Since 2021, when the new and improved Princess Theatre reopened, it has continued to provide a one-of-a-kind venue for live music and performing arts. What’s more, The Princess is even hosting the wildly popular Candlelight concert series. So, whether you’re there to watch a gig from the exclusive Juliet Balcony or to hear classical takes on alternative rock hits surrounded by thousands of candles, an insight into the heritage-listed theatre’s past might elevate the experience.
The Princess is located in the heart of the city—only a 10-minute drive south of Brisbane’s CBD. Culture vultures and music lovers can find the nearest bus stops at Mater Hill and The South Bank, and the closest train station is South Bank Station. It’s important to note that there is no on-site parking and finding street parking is tricky. However, Princess Parking and the Mater Hospital facilities are nearby.
Facts, Curiosities, and Interesting Things about The Princess Theatre
1. The beginning
Thanks to a rise in population numbers and an economic boom for Woolloongabba in the 1880s, a need and a want for a local hall emerged. Enter Philip Hardgrave, an important philanthropist, solicitor, and Mason. Hardgrave bought a parcel of land on Boggo Road, created a subscription company, and began to search for an architect for the public hall. Eventually designed by an Irish contractor, Blair Cunningham, The South Brisbane Theatre opened in April 1889.
2. A problematic name
While the theatre now carries the refined and alluring name The Princess Theatre, in the past, it was known by others. These names included the ‘South Brisbane Theatre’, the ‘South Brisbane Hall’, and the unflattering ‘Boggo-Road Hall’. So on top of grappling with financial woes, larrikin gangs, an economic bust in Brisbane, and a devastating flood in 1893 that saw the collapse of the Victoria Bridge, to make matters worse The Princess shared the name with Brisbane’s prison.
Fortunately, in 1905 Stephens Shire Council changed Boggo Road’s name to Annerly Road.
3. The arrival of American troops in July 1942
Before the attack on Pearl Harbour, The Princess had already lived many lives. It had deviated from staging school concerts and hosting public meetings to acting as a “cash drapery and cloth emporium” and to later embracing the “talkies”. In 1942, the Commander of Allied Forces in the Pacific selected Brisbane as his headquarters. The Princess was used for meetings of Local Air Raid Wardens and as “the administrative and rehearsal headquarters for the Entertainment Unit of the American Armed Forces.”
Candlelight concerts at The Princess Theatre
The Candlelight series has enjoyed enormous success in over 100 major cities worldwide, including Sydney, New York, and Paris. It is also known to bring breathtaking performances to extraordinary spaces. And given that Candlelight is illuminating The Princess, the case is no different in Brisbane. Sit back, relax, and appreciate the storied venue while immersing yourself in a tribute concert inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift’s chart-topping hits and Tchaikovsky’s timeless pieces.
What else can you do at The Princess Theatre?
Aside from discovering a magical live music experience thanks to Candlelight, The Princess hosts a variety of gigs. Past performers have included Archie Roach, Betty Crumble, and Butterfingers. Keep an eye on their website and explore what’s on in the coming months. Head to the theatre’s ground floor where you’ll find Fables Bar & Café serving specialty coffee, craft beers, signature cocktails, and more.
And if you want to book a pre or post-show meal or grab drinks outside of the theatre, The Princess is close to C’est Bon Restaurant, Boo’s Kitchen, Morrison Hotel, and Brewhouse Brisbane.
Queensland’s oldest-standing theatre is the perfect setting for a captivating Candlelight performance. Find your seat inside the state-of-the-art auditorium and prepare to be dazzled by skilled musicians surrounded by the warm glow of flickering candles. And while The Princess is hard to beat for atmosphere, Candlelight is also coming to other venues in Brisbane.