Key Facts:
- The historic Regent Theatre in Greater Western Sydney has reopened after extensive multi-million-dollar renovations, with Ian Moss headlining a sold-out opening show.
- Originally established in 1935 and previously owned by TV legend Mike Walsh in 1976, the heritage-listed art deco theatre has been restored to its former glory.
- The venue now features a 700+ capacity, flexible seating configurations, new technical equipment, and modern amenities including licensed bars
- The reopening weekend featured performances by Sara Berki and Ian Moss, with future shows to include Ben Lee, Kate Ceberano, and Anh Do.
- The renovation aims to provide Greater Western Sydney with a premier entertainment venue for live music, comedy, and cinema, addressing the needs of the growing urban population.
For years, the curtain on a once praised Sydney Theatre stayed closed. Now, Greater Western Sydney's iconic live entertainment venue, The Regent Theatre, has officially re-opened its doors with a sold-out Official Re-Opening Show featuring legendary Australian musician Ian Moss on Saturday, 2nd May, setting the stage for a thriving new era of live performance.
"It's just fantastic to be invited to do this, in a world of shrinking festivals and live venues," said Ian Moss following his sold-out performance. "It's fabulous to see another venue pop up, and such an iconic one like the one we have here in The Regent Theatre in Richmond!"
L-R Michael Dimech (Co-Owner), Ian Moss (Artist), Hawkesbury City Council Mayor Les Sheather,
Duncan MacKay (Co-Owner), Melanie Stubbings (Merana Aboriginal Community Association)
After an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, the heritage-listed art deco theatre has returned to its former glory as a premier destination for live music, comedy and cinema - injecting new life into the community and beyond.
Established in 1935, The Regent Theatre (Richmond) has been at the heart of entertaining locals in the Hawkesbury and Greater Western Sydney for 90 years. The venue holds a special place in Australian entertainment history, having once been famously purchased and restored by television legend Mike Walsh in 1976.
"In 1976, I bought The Richmond Regent from another Walsh family who had originally built it in 1935. It was hugely successful during World War II due to the proximity of the Richmond Air Base, but by the time I stepped in, it was quietly ambling along. The family wasn't quite sure what to do with it, so I called them up and offered to buy it. I spent a great deal restoring the venue, turning it into both a movie and live entertainment theatre. I wish the current owners all the best for the future of The Richmond Regent," said Mike Walsh AM OBE.
Following years of deterioration, The Regent was in danger of being lost for good. But the new owners stepped in to breathe new life into the theatre, lovingly undertaking a massive transformation, upgrading its state-of-the-art facilities to provide the best artist and guest experience.
"Greater Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing urban populations in the country," said Owner Duncan MacKay. "We've put our heart and soul into bringing The Regent Theatre back to life. It presents a quality new venue for a market that we understand is hungry for local, domestic and international touring entertainment. We are thrilled to welcome artists & fans."
The Official Re-Opening Weekend kicked off on Friday, 1st May, with an electrifying performance by Sara Berki - one of the most exciting new artists in Australian Country Music, alongside her band, special guest & Golden Guitar winner William Alexander & Local Support Ellerie Rose. All part of Great Southern Nights 2026.
The Regent Theatre Programming & Venue Consultant, Brett Hlywa of Sound Advice Music, shared his excitement for the venue's future. "To have had a rising talent like Sara Berki and the legendary Ian Moss performing across our Opening Weekend was a privilege. Our aim is to curate a diverse program of live events that support both emerging and established artists - and connect them with our growing audience in Greater Western Sydney."
The venue's revitalisation brings a much-needed boost to Sydney's live music scene. The Regent Theatre's impressive new key features include:
- A licensed 700+ capacity in the Stalls and Dress Circle.
- Flexible Theatre (518 seated) or Concert Mode (700 standing & seated) configurations with impeccable sight lines.
- Brand new Stage, Sound and Lighting, along with Cinema Digital Screen Projection.
- Artist-friendly Dressing Rooms, stage access, direct loading and parking.
- Licensed Bars in the Stalls and Dress Circle foyers, plus a service bar directly into the stalls.
- Fully air-conditioned spaces with high-speed internet.
Australian powerhouse singer Michael Paynter recently played a sold-out soft opening show at The Regent Theatre and said, "In an era where small independent theatres are closing all over the place, to have a team of long-time music lovers so heavily invested in creating a magical local space for the community to see music performed with such world class facilities, is so heartening. It was a pleasure to perform at The Regent, and I look forward to it again."
The excitement extends well beyond the Opening Weekend, with an upcoming pipeline of talent slated for the region with other announced shows including the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour, Ben Lee, Kate Ceberano, The Robertson Brothers, Anh Do and Tim Freedman.
