Anita’s Theatre Becomes Live Nation’s First Regional Australia Venue (EXCLUSIVE)

Live Nation is entering the regions through a new deal to operate Anita’s Theatre, TMN can exclusively confirm.

The historic venue in Thirroul, a northern seaside suburb of Wollongong, some 60km south of Sydney, represents LN’s first foray into regional Australia.

And it’ll slot into the concerts giant’s existing portfolio of venues, which includes The Palais Theatre in Melbourne, the Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane, and the recently-unveiled Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide.

With Live Nation running the show, the business is confident it can “assist the venue in attracting a high calibre of performers,” ensuring music fans in Illawarra “can access the best live entertainment from both domestic and international acts,” a statement reads.

“Keeping venues, such as Anita’s Theatre, open is imperative to the ongoing growth of local Australian artists,” comments Roger Field, president of Live Nation Asia Pacific.

“As advocates for developing local Australian talent, we are aware of the cultural significance Anita’s Theatre holds within the Illawarra region, and we are looking forward to showcasing an array of amazing live entertainment and talent for local fans to enjoy.”

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Thirroul

The storied venue at 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive is coming up to its first century in business. Initially opening its doors in 1925 as the “King’s Theatre,” the venue has enjoyed a rich history, operating, at times, as a movie cinema, a roller-skating rink and, of course, as a space for live entertainment, comedy and the dramatic arts. The site re-opened in 2007 as Anita’s Theatre, named after the late wife of then owner John Comelli.

When Midnight Oil reunited and returned to the road in 2019 for The Final Tour, Anita’s Theatre was the launchpad.

Thirroul and the greater Illawarra region is emerging as an “energetic destination for live entertainment,” notes LN, and the venue plays a role in connecting local audiences with a broad palate of live performance.

Upcoming bookings include concerts starring Kate Miller-Heidke, Vika & Linda, Postmodern Jukebox, and Baby Animals.

Earlier this year, LN announced plans for Hindley Street Music Hall, a $6 million split-level complex, a site the live entertainment giant anticipates will become Adelaide’s “premier live music hub.” That space is set to open next month.