Darlinghurst’s iconic Eternity Playhouse is making a grand return as the Off Broadway Hub for the upcoming Sydney Fringe Festival. After being closed for over a year, the historic venue is set to reopen its doors in September. The Playhouse had remained dark since the resident company Darlinghurst Theatre faced liquidation in June the previous year.
Expressing excitement about the reopening, the newly appointed CEO of the festival, Patrick Kennedy, highlighted the significance of bringing back the beloved theatre to the community. Kennedy, who took over the role following the departure of the long-serving CEO Kerri Glasscock, emphasized the collaborative efforts between the festival and the City of Sydney in finalizing the Playhouse agreement, which was recently signed.
According to a City of Sydney spokesperson, the council will manage the theatre for the next three years, with the Fringe Festival being the inaugural event to utilize the venue. Plans are in place to showcase a variety of locally produced performing arts in the coming years, with the intention to secure a resident company or operator for the long-term sustainability of the theatre.
With over 460 events spread across 10 festival hubs and four precincts, this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival promises a diverse and engaging program. The festival aims to cater to a wide audience base by offering a platform for nearly 3000 artists to participate in various performances.
Unlike the Sydney Festival, which follows a curated approach, the Sydney Fringe Festival primarily operates on an open-access model, allowing artists from different backgrounds to present their work. Kennedy noted that a significant portion of the festival’s content is open for artists to apply and showcase their creativity.
Headlining acts at this year’s festival include immersive theatre experiences such as When Night Comes and acclaimed shows by UK storytelling duo Wright & Grainger. The Eternity Playhouse will host a range of performances spanning cabaret, dance, and other art forms, featuring works by renowned artists like Lewis Major and The Ghana Road Show.
While the festival’s attendance has seen a steady increase in recent years, Kennedy emphasized that success should be measured beyond mere numbers. He stressed the importance of offering meaningful content to audiences and encouraging them to explore new artistic expressions.
The Sydney Fringe Festival is scheduled to run from September 1 to September 30, offering a plethora of shows and experiences for attendees. With an average ticket price of around $25, the festival aims to provide affordable access to a diverse range of performances, inviting audiences to discover and engage with the vibrant arts scene in Sydney.
📰 Related Articles
- Vivid Sydney 2025: Resilient Festival Delights Amid Rain Challenges
- Sydney Theatre Festival Showcases Multicultural Stories and Stellar Performances
- SXSW Sydney Music Festival Showcases Global Talent and Industry Leaders
- Youth Theatre Festival Showcases Local Talent and International Flavor
- World Business Forum Sydney 2024: Purpose-Driven Strategies for Success