The Brisbane Arts Theatre is the oldest surviving community theatre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It receives no federal or state government funding and has existed considerably longer than any regualar professional theatre in Brisbane. Though an amateur theatre, Brisbane Arts Theatre has showcased notable Australian performers in the past including Carol Burns, Michael Caton, Barry Otto , Judith McGrath , Bunny Brooke, Jennifer Flowers and many others.
The theatre is located at 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. It seats 155 people in the stalls and gallery combined. Jean Trundle founded the theatre along with her husband Vic Hardgraves in 1936. The park opposite the theatre, overlooking the city centre is named after him. The theatre has a small courtyard and a bar called 'Masks' which is open an hour before all adult productions. The theatre foyer, auditorium and courtyard are actually part of a small complex consisting of a two other rehearsal spaces. 222 Petrie Terrace or Hardgraves House is a tall, two story building. The lower floor is used for rehearsing shows whereas the upper floor which houses the extensive costume collection and hire department. On the other side of the auditorium is a smaller rehearsal space, 'The Cottage'.
The theatre is currently under the Artistic Directorship of Lynne Wright. Ms. Wright has presented a range of plays during her tenure. She believes a balance between traditional and more recent plays is the best course of action for the theatre.
Brisbane Arts Theatre adult seasons have included a wide range of work including Greek theatre, the obligatory Shakespeare, right through to well-known Australian plays. In fact Brisbane Arts Theatre tends to offer a wider range of productions than either of the two professional theatres in Brisbane which are constrained by federal and state funding guidelines which tend to promote only Australian theatre.
Comedies performed at Brisbane Arts Theatre have included "Habeas Corpus" by Allen Bennett, "Pass the Butler" by Eric Idle, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as well as "What the Butler Saw" by Joe Orton.
Brisbane Arts Theatre also has a thriving children's theatre. Most productions are either musicals or pantomimes featuring well-known story book or fairy tale characters. Usually children's shows are performed as a Saturday afternoon matinee every week and also as a Tuesdays-Saturday matinee during school holidays. These shows usually sell out quickly. An added feature of the children's theatre is that of characters meeting the children after the show. This has always been a tradition at the Arts Theatre.
The theatre is believed by some to be haunted by the ghost of Miss Trundle. The legend being that she makes an appearance on the opening night of a show by way of giving it her blessing. The theatre workshop is said to haunted by the malevolent spirit of a previous tenant before the theatre's time.
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