From its old homesteads to the Cobb & Co Museum, the Darling Downs is well-known for its historical sites.
But thanks to Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre, there’s more than historical culture to be enjoyed in the Darling Downs.
The Empire Theatre
Located on Neil Street in Toowoomba, the Empire Theatre is Australia’s largest regional performing arts precinct.
Since it was first built in 1911, the Empire Theatre has been the region’s cultural hub for over a century. Owned by Toowoomba Regional Council, it’s truly a theatre of the people, for the people. And in addition to being a popular and fully-functioning theatre, it’s also a heritage listed building.
The Show Must Go On!
In recent years, the Empire Theatre has played host to a range of popular musicals, shows, plays, ballets, concerts and more, and this is a tradition that looks set to continue.
A quick glance over upcoming events shows that popular children’s acts such as Giggle and Hoot (from ABC television) are joined by musical productions such as the smash hit Wicked and even Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Ballets performed by Moscow Ballet La Classique are interspersed with tribute concerts and performances by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
So not only can we confidently say that there’s something for everyone – there’s also something on almost every night.
Far from being a “cultural backwater”, it’s clear from the Empire Theatre’s events that Darling Downs residents can enjoy a flourishing cultural scene in one of Australia’s most picturesque regions.
Getting There from Highfields
GemLife Highfields home owners will be pleased to learn that the Empire Theatre is only a 20-30 minute drive away from Highfields (via the New England Highway), making it a highly accessible destination for anyone looking to enjoy a cultural experience near home.
