A night at Brisbane's best theatres

Whether you're a regular theatre goer or dabbling in the arts for the first time, you'll know about Brisbane's iconic theatres like Queensland Theatre and QPAC. They're tough acts to follow, but we've put together a list of some of the city's lesser-known theatres equally worthy of a night away from Netflix.

Metro Arts, West End

After finding its new home in West Village, West End, Metro Arts became the first live theatre in the suburb in 25 years. As Brisbane’s art hub, Metro Arts supports a range a range of visual and performing art all year-round. Join Brisbane in supporting emerging artists and unique stories through theatre, dance, comedy and more.

La Boite Theatre, Kelvin Grove

For more than 95 years La Boite Theatre has created powerful connections between artists and audience through stories that move, entertain, surprise, transfix and empower. A short drive from the Brisbane CBD, La Boite is home to the country's only purpose-built theatre-in-the-round and holds the distinction of being the country's longest continuously running theatre company.

Brisbane Arts Theatre, Petrie Terrace

Founded in 1936 by Jean Trundle and Vic Hardgraves, Brisbane Arts Theatre is one of the city's most iconic, independent theatre companies. For more than 80 seasons, the theatre has kept audiences entertained, whether it's a fun and funky musical in the Children's Theatre, or a timeless classic on the main stage. 

Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

Perhaps the most well-known venue on our list, the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse keeps residents and visitors entertained with a steady supply of comedy shows, visual art displays, music theatre, and much more. Since 2014, Powerhouse has played host to some of the country's funniest personalities during the annual Brisbane Comedy Festival.

PIP Theatre, Milton

Just a short walk from the Brisbane River and some of the city's most loved restaurants, PIP Theatre (Purpose in Performance) offers an intimate experience for Brisbane theatre lovers. Featuring performances from some of Brisbane's best up-and-coming creatives, PIP is a hidden gem of Brisbane's art scene.

SunPAC, Sunnybank and Seven Hills Hub, Seven Hills

If you're looking to enjoy a night of performance in the suburbs, then check out Seven Hills Hub and SunPAC.

Located in the heart of Sunnybank, SunPAC is the southside's premier performing arts and cultural centre with everything from ballads to comedy.

A staple for southside creatives, the Seven Hills Hub is the new home of Backbone, a youth arts organisation supporting curious, untamed and experimental thinkers.

Anywhere Festival (annual)

Expect the unexpected with the annual Anywhere Festival when gyms, reservoirs and even backyards come alive and where everywhere becomes a theatre except the theatre. After starting in 2011 as a Brisbane twist on the fringe festival concept, Anywhere has continued to bring exciting and engaging storytelling across Brisbane. In the past, audiences have been treated to poetry in lighthouses, circus in driveways, music in backyards, storytelling on ferries, theatre in hedge mazes and even musicals in aeroplanes! 

More to see and do in Brisbane

Now that the curtain has been lifted on the best theatres to see a show in Brisbane, it’s over to you. Discover all there is to see and do in your suburb by downloading the Brisbane App or visit Brisbetter Explore to discover more articles. Bravo!

Related links

• 12 things to do in Brisbane at night
• Experience the Cosmic Skydome at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
• Queen Street Mall |Brisbane's iconic shopping strip

**This article was updated in September 2023.**