Darlinghurst theatre sings praises of new home

Two of the City’s cultural icons will come together next year to create a new home for the dramatic arts.

The Darlinghurst Theatre Company (DTC) is set to move from its Potts Point location, the Reginald Murphy Hall, to the pre-federation Burton Street Tabernacle, a former Methodist Church constructed in 1887.

The City of Sydney Council the Church is being converted into a modern playroom including a 200-seat auditorium, an attached foyer, gallery, bar and café.

The former church will be christened the ‘Eternity Theatre’ and is a wink to the building’s history.

It is believed Arthur Stace, who famously chalked ‘eternity’ on hundreds of Sydney footpaths between the 1930s and 1960s, was inspired to do so by a sermon he heard at the Burton Street Tabernacle.

His distinctive calligraphy was immortalised during the 1999 New Years Eve fireworks when it was recreated in lights across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It was an act of God that forced the DTC’s first move in 1999 – a hail storm destroyed the roof of the Wayside Theatre.

Since then the company nestled into the cosy Reginald Murphy Centre and developed a reputation for intimate and diverse dramatic productions.

Company Director Glenn Terry said the group emphasises “artist driven” content.

“Artists approach us with their work and we get on board to help develop, produce and present,” he said.

Drew Fairley, who has worked as a writer and performer on several of the company’s productions, said there is a dedicated fan base.

“I’ve even had stalkers,” he joked. “Nice ones”.

Despite the company’s success in Potts Point another change of venue was needed, this time due to financial concerns.

Mr Terry said the Reginald Murphy Centre was too small to be sustainable. “With 111 seats you just can’t make ends meet.”

While he had pushed for even more seating, Council access regulations made it impossible.

Mr Terry said the audience will remain close to performers, preserving some of our trademark intimacy” Mr Terry said.

He said the atmosphere would be aided by the new thrust stage and wraparound seating.

Darlinghurst Theatre Company will donate its current premises to the City of Sydney which intends to preserve the site as a theatre space.

On her website, Lord Mayor Clover Moore explained “[the Council’s] decision to keep Reg Murphy as a theatre aims to reverse the significant loss of small theatres in inner Sydney over the past 20 years.”

The first production at the Eternity Theatre is scheduled for February 2013.

By Max Chalmers