Pink cursive text reading "The Playhouse" on a black background.

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.

Persian Cinema Evening

12 June

Full program details, including film selections and ticketing, will be announced shortly. Keep an eye on our website for updates.

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price coming soon

booking fee

Tickets Coming Soon!

Upcoming Events

Guardians of Hope

13 June @ 7:00 pm

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. It gives a glimpse into the courage, resilience, and purpose of those who dedicate their lives to caring for land, people, and future generations.

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$20.00

15% booking fee per ticket

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Stage Whispers

19 June

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booking fee

A team of talented and passionate local performers will work with young people to develop their performance skills, guiding them through the art of the monologue — one of theatre's most powerful and personal forms of expression.

Tickets Coming Soon!

Can Assist Armidale Charity Movie Night

20 June @ 6:30 pm

Join us for a wonderful evening of film, community, and good company as we raise vital funds for local cancer patients through Can Assist Armidale. We're screening the much-loved Australian comedy-drama Ladies in Black.

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$25 & $35

$0.50 booking fee per ticket

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The Dumb Waiter

24 July - 1 August @ 7:00 pm

A razor-sharp post-World War II comedy of menace, The Dumb Waiter depicts a world where humour opens the door and menace walks in. Two men wait in a basement room for instructions, filling the time with tea, football, the newspaper, and small irritations.

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$30, $37 & $45

15% booking fee per ticket

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What We Do

  • Three performers on stage during a show, with a banner reading 'Appleton' in the background. One performer is on a pedestal, holding a microphone, dressed in pink and colorful pants. Another performer in a sporty green and neon outfit stands to the right, holding a book or item. A third performer, kneeling in front, is reaching towards the performer on the pedestal. The stage is decorated with bags and colorful objects.

    Drama

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

  • A group of five musicians holding string instruments and a flute, standing together against a plain white wall, dressed in elegant, vintage-style clothing.

    Chamber Music

    We present world class concerts by international and local artists.

  • Poster for The Persian Arthouse Festival, scheduled for May 3-5, 2024, focusing on childhood themes. The poster lists screening times and films: 'The Runner' on May 3rd, 'Bashu, the little stranger' on May 4th, 'Where is the friends house?' on May 4th, and 'Breath' on May 5th. It features images from each film, with titles and screening times.

    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.

  • A woman with messy hair and tears on her face lying in bed, looking distressed, with the book cover's title "Teardrops on My Dildo" and author's name Vanessa Larry Mitchell visible.

    Comedy

    We offer the perfect venue for stand-up comedy.

  • A promotional banner for the Armidale Sanctuary Humanitarian Settlement Inc featuring Elijah Buol OAM, MAICD, CEO, announcing a lecture about building unity through hope, compassion, and society, with a smiling man in a suit holding a glass of water.

    Lectures

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

  • Three musicians performing on stage with a grand piano, a double bass, and a drum set, in front of an audience in a dark theater.

    Jazz

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

  • Two men playing acoustic guitars on stage with sheet music stands in front of them, sitting on chairs on a rug, with a third guitar resting against a chair.

    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.

The Humideale Playhouse, a small building with a covered porch and a sign, is shown with a wheelchair ramp, surrounded by trees and other buildings under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a piano keyboard showing black and white keys in black and white.

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.