309 Beardy Street, ARMIDALE NSW

The Playhouse is Armidale’s premier performance venue … for drama, music, film … and much more.

Join us to experience entertainment at its best.

Upcoming events

  • The Seeing Ear and the Listening Eye

    May 15 @ 7:30pm

    Edward Cowie - composer, performer, visual artist, natural scientist, writer film-maker and broadcaster returns to the Armidale Playhouse to share a new 'adventure in thinking and sensing'. Edward will show us that our prime senses of seeing and hearing are in fact deeply connected.

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  • Stefano Rocco Quartet

    May 23 @ 7:30pm

    Italian-born, Sydney-based guitarist and composer Stefano Rocco leads the Stefano Rocco Quartet, presenting original music at the crossroads of modern jazz and cinematic atmosphere.

    Influenced by artists such as Pat Metheny, the quartet blends lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and a strong sense of storytelling into a sound that is both soulful and contemporary. Described by Nikos Fotakis (AustralianJazz.net) as having “a humanistic approach to jazz, creating soothing and heartwarming soundscapes,” the group delivers energetic and emotionally engaging live performances.

    The quartet has released two albums (A New Night, A New Day – 2020; Wildlife – 2025) and has performed across Australia and Europe, including Italy, Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, and Denmark.

    Stefano Rocco – guitar, compositions

    Nick Southcott – piano

    Nate Griffin – drums

    Winston Weng – double bass

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  • Guardians of Hope

    June 13 @ 7pm

    This powerful documentary shares the stories of protected area workers across Oceania who are on the frontlines of protecting our natural world and cultural heritage. Filmed during a remarkable year-long journey, it offers a rare and moving glimpse into the courage, resilience, and purpose of those who dedicate their lives to caring for land, people, and future generations.

     

    Why come along?
    This is more than just a fundraiser film screening it’s an opportunity to:

    Be inspired by real stories of hope and impact

    Listen to the Director, Amanda Dudgeon

    Connect with others who care about community, environment, and purpose

    Support initiatives that strengthen and equip ranger communities across Oceania

    All funds raised go directly to the Protected Area Workers Association

     

    More details and tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/guardians-of-hope-armidale

     

    Whether you’re passionate about conservation, curious about the stories behind the people protecting our world, or simply keen for a meaningful night out, this will be a memorable and worthwhile event.

     

    Feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested. It would be great to see some familiar faces there!

    BUY TICKETS

What We Do

  • Drama

    We stage drama prouctions by The Armidale Drama and Musical Society, University of New England, local schools and visiting companies.

  • Chamber Music

    We present world class concerts by international and local artists.

  • Film

    We screen films for a number of local organisations as well as presenting past production by Opera New England and The Armidale Drama and Musical Society.

  • Comedy

    We offer the perfect venue for stand-up comedy.

  • Lectures

    We are the perfect venue for your next lecture or presentation.

  • Jazz

    Chillout at one of our great jazz concerts by local and visiting artists.

  • Recitals

    Come and hear a wide variety of music from local and international artists.

Our History

In the 1960s, the Department of Education decided to build a new Drummond School, and The Armidale Theatre Club secured an old classroom building, relocating it to the current site of The Armidale Playhouse. Over the years, it evolved into a theatre, named 'The Armidale Playhouse' in 1968. Unfortunately, in 2006, it lost its artistic venue license due to fire and safety issues. In 2010, the Armidale District Music Society merged with The Playhouse, forming the Armidale Drama and Musical Society (ADMS), taking responsibility for the theatre.

Efforts to regain a performance license and create a modern theatre began in 2014, but they need your support. Donations are crucial to complete the renovations and make The Armidale Playhouse a fully functional public theatre once again. The ADMS has been actively fundraising, securing grants, and seeking community support to cover the continued upgrades. With your help, we can grow The Armidale Playhouse and continue to provide high-quality performances for the Armidale community. Your generous contributions will play a vital role in bringing the arts back to our city and creating a vibrant cultural hub for generations to come.

Together, let's ensure that The Armidale Playhouse thrives once again and remains a cherished place for the community to enjoy outstanding theatrical experiences.

Our Facilities

  • The theatre is equiped with a bar, kitchenette, disabled and ambulatory toilets and an outside deck to enjoy your pre-show and intervals refreshments.

  • Our back stage area has a comfortable Green Room and male and female dressing rooms. There is also a toilet and facilities for making refreshments.

  • We have a full lighting and sound rig, intercom facilities and a Hearing Loop. See our technical pages for full descriptions.

  • The theatre has its own Kawai grand piano.

Learn more about our technical specs.