Metro-Minerva Theatre

There are hopes Sydney's Metro-Minerva Theatre in Kings Cross will be saved following news that the art deco building has been purchased by arts philanthropist Gretel Packer.

The photo above was taken by Sam Hood at the official opening in May 1939 from the State Libary collection.

The ABC tonight reported that the Metro Minerva Theatre was bought by Gretel Packer's company Sacred Firebird from the developer Central Element for about $26 million.

It follows a long campaign to save the venue previously owned by film maker George Miller from being reveloped into a hotel.

If saved it will please producers and members of the public.

Stage Whispers has previously reported on submissions from the industry.

Legendary Commercial Theatre Producer John Frost said:

“The Minerva Theatre Kings Cross presents a brilliant opportunity to address a decade long issue that has plagued Sydney, our industry and our artists…the lack of theatres in Sydney will often delay the entry of productions into Australia for years or cause their cancellation.  The shortage of theatres in Sydney negatively impacts the rest of the country.  There is also significant local work, product and companies that are inhibited because of the lack of venues.”

“There is no independent mid-sized theatre in Sydney where transfers can be readily housed from the Hayes, the Ensemble and the plethora of small playhouses such as Griffin at the Stables, Redline Productions at the Old Fitz and even Belvoir St.  There is no mid-sized theatre for performing arts companies who are in need of additional performance space: Bangarra, Sydney Dance, Bell Shakespeare, Pinchgut Opera, etc.  It would also be ideal to accommodate seated concerts that cannot play the State or the Enmore.

Support for a reinstated Minerva Theatre goes beyond purely the commercial Musical sector, with Olivia Ansell, Director of Sydney Festival saying: 

“Sydney’s commercial and subsidized theatre industry has long been impacted by a lack of sufficient theatre spaces available to house main stay work toured by international and Australian promoters, festivals, producers, and theatre companies.  Lack of availability has often delayed the possibility of a Sydney season, with promoters favouring other Australian cities to premiere new work.

“From the perspective of Sydney Festival, venue availability for short run seasons is an ongoing challenge, in particular for variety, circus and cabaret work, which often requires expensive temporary infrastructure due to a lack of permanent venue availability for the festival to access.”