WE DRIVE PAST

First opening to punters in 1837, the Theatre Royal is the oldest continually operating theatre in Australia. It was established with the help of Cascade Brewery founder, Peter Degraves, and based on the designs of architect John Lee Archer. As with many of Hobart’s oldest buildings, convict labour was used in its construction. 

Despite being in an area once surrounded by an abattoir, brothels and pubs, the 700-seat theatre flourished and it still plays an important role in the city’s contemporary arts scene today. It is said to be haunted by a resident ghost named “Fred”, who was a former actor killed during a fight in the basement. 

Aside from its heritage building, the Theatre Royal also occupies a state-of-the-art adjoining facility, which was added in 2020. It features a new 285-seat Studio Theatre and several bars. Throughout the year, the Theatre Royal complex hosts plays, musical performances and other cultural events.