History

The Enmore Theatre is now Sydney’s oldest and longest running live theatre.

The Enmore Theatre plays a distinctive role in the social and cultural life of the city and occupies a unique position in Sydney’s theatrical history. Originally built in 1908 and opened to the public as a photo-play theatre in 1912, The Enmore and the Szarka brothers commenced a succession of sold out performances and remarkable success.

The theatre was extensively renovated in 1920 and given a handsome palladium style façade. Hoyts closed the Enmore and began an extensive modernisation of the entire building. The theatre re-emerged as a “large art deco showplace”, with a newly renovated stage, increased stage flying capacity, new façade, interior and décor. It is this art deco remodelling that appears today.

The evolution of the building over nearly a century has resulted in an architectural fabric that includes elements of Art nouveau, Edwardian, Art Moderne and various Art Deco styles.

Unlike so many of its sister city theatres, the Enmore defied demolition. Like Paddington, Glebe and Newtown, Enmore was never pro-development until the early 1980’s. It was during this period that the majestic Regent Theatre was demolished, the Capitol condemned and closed and the Walter Burley Griffin designed Paris destroyed for redevelopment. This left a deep void and created a demand for a theatre of the Enmore’s capacity, staging facilities and heritage ambience and appeal.

The Enmore Theatre is classified by the National Trust and is listed in the Historic Buildings Register of the Australian Institute of Architects. The Enmore Theatre is one of two surviving art deco theatres in Sydney and the only one in its full original condition.

Why does the Enmore Theatre need a Restoration Levy?

The Enmore Theatre is the oldest working theatre in Sydney and is a building of national cultural and heritage significance. Century is committed to its long-term preservation, while continuing to provide our patrons and artists with the very best experience. This is why we have introduced a Heritage Fund, which is applied solely and directly to maintaining and enhancing the Theatre’s heritage fabric, and artist and patron amenities. During the Covid 19 pandemic we committed to and completed a full restoration of the auditorium and the installation of the loges to the dress circle. These balcony boxes were in architect Charles Bohringer’s plans but were never installed in the famous 1936 renovations. The contributions raised from the Heritage Fund were a substantial support to these recent renovations, that were carried out at an extended period of no income to the theatre. We thank you for helping us to achieve this bold renovation and look forward to carry out further improvements.