Melbourne’s Ian Potter State Theatre will reopen in October, six months ahead of schedule, with 18,000 free tickets being offered as part of a huge weekend of performances and celebrations.
Housewarming will run from October 9 to 12, marking the first major milestone of the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project.
The free program will bring together some of Victoria’s biggest arts organisations and performers, with The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Melbourne Theatre Company, Circus Oz, the Victorian College of the Arts, Emma Donovan, Eliza Hull and The Listies among those taking part.
There will also be guided tours, DJ sets, roaming performances and a laser light show across the weekend.
Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said the reopening would give thousands of Victorians the chance to experience the refurbished theatre.
“We can’t wait to reopen the doors of the Ian Potter State Theatre’s to thousands of Victorians, free of charge.”
“This landmark redevelopment will strengthen Victoria’s creative economy and kickstart the next chapter for the precinct.”
The two-year redevelopment has given the Southern Hemisphere’s largest stage a major overhaul while retaining the heritage features that have made the theatre a Melbourne icon.
The upgrades include new lighting and sound systems, while patrons with mobility challenges will, for the first time, be able to access seating across all three levels.
The broader transformation is also continuing throughout the Theatres Building, with new eateries and bars, a new stage door, loading dock and flexible rehearsal space under construction.
Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor said the reopening was particularly significant for the local community.
“This is a project our community has waited for, so it’s fantastic that everyone can come and experience it for free.”
The Ian Potter State Theatre is one part of a much larger transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which will also include The Fox: NGV Contemporary, set to become Australia’s largest gallery of contemporary art, and Laak Boorndap, an 18,000-square-metre urban garden.
The project is expected to create 11,000 jobs over the life of the build.
Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive Officer Karen Quinlan, AM, said the theatre’s next chapter was now taking shape.
“This refurbishment means there’s a bright future ahead for our beloved theatre to showcase world-class performances.”
Tickets to Housewarming are free, with 18,000 available for the four-day celebration.
