Tim Minchin Opens THE FOUNDRY THEATRE

Before the paint has even dried, the one and only Tim Minchin appears on stage, ready to christen the space with his piano, his wit, and that signature blend of musical and comedic panache. That’s exactly the scene unfolding on Tuesday 11 February, when the multi-award-winning performer takes the spotlight for a special five-night show titled First at the Foundry. With that, The Foundry Theatre—Sydney’s newest and most intimate live entertainment venue—makes its grand debut.

A Shiny New Venue In Town

Given Sydney’s reputation for harbouring a thriving performing arts community, the launch of any new theatre is a genuine cause for celebration. As Tim Minchin himself puts it, “The opening of a new theatre is a rare and wonderful thing,” and his quirky analogies (something about being “the mohel removing the foreskin”) leave no doubt that he’s excited to be the “canary in the coalmine” for this fresh performance space. Theatre-builder Stephen Found is the visionary behind The Foundry Theatre, aiming to create a place where big names and emerging talent collide to forge unforgettable experiences.

Nestled right within the Sydney Lyric—famous for staging blockbuster shows such as WICKED, HAMILTON, and THE LION KING—The Foundry Theatre is a more intimate, boutique-style venue. This format offers audiences the chance to be closer to the action, with sightlines and acoustics specifically designed for smaller-scale productions that still pack a punch. It’s a dynamic addition to The Star’s entertainment portfolio, granting locals and tourists another compelling reason to explore Sydney’s theatre scene.

An All-Star Lineup

Tim Minchin: First At The Foundry

Tim Minchin’s five-night run sets the stage for what is shaping up to be a formidable opening season. Known globally for his sharp-tongued musical comedies and his Tony-winning Matilda the Musical, Minchin’s presence signals The Foundry Theatre’s commitment to serious star power—albeit with a playful twist. It’s not just a night of jokes and piano tunes; it’s a true christening that transforms the stage from a construction zone into a living, breathing performance arena.

A Diversity Of Offerings

After Minchin’s inaugural run, the theatre will host an array of shows catering to multiple tastes:

• NO LOVE SONGS: Making its Australian premiere, this brand-new international musical examines love, heartbreak, and identity through an arresting score and contemporary storylines. It’s an intriguing pick that solidifies The Foundry Theatre’s interest in fresh, globally conscious material.
• GILLIAN COSGRIFF: Known for her witty songs and comedic flair, Cosgriff steps up to the mic for her latest set of musical numbers that blend personal confession with laugh-out-loud observations.
• Akmal, Lawrence Mooney, and The Umbilical Brothers: Comedy fans, rejoice. These iconic Australian comics promise evenings of big laughs and no-holds-barred stand-up. Expect a laid-back vibe that’s quintessentially Aussie, dotted with irreverent observations about everyday life.
• Neglected Musicals’ KISS ME KATE: The Cole Porter classic gets the Neglected Musicals treatment, a concept that sees brilliant musicals with minimal staging, focusing on the score and the script. It’s a testament to The Foundry Theatre’s ability to switch from concert gigs to comedic sets to full-blown musicals—all under one roof.
• L’HÔTEL: Touted as an immersive cabaret production, L’Hôtel transforms the theatre into a sultry Parisian space. Audiences can expect to sip cocktails and watch a troupe of performers dance, sing, and interact in an unconventional setting that blurs the line between stage and seats.

A Growing Theatre Scene

This inaugural season reflects broader trends in Australian theatre, particularly Sydney’s, where audiences crave variety and artistry with an edge. Data from recent ticketing reports suggest that smaller, flexible venues—like The Foundry Theatre—are seeing a surge of popularity. They offer a creative playground where established stars and experimental pieces can coexist, often presenting new works that larger auditoriums might hesitate to stage. For visitors, it’s also a chance to see big names in an environment that feels up-close and personal.

Industry leaders applaud the theatre’s commitment to championing both local and international artists. From the comedic stylings of Akmal (a household name in Australian stand-up) to new musicals that might later tour the country, The Foundry is well poised to become a cornerstone of Sydney’s cultural landscape. And let’s not forget that The Star has long been a magnet for nightlife and entertainment—adding a dedicated theatre venue only amplifies the overall buzz.

Intimacy Meets Innovation

While plenty of venues around Sydney pride themselves on grandeur, what sets The Foundry Theatre apart is its adaptability. With a design that accommodates different types of stage configurations—proscenium, thrust, in-the-round—the space is ideal for both musicals requiring scenic elements and stand-up shows needing minimal sets. This approach fosters a sense of creative freedom; producers can tailor the environment to fit the mood and scale of each performance.

It also helps that The Foundry Theatre is located within the larger ecosystem of The Star, providing convenient dining and entertainment options for theatregoers. This synergy may encourage the development of immersive, interactive experiences like L’Hôtel, which rely on venues that can blur boundaries between the show and its audience.

Raising The Curtain On A Dazzling Future

So what does The Foundry Theatre’s arrival mean for Sydney? Perhaps the main takeaway is hope: at a time when arts funding can feel precarious, the opening of a new venue signals optimism and expansion. Tim Minchin’s involvement serves as a playful stamp of approval, while the diverse programming underscores a commitment to variety. For theatre lovers, the message is clear—there’s always room for new voices and fresh takes, even in a city already bursting with cultural highlights.

As The Foundry Theatre readies for its official unveiling, one can’t help but feel a spark of excitement. Whether you’re keen on stand-up comedy, rousing musical theatre, or a brand-new international show, there’s something on the schedule for you. It’s more than just a stage; it’s a symbol of Sydney’s ongoing appetite for live performance and a testament to the region’s unwavering creative spirit.

A Foundry For The Future

If you’re wondering which seat to nab for that Tim Minchin gig or whether to take a chance on No Love Songs, keep in mind that The Foundry Theatre was built on the premise of forging new experiences in the arts. Each production is like molten metal poured into a fresh mould—unpredictable, transformative, and capable of yielding pure theatrical gold. With so many artists and ensembles eager to make their mark in this intimate new space, now is the time to dive in, pick a date, and witness the birth of a performance hub that aims to set the stage alight for years to come.