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Iconic Melbourne Theatre To Reopen In 2020

Staff Writer

"The changes are subtle but substantial, and I think audiences will be delighted with the improvement."

Iconic Melbourne venue, the Regent Theatre, is confirmed to be reopening its doors in 2020. 

Following $19.4 million renovations to the auditorium, foyers and amenities, the Collins Street venue will open its doors next January, with productions including War Horse, Billy Elliot The Musical and Moulin Rouge! in 2021 to go ahead.

“The Regent is such a beautiful theatre, but now it really is optimised for live performance," CEO of Marriner Group Jason Marriner said. 

"The changes are subtle but substantial, and I think audiences will be delighted with the improvement.

"It is a thrill to have been able to work with the owners, the State Government and the City of Melbourne to refurbish the theatre for the audiences of the future to enjoy.”

The Regent originally opened on 15 March 1929 as a picture palace and was burned down in 1945 at the end of World War Two. The City Of Melbourne deemed the reconstruction of the venue as a priority and reopened in 1947. 

Since then, the Regent has played host to a string of major productions including Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Lion King and Wicked.