The Tivoli’s Steve & Dave Sleswick to ‘rebirth’ Brisbane’s iconic Princess Theatre

Queensland’s oldest-standing theatre, The Princess, is set to become Brisbane’s newest home for live music under new owners and a bold new direction, unveiled today.

Reopening to the public in August as a sister venue to Brisbane icon The Tivoli, the purchase and revitalisation of the 133-year-old theatre is helmed by The Tivoli’s owners – brothers Steve Sleswick and Dave Sleswick – alongside prominent Brisbane businessman Steve Wilson.

Sleswick said culture and community were at the core of the “rebirth” plans.

“The Princess was created as a theatre in 1888, originally known as the South Brisbane Public Hall. We feel it’s vital for us to reclaim the building for Brisbane’s vibrant world-class arts sector and return it to the community to be used as it was originally intended,” Sleswick said.

“It shares the same independent spirit as The Tivoli and will have live music at its heart, providing a home for Brisbane and Queensland artists, musicians and entertainers, as well as those from throughout Australia and across the world.”

The Princess Theatre renewal project extends on the Sleswick brother’s passion for preserving and revitalising iconic and historical music and arts spaces, just as they did in 2016 when they purchased The Tivoli Theatre in Fortitude Valley after it was earmarked for development.

The restored State Heritage building will be home to a state-of-the-art performance auditorium with a standing capacity of 900, and a seated theatre capacity of 500.

It will feature four bars, a public café, private event spaces, a rehearsal room, a co-working creative office and workshop space, and an outdoor courtyard.

The Princess Theatre’s program will feature world-class music, intriguing contemporary performance, programming for families and young people, and a diverse array of dynamic corporate and private events.

Building works will commence April 6 with a reopening slated for late August 2021, with the venue’s inaugural program scheduled to be announced in mid-May.