 as a photo-play theatre. The Szarka Brothers, a well-known theatre family at the time, were responsible for the theatre’s rejuvenation. The theatre underwent extensive renovations in 1920, before it was opened by then-Premier John Storey. Soon after, the Hoyts cinema chain purchased the venue from the Szarka brothers in 1936, and it was eventually closed in 1967.
In 1969, the Louis Film Company purchased the theatre and renamed it the ‘Finos Theatre,’ screening only Greek films. However, the 1980s saw a decline in theatre attendance across Sydney, and the theatre was closed once again. But in 1985, the Enmore Theatre was reopened with its original name, thanks to the Fink family, who became the sole owner of Hoyts.
The Venue Today
Today, the Enmore Theatre is owned by Century and has been used for a variety of arts, from photographic and performing arts to music and motion picture. The theatre’s art deco style is protected by its listing as a historic building within Sydney, and it is the only theatre in Sydney from the Art Deco movement in its original condition. The Enmore Theatre has undergone many renovations and shifts of ownership and has hosted international bands such as Bob Dylan.
The Enmore Theatre’s Famous Acts
The Enmore Theatre has seen many famous musical acts grace its stage. From indie pop sensation Amy Shark to British hip-hop star Dizzie Rascal, the theatre has hosted a variety of genres from all over the world. American folk and rock legend Bob Dylan performed there in 2018, and even Coldplay, the UK’s biggest alternative rock band, has graced the stage of the Enmore Theatre.
The Collapse of 2022
However, even the Enmore Theatre is not immune to mishaps. On March 3, 2022, during a sold-out show by Genesis Owusu, the dance floor collapsed two songs into his set. The concert was halted and rescheduled, but thankfully no one was injured. The venue confirmed the following day that the floor had been repaired and all scheduled shows would still continue.
All in all, the Enmore Theatre has seen it all. From its early beginnings as a photo-play theatre to its current standing as one of the most iconic venues in Sydney, the Enmore Theatre has been a witness to the ever-changing landscape of the arts and entertainment industry. So, the next time you attend a performance at the Enmore Theatre, take a moment to appreciate the history and character of this iconic venue.
