One of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings, the magnificent, heritage-listed Civic Theatre has remained a jewel in our city’s crown since opening its doors in 1929 and now locals have the opportunity to go behind the scenes.
Even if your chances of performing on stage are slim, a Behind the Curtain group tour of the Civic Theatre lets you imagine yourself in the spotlight, while exploring the heart of the theatre.
Having experienced the tour in September 2025 as part of New Annual, Newy with Kids were thoroughly impressed and left with a newfound appreciation for this magnificent building and the people who work behind the scenes to make the magic happen.
The Behind the Curtain tour runs for approximately one hour, making it the perfect length to keep visitors, including younger visitors, interested and engaged.
We’d recommend the tour for kids aged 10 and up, especially those who love music, performance, engineering, or simply learning new things.
After meeting your tour group and guide at the Stage Door located on Hunter Street, you’ll be led directly onto the stage.
It’s magnificent to witness the theatre from a performer’s perspective and the only way to fully grasp the intimate connection performers share with the audience and appreciate the unique atmosphere the building’s design creates.
Our guide, Jennifer, was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable. She showed and explained to us all the backstage elements we never truly appreciated while watching a show, such as the fly tower, safety curtain, lighting, drapes, and props.
You’ll gain insight into all the roles that make a production happen, including the important work of the Stage Manager, the Fly Operator, and the riggers (or “weight monkeys”) who load the counterweights.
You’ll also come away knowing essential stage lingo like Upstage, Downstage, Stage Right, Stage Left, and more!
From the stage, you’ll be led through the “crossover”, the area that allows performers and crew to move from one side of the stage to the other without being seen by the audience. Long-term Novocastrians will remember this, now converted and renovated, area as the old Civic Arcade.
Be guided through the dressing rooms where legends have prepared to take the stage. You’ll literally walk in the footsteps of Guy Sebastian and Jimmy Barnes as you hear stories about the famous performers who have sat in those very chairs.
Don’t forget to snap some selfies as you tour the Juliet boxes, Dress Circle, Stalls, Orchestra Pit and Foyer.
Along the way, you’ll learn fascinating details about the theatre’s construction, and walk down memory lane as you learn about the theatre’s history.
Walking through, we had the chance to notice details often missed during the pre-show rush, like the Herbert Gallop period artworks, murals, and the distinct Spanish/Moroccan style features of the building.
To keep all ages interested, the Behind the Curtain Tour is packed with quirky facts and backstage secrets! You’ll learn why whistling in the theatre is forbidden, hear about the infamous chandelier scandal, and even be introduced to the theatre’s legendary resident ghost.
Newcastle’s Civic Theatre is far more than just a place to see a show! It’s an architectural gem, packed with local history and fascinating stories. To truly appreciate this local icon we’d highly recommend a Behind the Curtain Tour. It’s your chance to peek backstage, gain a deeper appreciation for its grandeur, and share a piece of Newcastle’s cultural heritage with the next generation!
Good to Know
Website: Civic Theatre Newcastle
Suitability: We would recommend this tour for older primary school-aged kids, teens and adults.
Cost: TBA
Tours: TBA
Opening Hours:
Getting There: Located at 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle, the Civic Theatre’s central location makes it ideal to arrive by foot or bike. Trains, buses, light rail and a ferry service can all help you get to Civic Theatre, with accessible transport options to help everyone access the venue. Find more information here.
Cafe: The Civic Theatre Café is open daily Monday to Friday 7am – 2pm. Other Nearby cafes include The Press Book House and Smiling Monk Coffee.
Disclosure: Newy with Kids received free admission for review purposes. However, all opinions are our own.