Curtain rises on a revitalised Hopgood Theatre

Published on 28 October 2025

It’s open!

The Hopgood Theatre’s officially reopened its doors last weekend after its $6 million transformation, ushering in a new era for the Southern Adelaide institution.

On Friday 24 October, a sold-out gala evening hosted by Helpmann Award-winner Michael Griffiths and acclaimed cabaret star Amelia Ryan kickstarted proceedings

Education Minister Blair Boyer, Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were, MPs Katrine Hildyard and Chris Picton and Harry Dewar from the Onkaparinga Arts Theatre Supporters were among those who gave speeches marking the historic occasion.

The theatre’s namesake, Don Hopgood AO, was also presented with the Key to the City – the City of Onkaparinga’s most prestigious civic award.

Then, on Saturday 25 October, a free family fun day entertained hundreds of attendees, who flocked to explore the transformed space.

The day included hands-on workshops, puppet-making and animation sessions, performances, short film screenings, and behind-the-scenes backstage tours and activities, spread across multiple spaces in and around the theatre.

Beloved South Australian children’s author and childhood literacy champion, Mem Fox, was also on hand to read, sign books and chat with families.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the Hopgood Theatre has provided the southern suburbs and Fleurieu Peninsula with a facility for theatre and performing arts since it opened 40 years ago.

“That’s why I’m so pleased that, along with the tireless advocacy of local MPs, we were able to secure its future with the support of TAFE SA and the Onkaparinga Council,” he said.

“The refurbished theatre, and this agreement, will support local artists, provide schools with an event and education space and will continue to provide for the local community long into the future.”

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the reopening and upgrade was a wonderful moment for Onkaparinga and for South Australia.

“Through years of passionate community and council advocacy, strong support from the state government, and our partnership with Country Arts SA, we’ve secured the future of one of the south’s most treasured cultural landmarks,” she said.

“The Hopgood Theatre has always been more than a venue – it’s the creative heart of our region.

“It gives local artists a stage to perform, brings world-class performances to our doorstep, and provides schools and community groups with a place to learn, grow and connect through the arts.

“I especially want to acknowledge the dedication of Harry Dewar, and former councillors Don Chapman and Bill Jamieson, whose advocacy helped make this moment possible.

“Thanks to the collective effort of our community, the curtain is rising on an exciting new chapter for the Hopgood.”

The mayor also paid tribute to Don Hopgood during the Key to the City presentation, telling the former state minister, deputy premier and southern arts champion that he embodied the values the award represents.

“Don, your lifetime of service; as a teacher, a parliamentarian, a community leader and a champion of the arts, embodies the very values this award represents – dedication, compassion, leadership and a deep love for community,” she said.

“It is, therefore, with immense pride that I present you with the Key to the City of Onkaparinga, in recognition of your exceptional achievements, your decades of public service and your enduring contribution to the life and spirit of our city.”

A diverse range of events and performances are already locked in for the remainder of the year and 2026 at the Hopgood, including celebrated comedian Ahn Do, the Soweto Gospel Choir, the Vallies, and Get Rhythm, the Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute show.

The public can also book free behind-the-scenes tours of the Hopgood Theatre between 25 October and 4 December.

Head to hopgoodtheatre.com.au for all the details and booking information.