Foundation Theatres, the owner and operator of the Capitol Theatre and Sydney Lyric Theatre, has announced plans to modify the existing under-utilised rear stage of the Sydney Lyric to create a new mid-scale performance space for up to 630 patrons.

The new theatre will go some way to filling a longstanding gap in the city’s theatre infrastructure, between theatres seating up to 120 patrons (such as the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point) and venues like the Theatre Royal (1200 seats). Without a mid-scale theatre to graduate to, successful first-run shows birthed in small theatres are often left stranded.  

Digital render of Foundation Theatres’ new venue. Image supplied

Graeme Kearns, CEO of Foundation Theatres said: “This additional venue to Sydney’s theatre ecosystem will provide a new performance space of a size that is in critical demand in Sydney, particularly for emerging works and performers seeking to showcase performances to Sydney audiences.

“We’re looking forward to programming the new venue...