The Queen’s Theatre, built in 1840, is the oldest surviving theatre on mainland Australia. The heritage listed site has been managed by GWB McFarlane Theatres since 2018.

The venue is available for hire.

The Chambers (main theatre)

Main Theatre

Standing at the south end looking north. Yellow curtain drapes off entry into the main theatre from Little Bar. Left of image is the landing leading to stairs and accessible ramp that exits into Little Bar.

Main theatre

Standing at the north entry looking south. Door on south wall exits onto the Waymouth St loading dock.

Main theatre

Standing in the south east corner of the main theatre, looking north west.

Main Theatre

Standing at the south end of the theatre, looking from the west wing to east wing.

The Chambers is the original 1940’s theatre and is a bare walls hire. The hirer is responsible for managing all event requirements including but not limited to staging, lighting, sound, furniture, catering and staffing (technicians, food waiters, production staff).

The Queens manage the bar which is covered under the venues liquor licence.

*Hire price guide: Starting from $1,500/day (photoshoot) $3,000/day (events) or $15,000/week

*Pricing is to be used as a guide only. Please use our hire enquiry form for an accurate estimate tailored to your event.

Tech specs

Rigging: South end: Three (3) steel trusses rated at 2 tonne static load per truss.

North End: Four (4) wooden beams, rated at 2 x 50kg static load per beam.

Floor: semi-sprung timber throughout.

Max floor load: 7.5kPa distributed load & 10kN point load.

Floor size 560m2

The Stables

The Stables is currently undergoing renovations and will be reopening mid/late 2026.

*Hire price guide: from $2,000/day or $10,000/week

*Pricing is to be used as a guide only. Please use our hire enquiry form for an accurate estimate tailored to your event.

Tech specs

Rigging: wooden beams, rated at 2 x 50kg static load per beam.

Floor: concrete

Floor size: 280m2

Little Bar

Little Bar aka foyer bar

Nestled between the 1840 and 1850 facades, the charming 'Little Bar' sits on the original site of the 1840s Shakespears Tavern. Fully furnished and thoughtfully designed, it serves as a bar for major theatre events while also operating independently for more intimate gatherings, perfectly bridging the indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces.

Little Bar

With its weathered textures, Little Bar exudes a rustic charm that speaks to its historic roots. The raw walls and vintage finishes create a warm, authentic atmosphere, offering guests a unique blend of heritage and hospitality right where the original 1840s Shakespears Tavern once stood.

Outdoors

The Little Bar flows effortlessly from indoors to outdoors, with a licensed footpath dressed in festooned adorned umbrellas, wine barrels, and casual seating.

It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed summer celebration; full of character, history, and atmosphere.

The Queens Little Bar is in the same location as the original 1840’s Shakespeares Tavern that once serviced the theatre. It is a fully furnished space and incorporates the outdoor area.

The Queens manage the bar which is covered under the venues liquor licence.

*Hire price guide: Bar minimum from $800

*Pricing is to be used as a guide only. Please use our hire enquiry form for an accurate estimate tailored to your event.

Tech specs

Rigging: wooden beams, rated at 2 x 50kg static load per beam. Requires scissorlift

Floor: bitumen

Floor size: 150m2 inside, 50m2 outside

The Queens manage the internal bars for all events. We work with local suppliers & personnel to stock, staff, provide security & manage hospitality for arts & private events.

We can offer pay as you go service, pre-paid tab or corkage rate for supplied stock.

The Queens does not offer dry hire.

Liquor Licence hours Fri & Sat: 12pm - 2am Sun - Thurs: 12pm - 12am

Bars

Queens Little Bar is a small intimate bar situated in the same location as the theatres original 1840’s bar; The Shakespeare’s Tavern. Available for hire for networking drinks and smaller gatherings.

Stables bar is in the smaller of the 2 dedicated performance spaces and services events and shows in the Stables as well as a second bar for large theatre shows. [Please note The Stables are not available until mid/late 2026].

Capacity

Licensed capacity currently stands at 620 persons (including staff) within the entire venue. There is scope to increase the capacity if additional toilets are brought in.

Capacity of each space depends on the style of furnishings, eg cabaret tables, standing only, row seating or a combination.

It’s a strong recommendation to apply for a street closure with numbers over 500 persons.

Accessibility

The venue has accessible ramps into the main theatre from both the Little Bar entrance and Stables entrance.

There is a dedicated accessible bathroom with a left hand transfer.

Tech Specs

Rigging - The Chambers (main theatre)

South end: Three (3) steel trusses rated at 2 tonne static load per truss.

North End: Four (4) wooden beams, rated at 2 x 50kg static load per beam.

Power

GPOs and 3 phase power in both The Chambers and The Stables.

The Chambers max floor load

7.5kPa distributed load
10kN point load

Access & Parking

The main entrance to the Queen’s Theatre is located on the corner of Playhouse Lane and Gilles Arcade.

The Chambers has a loading dock via Waymouth Street (110 Waymouth Street in your GPS will get you to this entrance).

A public carpark is directly across from the theatre at 20 Playhouse Lane. After 4pm on weekends and weekdays, parking is a flat rate of $7 per day. For more information, please click here.