NSW Arts Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin has announced a major upgrade to Sydney’s iconic SBW Stables Theatre, which will see a 45 percent increase in audience capacity. The NSW Government will provide $5 million from its Creative Capital program toward the redevelopment, which will help Griffin Theatre Company create a new theatre space in the heart of Sydney’s Darlinghurst Creative Precinct.

Julieanne Campbell, Julia Pincus, Simon Burke, Bruce Meagher, Ben Franklin, Guillaume Babille and Declan Greene at SBW Stables Theatre. Photo supplied

“This project will breathe new life into the 51-year-old theatre. Through vital safety and access improvements, audiences will gain enhanced access to outstanding creative experiences that showcase the best Australian artists, writers and theatre makers,” the Minister said.

Built in 1970, the historic building was home to Nimrod Theatre before Griffin moved in. In 1986, the Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation was founded to save the building, which had been put up for sale and faced potential demolition. The Foundation purchased the theatre, rebadging it with the initials SBW, and Griffin has performed there rent free ever since.

Reflecting on the announcement, Griffin Chair Bruce Meagher said, “The SBW Stables...