State Theatre

The State Theatre is both a great entertainment venue and an architectural treasure

Entrance to the State Theatre
Entrance to the State Theatre

Sydney's stunning and elaborate State Theatre has been the home to great entertainment since it's opening in 1929. This beautiful theatre is recognized by the Australian National Trust as a building of great historical and architectural significance. The theatre's design is a blend of Art Deco design with Gothic and Italian influences.

The State Theatre first opend with seating for 2775 patrons. Today it's impressive auditorium has seating for 2000 guests. The theatre still has the original Wurlitzer Organ that accompanied the early silent movies. It also features a huge hand-cut crystal chandelier that is the 2nd largest in the world. While beginning with films, the theatre has hosted a combination of films and live events over the years. In the 1990s it returned to hosting primarily live theatre although it also hosts the two week Sydney Film Festival each year in June.

If you don't get an opportunity to take in a show at this spectacular venue you can still go on a 2 hour guided tour which will also show you a lot of interesting "behind the scenes" stuff. Tours of the State Theatre are held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There is an admission charge for these tours.

Nearby attractions: Pitt Street Mall, Sydney Tower and the Queen Victoria Building.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Address: 49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 9373 6655

Official Website: State Theatre

State Theatre Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Went there for Air Supply concert. Beautiful theatre at a convenient location. Suggest avoid the front row corner seats though if you don’t want to be blasted by the huge speakers on the stage.
E C - a week ago

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5 Star Rating This is an icon, historic gem of a theater set in the middle of the city. This gothic revival theatre is beautiful and brings to mind the golden age of picture palaces. There are terrazzo floors, themed bathrooms, works of are and statuary around the venue and chandeliers inside. There are three levels and all are services by bars and bathrooms. The seats are comfortable and the stage clearly visible from all areas. We saw Dr Nina Simone the daughter of the legendary singer and it was terrific. A brilliant place offering a huge variety of performances.
G Mac - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Great night, great atmosphere and the seats were good too. Highly recommend going to the state thearte especially for comedy nights. It was easy to get in, get out and enjoy the show. Lots of leg room space.
Samuel Willis - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Stepping inside this theatre feels like walking into a jewel box. The foyer glows with warm light, marble, and ornate ceilings that make you slow down before you even find your seat. Ushers are on to it from the moment you arrive, quick with directions and happy to let you take a minute to admire the chandeliers and the grand staircase. I turned up a bit early and was glad I did. You can soak in the detail, grab a drink without a scramble, and settle before the crowd hits its pre show rush. Inside the auditorium the mood lifts again. The ceiling is a show on its own, the curtain rises cleanly, and the whole room feels intimate even though it is large. Sound is clear and full, the kind that wraps around you without getting harsh. Sightlines are better than I expected. From the stalls you feel close to the stage, and from the dress circle you get a lovely sweep of the set with only the very front rows at risk of a rail in the frame. Seating is comfortable, legroom varies a little by row, and the temperature sat in that sweet spot where you forget about it five minutes in. Service is smooth at interval. Bars move at a decent clip, staff keep lines tidy, and pre ordering a drink means you can skip the shuffle. Bathrooms are well kept and clearly signed so you are not clock watching instead of enjoying the show. A few tips. Arrive early to explore, bring a small bag to glide through security, and aim for an aisle seat if you like a touch more space. Walking out afterward, the city feels louder and brighter, which is how you know you have been somewhere special.
Giap Le - a month ago

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5 Star Rating First time here and I was completely blown away with how aesthetic this theatre. It was really great place with lots of details and design. I was completely taken away and thought that I was somewhere in Europe. Sitting was good, watched LOTR from the top area and I could see and hear everything nicely. Looking forward to watch many other shows here.
Reynaldi Hadianto - 5 months ago

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Directions

Train Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Light Rail- L1Capitol Square14 minutes
T2, T3, or T8St. James3 minutes
L2, T1, T2, T3 or T4Town Hall5 minutes

How to get to State Theatre by Train

By Light Rail L1: Exit at Capitol Square and walk north on George Street then right (east) on Market Street.

By Train or Light Rail L2: Exit St. James Station onto Elizabeth Street and cross over and continue west on Market Street (3 minutes) or exit at Town Hall Station and go north on George Street then right (east) on Market Street (5 minutes).

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