A bold new era begins
Published on 29 September 2025
Cue the drumroll. The Hopgood Theatre is back and it’s better than ever.
After a spectacular $6 million transformation, the Hopgood Theatre, is ready to lift the curtain on a new chapter.
On Saturday 25 October from 1–4pm, the Hopgood Theatre throws open its doors for a free family fun day where everyone is invited to explore the transformed space.
The day will include hands-on workshops, puppet-making and animation sessions, performances, short film screenings, behind-the-scenes backstage tours and activities, spread across multiple spaces in and around the theatre.
The family fun day follows the official opening on Friday 24 October – a sold-out gala evening hosted by Helpmann Award winner Michael Griffiths and acclaimed cabaret star Amelia Ryan.
The theatre’s top-to-toe refurbishment includes:
- a complete interior refresh with upgraded sound, lighting and acoustics
- improved bathroom facilities
- enhanced accessibility, including 10 new wheelchair and companion seating options
- a revitalised front-of-house and bar
- a new, intimate performance space for small-scale productions
- upgraded backstage facilities including green room and rehearsal spaces to support productions of all sizes
- a bold new visual identity.
The transformation was made possible thanks to a $6 million grant from the state government, reflecting the value placed on this cultural icon and its role in bringing people together through performance.
Behind the scenes, the future of the theatre is secured. The City of Onkaparinga and Country Arts SA have finalised an agreement for Country Arts SA to continue managing theatre operations on behalf of the council for the next 3 years, with an option to extend through to 2031.
A range of events and performances are already in place for the reminder of the year and 2026.
More information
To find out what’s coming up at the Hopgood Theatre and for all bookings visit countryarts.org.au/venues/hopgood-theatre
Images
Images 2-4 by Jack Fenby.