Curtain rises on revitalised Hopgood Theatre

Published on 23 October 2025

After a $6 million transformation, the Hopgood Theatre is ready to lift the curtain on a new chapter.

The state government funded the refurbishment in 2023 in a landmark deal that also saw the transfer of Hopgood Theatre to the City of Onkaparinga under a 25-year lease agreement with TAFE SA.

The 481-seat capacity theatre is the largest in Adelaide’s South and attracts thousands of attendees each year.

The popular theatre has been transformed through new flooring, enhanced lighting and sound, improved bathrooms, a revamped front of house and bar, and backstage facilities.

Accessibility upgrades and improvements have also seen 10 new wheelchair and companion seating spaces, as well as the transformation of a second theatre into a small, intimate performance space with new audio, lighting and acoustic upgrades.

A celebratory sold-out gala evening will be held on Friday 24 October to officially reopen the theatre and will be hosted by Helpmann Award winner Michael Griffiths and acclaimed cabaret star Amelia Ryan.

Then, on Saturday 25 October from 1pm – 4pm, the Hopgood Theatre throws open its doors for a free family fun day where everyone is invited to explore the transformed space.

The day will include hands-on workshops, puppet-making and animation sessions, performances, short film screenings, behind-the-scenes backstage tours and activities, spread across multiple spaces in and around the theatre.

A diverse range of events and performances are already locked in for the remainder of the year and 2026, including celebrated comedian Ahn Do, the Soweto Gospel Choir, the Vallies, and Get Rhythm, the Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute show.

The public can also book free behind-the-scenes tours of the Hopgood Theatre between 25 October and 4 December.

Quotes attributable to Blair Boyer

Hopgood Theatre has provided the southern suburbs and Fleurieu Peninsula with a facility for theatre and performing arts since it opened 40 years ago.

That’s why I’m so pleased that, along with the tireless advocacy of local MPs, we were able to secure its future with the support of TAFE SA and the Onkaparinga Council.

The refurbished theatre, and this agreement, will support local artists, provide schools with an event and education space and will continue to provide for the local community long into the future.

Quotes attributable to Member for Kaurna Chris Picton

The Hopgood Theatre is a beloved performing arts institution that has served my community well for generations.

I’m proud to have worked alongside my community to not only keep the Hopgood Theatre open but give it a well-deserved upgrade.

I look forward to seeing the creativity of local performing artists come to life on stage for years to come.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Moira Were

This is a wonderful moment for Onkaparinga and for South Australia.

Through years of passionate community and council advocacy, strong support from the state government, and our partnership with Country Arts SA, we’ve secured the future of one of the south’s most treasured cultural landmarks.

The Hopgood Theatre has always been more than a venue — it’s the creative heart of our region.

It gives local artists a stage to perform, brings world-class performances to our doorstep, and provides schools and community groups with a place to learn, grow and connect through the arts.

I especially want to acknowledge the dedication of Harry Dewar, and former councillors Don Chapman and Bill Jamieson, whose advocacy helped make this moment possible.

Thanks to the collective effort of our community, the curtain is rising on an exciting new chapter for the Hopgood.

Quotes attributable to TAFE SA Interim Chief Executive, Adam Kilvert

The Hopgood Theatre is a valued and important part of the local community and we look forward to it being a vibrant and energetic part of TAFE SA’s Noarlunga Campus for many years to come.

This refurbished theatre will attract many artists to entertain local audiences, while also providing schools and community groups with an outstanding event and education space.

The commitment by the State Government recognises the importance of the Hopgood Theatre and TAFE SA looks forward to working alongside the City of Onkaparinga in its role as operator of the theatre.

ENDS