Sydney’s historic Capitol Theatre is host to world class musicals, ballet and opera.

Capitol Theatre holds all types of shows from performances by the Ballet to Broadway and West End musicals. Although guests usually only visit the theatre to watch a performance, you are able to book tours to explore this iconic Sydney venue. Tickets for shows and the tours can be booked online in advance.

The Capitol Theatre is a short four-minute walk from the hotel when you exit out the main Pitt Street doors. This Heritage-listed theatre is located at 13 Campbell Street Haymarket, in the Sydney Central Business District, Australia.

THE HISTORY

Circus Days

The building itself began its life in 1892 as the New Belmore Markets and was designed by a council architect, George McRae, who also prepared the design for the Queen Victoria Building (QVB). In 1916 the building was converted to a hippodrome designed specifically for the Wirth Bros circus. Part of the building specification was the ‘Seal Pit’ which was reinforced concrete water tank 12 metres in diameter with a depth of 3.6 metres. It was used for performances by seals and polar bears. The tank was hydraulically controlled with a platform that could be raised from the base to form a cover that doubled as a circus ring. The tank still exists although is covered by the new floor.

Picture Palace

By 1927 the circus became financially unviable and the Wirth Bros initiated the idea of converting the building into a theatre. John Eberson, a renowned American designed of theatrically themed theatres was commissioned to create the Capitol Theatre. The reproduction statues and architectural props were manufactured in the US and shipped to Sydney, Australia for reassembly which was supervised by Sydney theatre designer Henry White.

Glory Days

In 1928 the theatre opened, people were attracted to escape to a different world, they were captivated by the whimsical decor and the lavishness of the surroundings. They went to hear the orchestra and the mighty Wurlitzer, to watch the newsreel and soak up everything Hollywood had to offer. But for the Capitol, the glory days were over before they had started. Greater Union was hit hard by the depression and by 1933 when the theatre was converted for ‘talkies’ (movies with sound), it was already showing second rate movies.

Changing Times

In 1945 there were 151 million admissions to Australian cinemas, the biggest year in Australian movie history, but by 1958 Australians had been seduced by television and more than 20% of Sydney cinemas had closed. It was a grim time for many theatres and without major investment the Capitol’s future looked bleak. In 1972, Harry M. Miller presented Jesus Christ Superstar which had a successful two-year run but time, lack of funds and vandalism had taken their toll and the Capitol was in ruins.

Saving an Icon

By the end of the 1970’s it seemed the only real value was the land, the Sydney City Council considered demolition to allow a new lyric theatre to be built on the site. But in 1981 Australia’s last remaining atmospheric theatre was snatched from the jaws of the bulldozer by a Heritage Council conservation order and plans were made to restore the building and create a world-class lyric theatre.

Restoration

For the first time in its history the theatre underwent a complete and thorough restoration that took two years and cost over $30m to complete. The orchestra pit was expanded with space for 110 musicians. New dressing rooms and technical areas incorporated part of the old tunnels used by the animals in the theatre’s former life as a hippodrome. The fly-tower was extended to become 30 metres high and 37 metres wide extending nine metres into Hay Street making it one of the largest in Australia. In July 1995 an acclaimed production of Miss Saigon put the Capitol back on the world stage. Finally, the Capitol had the second chance it deserved and Sydney has a theatre to be proud of.

Rydges World Square Accommodation

Being located in World Square, we are a four-minutes’ walk away from Capitol Theatre and a couple minutes’ walk away from Town Hall Station and Museum Station, making your Sydney visit oh so easy.

Stay completely entertained while feeling a part of the vibrant city. Situated near the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Cockle Bay and the city’s financial precinct. 

Alternatively, stay close by with the World Square premier shopping district which offers some amazing shops, activities and restaurants for you to explore during your stay.

Convinced to stay with Rydges World Square yet? Enjoy the comfort our rooms have to offer with 24/7 room service and several features and amenities. 

Before exploring Capitol Theatre, dine at Amber Restaurant for a quiet, moody dining experience or do you prefer a more social, casual setting? Then head over to Sydney Cidery where we have many offers, deals and lots of craft beer and cider.

Our world-class Sydney accommodation and services raise the standard of hospitality. Check out our accommodation packages or contact our friendly team on +61 2 8268 1888.