ABOUT

Established in 1854, Theatre Royal began its life providing live entertainment for the thousands of diggers who migrated to central Victoria in search of gold.

Proudly one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the Southern Hemisphere, this historical business also holds an important place in the hearts of the Castlemaine community, coming to represent the beating heart of our vibrant, artistic town.

Over 100 years of the silver screen

One of the first “picture palaces” to screen silent movies in 1919 and then the ‘talkies’ followed, Theatre Royal is firmly cemented in the evolution of Australian cinema.

Image:
The Theatre Royal in 19XX

Over 100 years of the silver screen

One of the first “picture palaces” to screen silent movies in 1919 and then the ‘talkies’ followed, Theatre Royal is firmly cemented in the evolution of Australian cinema.

Image:
The Theatre Royal in 19XX

Over 100 years of the silver screen

One of the first “picture palaces” to screen silent movies in 1919 and then the ‘talkies’ followed, Theatre Royal is firmly cemented in the evolution of Australian cinema.

Image:
The Theatre Royal in 19XX

The beating heart of Castlemaine

A family-run cinema, live music venue, bar, pizzeria and cultural institution all housed within a heritage listed building – Theatre Royal is a truly unique place.

Image:
Theatre Royal owners Tim & Felicity

Est in 1856

Theatre Royal is the longest, continuously operating Theatre on the mainland. With several Regional Music awards under its belt, TR stands as one of the most renowned and loved regional music venues in the state.

It is also one of the last remaining single screen cinemas and boasts a membership of over 500 ‘Loyal Royals’ who contribute to the upkeep and restoration of this iconic establishment, every year.

Image:
TR band room in the 80s – photo by former owner, Ray Lindstrum

Gold class in the Goldfields

Sit in a plush leather couch (proudly sponsored by members of our community) and enjoy a glass of wine whilst you watch a film. You can even dine in the cinema or indulge in a locally made choc top or a home-made cherry pie.

Image:
Theatre Royal cinema – downstairs

Show your support with a Loyal Royal Membership

Once again Theatre Royal are calling out for lovers of live music, independent cinema and the Arts to get behind Castlemaine’s historical Theatre Royal and become Loyal Royal members for 2025. Loyal Royals not only get discounted tickets all year through, plus access to behind the scenes news and events, but also provide Theatre Royal owners Felicity Cripps and Tim Health with the means to preserve one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Open
Tuesday – Sunday
4pm – Late

30 Hargraves Street,
Castlemaine, Victoria
Australia

Open Tuesday – Sunday
4pm – Late
30 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine,
Victoria Australia

The Theatre Royal stands on Djaara Country. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Dja Dja Wurrung people, as traditional custodians of the land, and to their elders past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all First Nations people and we acknowledge that Aboriginal sovereignty has not been ceded.

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BRAND/WEBSITE DESIGN BY VINCENT CASEY

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT BY GREENGRAPHICS 

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© THEATRE ROYAL CASTLEMAINE

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