A pioneering Brisbane theatre that shaped the cultural landscape of South Bank across four decades, now commemorated in name at the modern Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
At a glance
The Cremorne Theatre operated from 1911 to 1954 in what is now South Bank, Brisbane. Though the original building no longer exists, its legacy persists as a cultural landmark of early twentieth-century Brisbane. The nearby Queensland Performing Arts Centre, completed in 1985, established the district as a major performing-arts hub and named one of its venues the Cremorne Theatre in honour of its predecessor.
History
The theatre opened in 1911 and operated intermittently until its closure in 1954. Over its four decades, it served the Brisbane community as a venue for live performance during a formative period in the city’s cultural development. The site’s original building was not preserved, leaving no physical structure today.
What you see
No architectural remains of the original Cremorne Theatre survive. The general location in South Brisbane, however, now forms part of South Bank and is marked by the presence of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
Cultural significance
The original theatre anchored a vibrant theatre precinct in the first half of the twentieth century. Its cultural importance is preserved through the naming of the Cremorne Theatre at QPAC, ensuring continuity of identity and acknowledgement of early Brisbane’s theatrical heritage. The South Bank precinct remains one of Australia’s leading cultural destinations.
Key facts
- Location: South Brisbane (now part of South Bank), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Coordinates: −27.4726, 153.0188
- Operational period: 1911–1954 (with interruptions)
- Legacy: The Cremorne Theatre name continues as a venue within QPAC (opened 1985)
Practical information & getting there
The original theatre building no longer exists. Visitors interested in the Cremorne Theatre’s legacy can visit the Cremorne Theatre venue at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in South Bank, Brisbane, which honours the site’s theatrical heritage.
Sources & resources
- Cremorne Theatre – Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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