Full steam ahead for Hopgood Theatre
Published on 01 August 2025
The much-loved Hopgood Theatre’s grand reopening is getting closer with a calendar of events coming soon, a new management agreement and bold new signage.
Bright pink signage has been installed on the exterior of the Noarlunga Centre-based theatre as part of a $6 million refurbishment, and visitors will see the colour featured throughout the theatre when it opens.
The theatre’s revitalisation includes flooring, enhanced lighting and sound, improved bathrooms, a revamped front of house and bar, and superior backstage facilities.
Additionally, accessibility upgrades and improvements will deliver 10 new wheelchair and companion seating spaces, as well as the transformation of the second theatre into a small, intimate performance space with new audio, lighting and acoustic upgrades – enhancing the experience for patrons and performers alike.
At the same time, the City of Onkaparinga and Country Arts SA also finalised an agreement for Country Arts SA to manage the theatre’s operations on behalf of the City of Onkaparinga for the next 3 years.
Country Arts SA has a deep connection to the Hopgood Theatre, having managed it since 2008, and the new agreement has a 3-year extension option until 2031.
The new agreement and continuing refurbishment ensures that a packed schedule of events and activities can be revealed later this winter ahead of the theatre’s grand reopening in October.
“The new agreement ensures there’ll be a smooth transition with our trusted partner, and provides confidence for arts lovers, schools, community and performers when they return to this Southern Adelaide institution,” City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said.
“The internal refurbishment works are progressing well, and the new external signage offers a glimpse into the bold new direction for the Hopgood."
“We’re proud to continue our long-standing connection to the Hopgood Theatre and are thrilled that the new agreement with the City of Onkaparinga allows us to build on that partnership into the future,” Country Arts SA Chief Executive Anthony Peluso said.
“With the refurbishment nearing completion, it’s full steam ahead as we prepare to bring a dynamic program of performances and community events back to southern Adelaide. The Hopgood has always been a creative heart for the region and we can’t wait to welcome audiences back to this beloved venue.”
The $6 million state government-funded refurbishment was announced in 2022 in a landmark deal that also saw the transfer of Hopgood Theatre to the council under a 25-year lease agreement with TAFE SA.
The announcement followed tireless campaigning from the community and the council to save the Hopgood after the state government indicated it would discontinue funding the theatre in 2018.
The 481-seat capacity Hopgood is the largest theatre of its kind in suburban Adelaide, attracting thousands of attendees each year.
To stay up to date with the refurbishment’s progress, visit its Your Say Onkaparinga webpage or to keep up to date on upcoming shows and the series of events to mark the reopening, visit the Country Arts SA webpage.