Marian Street Theatre

About

Marian Street Theatre is located in the Sydney suburb of Killara. From its establishment until 2013, the theatre played a significant role in the cultural life of the North Shore.

Built in 1906 as a Soldiers Memorial Hall, it was used as a community hall up until 1966. Hosting dances, parties, lectures, drama performances, Polio vaccines and school breakups. In 1948, the actress Vivien Leigh opened a flower show at Marian Street. In 1966 the building was opened as The Community Theatre, Killara, by the English born actor, Alexander Archdale.

Seating was increased from 311 to 400 in 1980. For safety reasons, the theatre temporarily closed in 2013 and work was scheduled to begin in 2020 on the renovations, these plans are due to lapse in August 2026 following a vote by Ku-ring-gai Council, citing concerns that the cost of the redevelopment had risen to $30.3 million as of 2024.

Artistic directors included Peter Collingwood, Aarne Neeme, John Krummel, Noel Ferrier and Alastair Duncan. Prominent actors who have performed at Marian Street include Leonard Teale, Stuart Wagstaff, Ruth Cracknell, Helen Morse, Ron Haddrick, Noel Hodda, Joan Bruce, Anne Haddy and Nancye Hayes.

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.