Foundation Theatres, the owner and operator of the Capitol Theatre and Sydney Lyric Theatre, recently submitted plans (23 October 2023) to the City of Sydney for development approval to convert the underutilised rear stage of the Sydney Lyric into a new intimate performance space.
The venue will have a variety of operating modes, with retractable seating to allow flat floor operations for up to 630 standing and a seated capacity for 360.
Graeme Kearns, CEO of Foundation Theatres said: “This additional venue will provide a new performance space of a size that is in critical demand in Sydney, particularly for emerging works and performers seeking to showcase performances to Sydney audiences,”
“We’re looking forward to programming the new venue with contemporary music, drama, cabaret, and comedy that will work nicely in Pyrmont’s thriving entertainment precinct with the other theatres we have planned for the area.”
The new space will have a balcony with 80 seats, its own dressing rooms, and back-of-house facilities. The foyer facilities, including box office, bars, and bathrooms of the Sydney Lyric will be used by the new venue.
Subject to planning approval, the modifications will be completed by mid-2024 and are expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2024.
RCP Director Mark Dibben said, “We are really pleased to continue to build on our relationship with Foundation Theatres with this second project at The Star Sydney. It’s an exciting project for the Sydney theatre community as this type of versatile venue that can accommodate a broad range of works is much needed in Sydney.”
RCP is also providing project management and programming services for Foundation Theatre’s
project at The Star Sydney to convert The Star’s 4000-seat event centre into a two-level 1550-seat proscenium-arch theatre for major productions, and a 1000-seat live room for plays, contemporary music, comedy, and cabaret performances.
