Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s New Home: the Eternity Playhouse
The Darlinghurst Theatre Company has just found a place to call its new home. Since 1992 this professional, independent theatre company has been producing great shows for Sydneysiders, sustained entirely by their skills and commitment to their art.
Named after Arthur Stace (dubbed Mr. Eternity), the Eternity Playhouse has just been refurbished to become the newest destination for Sydney theatregoers. Arthur Stace is well known for the story of how he wrote the word ‘Eternity’ through the streets of Sydney for over 30 years. He was stirred by a particular sermon spoken by Reverend John Ridley where he mentioned how he wished to “shout eternity through the streets of Sydney”. Ever after, Stace chalked the word in his distinctive running script all through the pavements of Sydney. Rumor has it that he wrote it over a million times.
Previously known as the Burton Street Tabernacle, the 126+ year old building is listed as an Australian Heritage Site. The Woolloomooloo Baptist church first purchased the land in 1884. The building, designed by architect John Stone, was completed in 1887. It was expanded in 1892, and then 1922, with significant renovations in 1948. Though the church began with a large congregation, the number of parishioners that attended slowly decreased to around 50 in the 1950’s. By 1996, the attendance was too meager for the church to continue and so the last service was held in May the same year. The building was then acquired by the City of Sydney in 2004.
The Eternity Playhouse now includes a 200 seat theatre, complete with a creative arts centre as well as a bar and café. The theatre opened their first play earlier this month to celebrate the launch of their new venue. All My Sons, written by Arthur Miller and directed by Iain Sinclair, was received with great enthusiasm by both audiences and critics.
Model of the new theatre space
‘Darlinghurst Theatre Company has got the Eternity Playhouse off to a great start with a marvelous production of All My Sons. Performed with an intense honesty, Miller’s timeless story about negligence and self-interest still rings true in this stirring production.’ ★★★★ Jo Litson, Sunday Telegraph
‘All My Sons is an exceptionally good production with an excellent cast. A great start for the new Eternity Playhouse.’ Steve Dow, Sydney Morning Herald
‘Iain Sinclair’s production is a model of solid stagecraft and good acting… A great play, a beautiful new venue. Go see for yourself.’ 8/10 Elissa Blake, Sun Herald
The theatre has an astonishing list of shows to bring to you in 2014, building a full, 7-play curated season. From brand new writing to modern Irish and Australian classics, there are plays from Vanessa Bates, Nick Payne, Tom Murphy and Nick Enright, a fresh version of The Young Tycoons, and the Tony award winning musical Falsettos. Company director, Glenn Terry, says: “every show in 2014 brings together a new team of outstanding artists, who will present their unique artistic vision and perspectives on theatre and life.”
For tickets and more information go to the Darlinghurst Theatre Company website: https://www.darlinghursttheatre.com