Sydney's Theatre Royal will roar back to life in 2021 after a global search secured a renowned operator for the much-loved venue.
Live entertainment operator Trafalgar Entertainment has been selected to operate the Theatre Royal when it reopens as part of the redeveloped MLC Centre in late 2021.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres says reopening the theatre, which has been closed since 2016, will be a significant boost for the tourism and arts sectors.
"Trafalgar Entertainment is one of the world's leading live entertainment operators and I am thrilled they want to expand their incredible success story to NSW," Mr Ayres said.
"Reopening the Theatre Royal will ignite our night-time economy and add vibrancy to our city - this is a very big deal for Sydney.
"Internationally renowned musicals deliver around $25 million in visitor spend over a six-month run and around 200 jobs - great news for our tourism and theatre sectors.
"As our government plans for a strong economic bounce back from the challenges we face - I'm thrilled the Theatre Royal will be helping to enliven our city's economy.
"Reopening the theatre will ensure NSW is the first home for a host of international productions, before any other state - this reaffirms our position as number one in Australia for musical theatre."
MLC Centre co-owners Dexus has begun renovation works and appointment of an operator means that interior theatre renovation can continue without delay.
Sir Howard Panter, Joint CEO and Creative Director for Trafalgar Entertainment added, "This is great news for Sydney and for this much-loved theatre. Trafalgar Entertainment, alongside our Australian colleagues Tim McFarlane and Torben Brookman look forward to bringing this great theatre back to life as the cornerstone of our operations in Australia and Asia-Pacific."
Trafalgar Entertainment will take a 55-year sublease of the theatre from the NSW Government, ensuring a long future for the venue.
The upgraded theatre will retain the existing 1180 seating capacity and install improved staging, upgraded plush seating, a visually-enriched Drum foyer area, luxury bar, theatre store and sponsor facilities, as well as refurbishment of key performer areas.
