At 133 years old, The Princess is Queensland’s oldest standing theatre, a bricks-and-mortar slice of Brisbane’s rich history.

This Brisbane icon is ready to step into the future, lovingly refurbished by The Tivoli owners, brothers Steve Sleswick and Dave Sleswick, alongside co-owner and prominent Brisbane businessman Steve Wilson.

“The Princess was created as a theatre in 1888, originally known as the South Brisbane Public Hall,” Dave Sleswick said.

“We feel it’s vital for us to reclaim the building for Brisbane’s vibrant world-class arts sector and return it to the community to be used as it was originally intended.”

Located in the burgeoning historic district of Clarence Corner, adjacent to the Mater Hospital, The Princess is the jewel in the crown of Woolloongabba’s emerging entertainment and lifestyle precinct, just minutes’ walk to both South Bank and the new Woolloongabba Cross River Rail transport hub.

The thoughtfully restored State Heritage building is home to a state-of-the-art performance auditorium designed for a standing capacity of 920 and a seated theatre capacity of 520. It features four bars, a public cafe, private event spaces, a rehearsal room, a co-working creative office and workshop space and an outdoor courtyard.

The Princess assembled a strong team of local creatives and professionals to steer all aspects of its redevelopment; including leading heritage architect JDA, whose work includes the revitalisation of Elizabeth Picture Theatre; interiors expert Sophie Hart and builder Herron Coorey. The venue also underwent a substantial identity rebrand under the expert guidance of Bigfish.

The Aruga team is along for the ride as well, lending our PR, marketing, design and copywriting expertise to The Princess Theatre’s relaunch to ensure its smooth and successful royal rebirth.

Here’s a backstage tour of the stunning new venue before the curtain officially lifts Thursday 28 October.

Old-world charm with a modern makeover.

View from the stage. Note the attention to detail in restoring the theatre’s characteristic features.

A touch of class, fit for suburban royalty.

Let the show begin.

Dine out in royal style.