Northern NSW theatres launch collective to find strength in numbers

Lismore, Murwillumbah and Byron venues have agreed on a ‘co-operative approach’ to bring touring shows and to benefit local artists.

Three regional theatres in Northern NSW have united to find strength in numbers.

The Byron Bay Theatre, The Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah and The Starcourt Theatre in Lismore are about to become part of the new Regional Venue Collective.

Effective from Wednesday, December 1, it will be a cooperative approach to venue management, where theatres come together to host touring shows and support the creation of Northern NSW original works.

The Regional Venue Collective already had some inaugural tours confirmed for 2022 – trio Wild Thyme in January, followed up with the Lior and Domini launch of their latest album Animal In Hiding in May.

In July, For Sentimental Reasons – Pat Powell Sings Nat King Cole will tour the three venues, and in November 2022, it will be the turn of This is Us, a show by The Grigoryan Brothers.

Two yet-to-be-announced new shows will also be confirmed.

Both are currently in pre-production with producer Nick Hanlon.

Ms Hanlon said she will manage the booking and promotion of all touring shows the venue owners agree to host.

“I book the gigs and do all the media for The Regent, and we have now brokered this agreement between the three venues,” she said.

“The collaborative approach means that all venues have to agree to the shows coming.

“Then the posters will include all three venues, and people will be able to book tickets for the Byron Theatre, for instance, from the Star Court’s website, and vice versa.”

It is clear to the venue owners that collaboration over competition was needed to transition into a more open post-Covid arts industry.

The Latin Fiesta at the Byron Theatre.

Nick Hanlon said after the Covid hiatus, touring managers have welcomed this approach.

“This collective approach means we share the risk of the tour, we share the costs of promoting a tour, and it takes the pressure off because we are supporting each other, and it’s truly collaborative, it’s going to help us all,” she said.

“It’s been extremely hard to keep the venues open through the pandemic. It’s been very difficult.

“I don’t think many venues would be open without the support that we have received as businesses.”