Theatre Royal

A Dream of a Theatre- Hobart’s Theatre Royal was officially opened on 8th March, 1837.

It offered its original patrons entertainment ranging from music hall to cockfights and could even help to quench their thirsts at The Shades – a seedy tavern that operated beneath the auditorium with its own entrance into the theatre pit.

Today the Theatre Royal is not just a piece of Tasmania’s history but a living centre for the performing arts. It presents a comprehensive annual subscription programme as well as a wide variety of productions staged by visiting professional and local amateur companies.

Dubbed by Noel Coward "a dream of a theatre", the Theatre Royal is Australia’s oldest working theatre and one of its most beautiful treasures.

The Theatre Royal in Hobart is Australia’s oldest theatre and the only example of Victorian "bijou" style remaining in this country. The Theatre is an integral part of Hobart’s artistic community and can offer sponsors opportunities to gain exposure and build loyalty in a market that is consistent with a range of consumer and industry groups.

The Theatre Royal aims to provide a high quality cultural venue for the presentation of the performing arts and related services, encouraging maximum community patronage and usage, to service the cultural arts and entertainment needs of the community by programming quality arts events and to maintain the best possible industry standards in the management of the Theatre for the future benefit of all Australians.