Adelaide’s iconic Thebarton Theatre first opened in 1928, and soon became a crucial part of the Adelaide nightlife. Obtaining heritage listing in 1982, the venue has played host to some of the biggest bands in the world, including Nirvana, Metallica, R.E.M., The Clash, Black Sabbath, the Beastie Boys, and many more over the years.
Thousands have rallied behind Adelaide’s iconic Thebarton Theatre as it is at risk of demolition to make way for new roads.
Speaking with ABC, Acting Transport Minister David Speirs has revealed that the theatre, known as The Thebby to locals, located in the Adelaide suburb of Torrensville, could be one of 600-1000 buildings demolished to make way for a new road upgrade.
“I’m not going to rule anything in or out,” shared Speirs. “But I acknowledge there are a lot of people in South Australia who have an affection for that building and others along that route.”
After Speirs spoke on the ABC Radio Adelaide Breakfast program, a petition to save the Thebby Theatre went online and has since gained over 35,000 signatures.
“The South Road upgrade threatens the destruction of Adelaide’s historic prime mid-sized venue Thebarton Theatre,” reads the petition addressed to South Australian Premier Steven Marshall.
“This venue is the holy grail of music venues to Adelaide live music lovers. Many live music venues have been demolished over the years and we are saying ‘Hands Off Thebbie Theatre’. The destruction of this iconic landmark threatens the live music industry in this state.”
The venue is popular with both international and local touring artists, and currently has shows booked for King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Kasey Chambers, Two Door Cinema Club, Tex Perkins, Hermitude, The Jungle Giants and more.
