Refurbishing the Playhouse
The Playhouse Theatre is nearly 150 years old and badly needs a full refurbishment to endure for the long-term.
We've been working on plans to upgrade it since 2021, with lots of professional help and community consultation along the way. We have some great designs drafted that would make the theatre warmer, drier, safer, more accessible - and would enable even more magical productions for many years to come.
In 2025, the Dunedin City Council approved a grant of $3.35 million towards our refurbishment project! We are delighted and humbled at the support the community showed for the Playhouse through their submissions to Council.
We now begin the task of fundraising the remaining $2+ million to ensure this work can go ahead.
Saving the Playhouse is a long-term project and it will take a village. We would love any donation you can afford to give through our Givealittle page. Every dollar truly will help.
You can also support us by coming to see our shows, telling your friends about us, and helping spread the word about our project.
Let's ensure we can keep this treasure going for many years to come!
PROJECT HISTORY
In 2021 the Dunedin Repertory Society (the building owners) commissioned a feasibility study looking at what a refurbishment would involve, how much it might cost, and whether was needed by the community. The study found strong support for the Playhouse, both for the role our Children's Theatre plays in the community, and as a uniquely sized theatre within the city.
The feasibility study included concept sketches of a design to demolish our 1960s extension (the stage and backstage areas), and rebuild it bigger and better - which would allow the front part of our main building to be reconfigured for much improved accessibility and circulation space. Our auditorium and large social space above would be retained, strengthened and improved, and special attention would be paid to preserving the building's character and heritage. The theatre would be fitted out with new technology too.
In 2022 we joined up with fellow venues the Athenaeum Building and the Mayfair Theatre to explore a concept for refurbishing all three venues in sequence. Our "theatre network" approach was a collaborative solution to the city's struggle for fit-for-purpose performing arts venues, with the added advantage of saving three heritage buildings across the north, centre and south of the city, and supporting the amazing activities already going on inside those buildings. Over 2022 to 2024 we produced three reports outlining the value of this project to the city. You can read more on the Dunedin Theatre Network website, including copies of all our concept drawings, engineering plans and QS estimates.
In 2025 Dunedin City Council made some new decisions about investment in the city's performing arts infrastructure. We were delighted that the Playhouse was granted $3.35 million in cornerstone investment for our refurbishment. We're now focussed on raising the remaining $2.44 million required and delivering a great new venue for the city.
The Playhouse is just the first chapter in the story - we are looking forward to supporting our friends and colleagues plan a refurbished Athenaeum venue, and a new Performing Arts Centre, to revitalise the city's performing arts scene over the next few years. We commend Council for their seed funding for these projects too.
Stay in touch with us on Facebook or on Instagram - our handle is @playhousedunedin
Thank you for your support - let's ensure we can keep this treasure going for many years to come!