Enmore Theatre

The Enmore Theatre is now Sydney’s oldest and longest-running live theatre. The Enmore Theatre plays a distinctive role in the social and cultural life of the city and occupies a unique position in Sydney’s theatrical history. Originally built in 1908 and opened to the public as a photo-play theatre in 1912, The Enmore and the Szarka brothers commenced a succession of sold-out performances and remarkable success. The theatre was extensively renovated in 1920 and given a handsome palladium-style façade. Hoyts closed the Enmore and began an extensive modernization of the entire building. The theatre re-emerged as a “large art deco showplace”, with a renovated stage, increased stage flying capacity, new façade, interior, and décor. It is this art deco remodeling that appears today. The evolution of the building over nearly a century has resulted in an architectural fabric that includes elements of Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Moderne, and various Art Deco styles. The Enmore Theatre is classified by the National Trust and is listed in the Historic Buildings Register of the Australian Institute of Architects. The Enmore Theatre is one of two surviving Art Deco theatres in Sydney and the only one in its full original condition.