Curtains rise on the newly upgraded Roslyn Packer Theatre

Reopening its doors at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct following a major upgrade project.

Delivered by Create NSW during an eight-week closure, this $6.7 million investment in creative and cultural infrastructure has transformed the Roslyn Packer Theatre’s technical and audience experience, ensuring its place as one of Australia’s leading performance venues.

At the heart of the project is the control system for the fully automated fly system – the network of theatrical rigging that moves lighting, scenery and staging effects on stage. The $4 million control system replaces the 21-year-old system that had reached end-of-life, future-proofing the theatre’s capabilities for ambitious productions now and into the future.

The state-of-the-art system allows STC to continue to achieve flawless execution of its ambitious stage productions, such as the highly technical, award-winning cine-theatre like The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dracula and The Talented Mr Ripley, which has over 30 scene changes, transporting the audience from 1950’s New York to the mid-century glamour of summer on the Amalfi Coast, Italian Riveria, Venice and Rome.

While the fly system upgrade was the central focus, Create NSW took advantage of the closure to deliver a fast and highly coordinated program of additional works. These included:

  • Replacement of the 20-year-old seating with new, more comfortable, accessible auditorium seats.
  • Improved foyer lighting and refreshed interiors.
  • Essential roofing works, safety upgrades and fire compliance improvements.
  • Updates to the Building Management System and structural maintenance.

The project was led by an all-female project team, who achieved significant cost and time efficiencies while ensuring the theatre was ready to welcome audiences and Sydney Theatre Company back on schedule.

Funded by the NSW Government, this project is part of a broader commitment to invest in cultural infrastructure across the state. By future-proofing vital venues like Roslyn Packer Theatre, the government is supporting artists to deliver ambitious, world-class productions and keeping Walsh Bay Arts Precinct at the centre of NSW’s creative life.

The first production to take to the upgraded stage is The Talented Mr. Ripley, playing at Roslyn Packer Theatre until 28th September.