A modern, modular stage has been installed at Theatre Royal Sydney, replacing the traditional wooden stage, which had served the theatre for almost 50 years. This new stage is designed to future-proof the theatre for many years to come. Calling the new stage “a game-changer,” Houri Tapiki, General Manager, Theatre Royal Sydney, says, “The stage replacement project has been one we have been meticulously planning for over two years. It was important for us to partner with a provider who utilises cutting-edge technology as well as sustainable materials. We were pleased to be able to repurpose the wood from our existing stage, donating it to various organisations.”
Repurposing the Old Stage
The Theatre Royal Sydney made an effort to ensure the old stage's timber was not wasted, with the Tasmanian Oak from the floorboards being repurposed by Common Wood Co in Marrickville. Meanwhile, the Oregon pine beams from the stage's structure, totaling approximately 210 meters, were mostly repurposed by Three of A Kind, a company specializing in recycled Oregon. The spokesperson said, “It was key to partner with organisations who focus on repurposing timber to avoid it going to landfill. We are pleased to know that our stage will continue to live on throughout NSW and maybe even in someone’s home.”
A Look Back at Theatre Royal Sydney’s History
One of Australia’s oldest theatrical institutions, the Theatre Royal Sydney dates back to 1832. The current Theatre Royal Sydney was designed by acclaimed architect, Harry Seidler, in a restrained modern style, and opened in 1976. It has hosted an array of productions over subsequent decades, with the old stage graced by the likes of Jacki Weaver and John Waters in the 1980 production They’re Playing Our Song, and Reg Livermore and Russell Crowe in productions of The Rocky Horror Show in 1984 and 1987 respectively. The theatre has also hosted some of the world’s biggest musicals, including the Australian premiere of Cats in 1985 from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh in a two-year season, and a three-year season of The Phantom of the Opera from 1993. The production of Phantom was seen by over a million people, the longest running musical ever staged at Theatre Royal Sydney.
Unveiling the New Stage and its Capabilities
The new stage, supplied by ShowTrek, is described as a steel modular design that can accommodate a wide range of productions with ease. It facilitates trap doors and other customisable enhancements, and can be modified by simply removing a panel, eliminating the need for extensive and disruptive alterations. Ullrich Le Fort, Technical and Building Services Manager, Theatre Royal Sydney, explains: “With an old stage system like it was before, if you wanted to lift from below the stage coming up, revealing an actor or something, we would have to cut through the [wooden] stage. With this stage, we can take out a piece of the stage, build whatever the production needs, and then after the production we can set it back in exactly the same as it was before.” He concludes, “The new stage allows for more seamless effects without breaking the magic of theatre.”
What’s Coming Up at Theatre Royal Sydney?
Upcoming productions at Theatre Royal Sydney include Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, SIX the Musical, Bluey’s Big Play, the Australian premiere of the Tony and Grammy award-winning musical Hadestown, and Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None with further 2025 productions to be announced. This exciting new stage is set to usher in a new era of creativity and innovation at Theatre Royal Sydney, captivating audiences and leaving an enduring mark on the Australian theatre scene.
