A major upgrade for Adelaide Festival Centre’s three theatres, including new seats at Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre, as well as new auditorium lighting and new staging has been announced in addition to safety and access upgrades announced by the State Government late last year, making for enhanced theatre experiences for audiences and artists.
FAQs
Will there be a closure?
These extensive futureproofing works require Adelaide Festival Centre’s three theatres to temporarily close from July 2025 (Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre) and August 2025 (Festival Theatre) with reopening scheduled for early 2026. Her Majesty’s Theatre, owned and operated by Adelaide Festival Centre, will continue to operate during this period.
Will shows be cancelled?
All shows currently on sale will go ahead and not be impacted by these works.
Is the venue safe now, until these mandatory fire compliance works are complete?
Yes. The venue is compliant and we are working with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and the Metropolitan Fire Service to ensure our systems are upgraded to the highest possible standards.
What is being done to the venues?
As part of the upgrade, works will include:
- Mandatory fire compliance upgrades
- New auditorium seats in the Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse, Space Theatre
- New foyer and auditorium lighting in all three theatres
- New stage flooring in the Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre
- New external Space Theatre door with updated internal access ramp and Space foyer seating
- Upgrade to the Western Plaza (between Festival Theatre and Dunstan Playhouse) to improve pedestrian access to Adelaide Festival Centre with a new lift and staircase
What shows will be presented during this upgrade period? Will Adelaide Festival Centre presented festivals continue?
Her Majesty’s Theatre, owned and operated by Adelaide Festival Centre, will continue to operate with festivals and events that would normally occur during this period, with additional activated locations across Adelaide.
What will happen to seat plaques in the Festival Theatre?
Seat plaques in the Festival Theatre will be reinstalled to the new seats.
What if the project runs behind and there are delays?
The Government of South Australia has made a commitment that works will be completed in early 2026.
This page will continue to be updated as more information is provided.