Renewed Union Theatre reopens to support cultural activity in the region

Following recent front of house renovations and construction of new back of house facilities, Lithgow City Council launches the renewed Union Theatre.

The Union Theatre now has first rate facilities to attract a greater number of local and visiting performers and artists. In 2019/20 a new two level back of stage wing was constructed incorporating new change, storage and amenity rooms and elevators making much of the theatre wheelchair accessible. New industry standard technical systems were installed making the venue able to support the needs of contemporary performances and diverse events. These works were funded by the NSW Regional Cultural Fund and Lithgow City Council.

In 2020/21 further upgrade works were undertaken including painting the auditorium, mezzanine, upstairs meeting room and front building façade; resurfacing floors; air-conditioning the new back of stage wing; amenity improvements. A new gallery space activating the street frontage was also completed. These works were funded under the Australian Government Drought Communities Round 2 Program.

“The redevelopment of the Union Theatre into a multi-use cultural space will support the local creative sector as well as offer increased cultural experiences for the community,” Mayor Ray Thompson said.  “With a new gallery space the venue can now also support visual artists and creative workshops.

The Hon Paul Toole MP and the Hon Andrew Gee MP officially opened the theatre and announced the winners of the Waste 2 Art competition currently on exhibition at the Union Theatre Gallery until 23 May.

To book the venue or for further information on fees and terms of hire, visit Lithgow City Council’s website and select “Book a Council Venue”.

Council is now taking registrations for people interested in training as venue technical operators. If you are interested, please email your CV and contact details by the 30th May to the Cultural Development Officer at [email protected]. 

Proudly funded by Lithgow City Council and the NSW Government through the Regional Cultural Fund, and Australian Government through Drought Communities Round 2.

Photo 1: Mayor Ray Thompson, Aunty Helen Riley, Minister Paul Toole, Minister Andrew Gee, Matthew Johnson.

Photo 2: Cooerwull School Performers.

Photo 3: Minster Andrew Gee, Waste 2 Art Winners – Michael Green, Clare McAdam and Prue Mogg, Minister Paul Toole, Mayor Ray Thompson.