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Cremorne Theatre reborn following $2.3 million refurbishment

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Cremorne Theatre doors reopen today (4 August 2017) to host its first exciting performance following the recent completion of a $2.3 million upgrade.

Premier and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk said the refurbishment of the Cremorne Theatre delivers on the State Government’s commitment to invest in arts and cultural infrastructure while also supporting the growth of the state’s arts sector. 

“The Cremorne is one of the state’s most-loved venues for intimate concerts, live-theatre and cabaret and the refurbishments are a fantastic investment in QPAC, our cultural precinct and our performing arts industry,” the Premier said.

“It’s fitting that the first performance in this reinvigorated space will be a fantastic, energetic collaboration by two of Queensland’s finest performing arts companies, Opera Queensland and Expressions Dance Company, who combine their talents in Mozart Airborne, a celebration of contemporary dance, opera and the music of Mozart.

“The upgrades to the Cremorne provide performers and patrons with an enhanced theatre experience with the venue now providing greater flexibility to hosta expanded range of productions.

“The Cremorne works include a variable height and depth stage, production and architectural dimmers and lighting systems, improved acoustics and a new retractable seating system which provides improved sightlines to the stage.

“Theatre staging can be transformed and adapted for different productions, such as cabaret performances and theatre-in-the-round.

“This is the first time the Cremorne Theatre has had a makeover in its 32-year history and the improvements, together with other planned work to further enhance accessibility to the theatre, will ensure it remains an enjoyable and well-utilised performance space for many years to come,” the Premier said.

“Arts Queensland worked closely with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) to ensure the refurbishment works are in accordance with the Queensland Cultural Centre’s heritage listing and the new Conservation Management Plan for the cultural precinct.

“This investment demonstrates that my Government recognises the value of arts infrastructure in generating cultural and economic returns for the state.”

Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said the makeover was exciting for local arts lovers.

“One of the best things about living in South Brisbane is our vibrant local arts and theatre culture and the Cremorne Theatre is such an important part of that,” Ms Trad said.

“I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the new theatre and the work looks fantastic. I know that theatre lovers from across the state will be excited about the enhanced experience.”

The Cremorne Theatre was closed for three months during the refurbishments.