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
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Monica Trapaga and the Pocket Trio
FEBRUARY 6
Join Monica Trapaga and The Pocket Trio for a night of swinging jazz, good humour, and infectious energy.
One of Australia’s favourite entertainers, Monica brings her signature warmth, wit, and charisma to the stage, honed through her years with Play School, Pardon Me
Boys, and Monica and the Moochers. She has described her “fairly crazy Latin family” as instrumental in developing her musical tastes and influencing her exploration of a range of contemporary styles performing with jazz, pop and big bands. A born entertainer, this veteran performer has covered a plethora of musical styles and settings, from lounge to swing and Afro-Cuban big band, delighting audiences.
Joining her are The Pocket Trio; a feel-good jazz ensemble known for their tight arrangements and groovy pockets. They take inspiration from the classic piano trios from the jazz canon, from Oscar Peterson, Bill Charlap, Christian McBride, and Ahmad Jamal.
Together, Monica and The Pocket Trio deliver an evening of feel-good jazz that swings hard and grooves deep, music full of life, style, and joy.
Monica Trapaga (vocals)
Andrew Scott (piano)
Maximillian Alduca (bass)
Tim Geldens (drums)
What We Do
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Drama
We stage drama prouctions by The Armidale Drama and Musical Society, University of New England, local schools and visiting companies.
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Chamber Music
We present world class concerts by international and local artists.
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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.
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Comedy
We offer the perfect venue for stand-up comedy.
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Lectures
We are the perfect venue for your next lecture or presentation.
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Jazz
Chillout at one of our great jazz concerts by local and visiting artists.
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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
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The theatre is equiped with a bar, kitchenette, disabled and ambulatory toilets and an outside deck to enjoy your pre-show and intervals refreshments.
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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.
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We have a full lighting and sound rig, intercom facilities and a Hearing Loop. See our technical pages for full descriptions.
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The theatre has its own Kawai grand piano.