A standing ovation goes to Glen Street Theatre for 40 years of entertainment
Belrose’s much-loved theatre is marking four decades of entertainment this year, cementing itself as an iconic venue in the Sydney theatre scene and a jewel in the Beaches’ crown.
The theatre’s roots lie in the booming population growth across the Belrose, Davidson and Frenchs Forest areas in the 1970s, which sparked ambitions for a local centre – a meeting place for the community, with facilities for local youth groups and performing arts troupes to come together.
A small, dedicated band of residents that made up the Forest Community Association took up the cause and the Forest Community Centre concept was given the green light by the then Warringah Shire Council in 1976.
Over the next 28 years, with the support and funding of council, the association oversaw the creation of Stage One, the Forest Squash Centre, where courts were leased to provide a source of income for the ongoing plans and today are home to Energise Health Club. Stage Two, the 400-seat Glen Street Theatre, officially welcomed its first visitors in July 1985, with a vision of engaging the local community through the arts.
Such was the success and evolution of the theatre, that councillors unanimously supported upgrading the foyer and forecourt areas as Stage One of the Glen Street Cultural Hub in 2012, to ensure that the venue had capacity to accommodate all future patrons. The $1.8 million design was completed in 2014 following six months of renovations, the first time major works had been done to this part of the theatre since its 1985 opening. The new bar and reception area in the foyer can now hold 400 people.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins tells PL: “Glen Street Theatre is the pride of the Beaches. The theatre has played a pivotal role in bringing people together, fostering a love of the arts, community and supporting local talent.”
Today, Glen Street regularly attracts more than 65,000 visitors each year and stages up to 200 events and performances, many drawn by its popular subscription package, allowing discounted ticketing for regulars and rivalling the big city theatres.
“As my local entertainment hub, I’m a regular patron, appreciating the diverse and entertaining performances,” Mayor Heins reveals. “It’s hard to pick favourites, but one of the most moving events I’m lucky enough to be involved in each year is the citizenship ceremonies. I love hearing the stories of our residents who chose to become Australian citizens and their enthusiasm for the Northern Beaches.”
The theatre’s lineup for the 2025 season honours its rich and eclectic legacy, with performances including Two Strong Hearts: A Tribute to John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and Waltzing the Wilarra, with many matinee performances to ensure visitors of any age can enjoy a show.
The theatre in the 1980s
Construction of Forest Community Centre and Glen Street Theatre was approved in 1976
Opening night, 6 July 1985
Glen Street is part of the Australian theatre touring network, welcoming performers from leading arts companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Critical Stages and Circus Oz, as well as hosting the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow.
It also maintains strong relationships with community groups who perform annually in the space, such as Davidson High School’s Season of Performing Arts and The North Sydney Dance Festival.
“A huge thank you must go to the Forest Community Association. For 40 years, their passion, support and determination have laid the foundations for this beloved creative asset,” Mayor Heins says.
Find out more: glenstreet.com.au