Anita’s Theatre – A Century of Stories
For 100 years, Anita’s Theatre has stood at the heart of Thirroul, evolving from a grand cinema to a roller rink, and ultimately into one of Australia’s most beloved live performance venues.
Our walls have witnessed generations of memories, reinvention, and incredible entertainment, welcoming some of the biggest names in music and entertainment - from Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins and Macy Gray to Of Monsters & Men, Steve Vai, The Animals, Kitty Flanagan, Urzila Carlson, Arj Barker and many more.
In the past three years, we’ve welcomed over 160,000 fans, hosted nearly 300 shows, and showcased 82% Aussie homegrown talent!
ANITA'S THEATRE 100th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WITH LIME CORDIALE.
Culminating in a headline show from Aussie favourites Lime Cordiale, this centenary celebration is more than a concert, it’s a tribute to a century of music and the enduring spirit of live entertainment in Thirroul.
The Centenary Lineup:
Radical Reels – 15th October 2025
Rob Beckett – 16th October 2025
Pub Choir – 19th October 2025 (Sold Out)
Lime Cordiale – 22nd October 2025
Hindley Street Country Club – 24th October 2025 (Sold Out)
The Birth of a Theatre (1925 - 1960s)
Anita’s Theatre began life in 1925 as the grand Kings Theatre, part of Henry Boland’s entertainment empire. With its elaborate design and popular film screenings, it quickly became a cultural hub for the Illawarra community.
From Stage to Skates (1960s - 1990s)
After decades of success, audiences dwindled and the theatre closed in 1966. Soon after, it found new life as Skateland, a roller-skating rink that became a local favourite for nearly three decades.
A Dream Reborn (2000s)
Vacant and falling into disrepair through the 1990s, local businessman John Comelli purchased the building in 2003, reopening it in 2007 as Anita’s Theatre in honour of his late wife. Quickly becoming a hub for world-class acts like Midnight Oil, Bernard Fanning and The Wiggles, it also hosted weddings, festivals, and community events.
A Century of Entertainment (Today)
In 2022, Live Nation took over operations with a long-term vision, upgrading facilities and sound systems while welcoming a wide range of artists. By 2025, Anita’s 100th birthday, the theatre is thriving once more - hosting Australian and international stars to sold-out crowds and cementing its place as a landmark of live entertainment!