The show goes on at Hopgood Theatre
Published on 10 July 2023
After years of passionate advocacy, the beloved Hopgood Theatre—home of performing arts down south since 1985—is getting ready for its grand makeover.
In a significant triumph, the City of Onkaparinga successfully negotiated a 25-year lease agreement for the much-loved theatre, and secured a substantial $6 million grant from the state government to refurbish the iconic building.
The theatre, with its 492-seat capacity—the largest of its kind in suburban Adelaide—attracts thousands of attendees each year.
This landmark deal, which begun on 1 July 2023, signals the start of a new era, and ensures the theatre's significant role in fostering local talent and supporting the vibrant southern arts scene will continue.
The state government had announced plans to discontinue funding back in 2019, which left the theatre in limbo, facing an uncertain future and possible closure.
However, strong advocacy from the community and the City of Onkaparinga, saw the theatre saved.
The comprehensive refurbishment, expected to begin in 2024, will include flooring and seating upgrades, enhanced lighting and sound, improved bathrooms, a revamped front of house and bar, and superior backstage facilities - enhancing the experience for patrons and performers alike.
This transformation will breathe new life into the theatre, allowing it to continue serving the community with vitality and verve.
A partnership between the City of Onkaparinga and Country Arts SA sees Country Arts SA continue to manage the theatre from 1 July 2023, while the council investigates long-term management options. This partnership will ensure the theatre continues to operate with minimal disruption.
Country Arts SA has managed the Hopgood Theatre since 2008, with the theatre growing into a thriving arts centre showcasing international, national and local acts as well as supporting local community groups and events.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were expressed her delight at the handover and planned upgrades.
"This outcome couldn't have been achieved without the tireless campaigning from our community,” she said.
“We've been advocating for the Hopgood Theatre for years, and we can't thank everyone enough for their support.
“The Hopgood Theatre is more than a building; it's a vital part of our community, drawing a diverse crowd of patrons including schools, regional groups and seniors from all walks of life, and these upgrades ensure it will remain a vibrant hub for decades to come.
“This lease agreement with the state government is more than a contract, it is a celebration of the community's spirit and its passion for the arts.
“It's another bold step in supporting creativity and skills development in the arts industries.”
Reflecting on the wider impact the mayor said, "In a time when we're all recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this project brings a new hope, not just for the theatre, but for the entire arts community in the south. We’re eager and excited to see the theatre flourish, and continue to play its essential role within our city and beyond.”
Anthony Peluso, Chief Executive of Country Arts SA, is pleased that Country Arts SA will continue to manage the theatre in the lead up to the refurbishment.
“We look forward to working with City of Onkaparinga to ensure the theatre remains active and relevant to local audiences,” he said.
“This partnership will also enable us to work with and assist the council with the theatre upgrades, supporting the needs of audiences and artists to be deeply considered as part of the refurbishment."
As the saying goes, the show must go on – and at the Hopgood Theatre, it certainly will.