A hush falls. The stage lights beckon. Welcome to the Glen Street Theatre. This isn’t just any theatre. It’s a story waiting to be told. Glen Street Theatre opened its doors in 1985. It was part of the Forest Community Centre a project born from the booming population of the Forest District in the 1970s. Local residents and Councillor Julie Sutton pushed for this cultural hub. Architects Sawdy and Black designed the two-stage project.
The first stage opened in 1979. It housed a squash centre. Stage two was the magnificent Glen Street Theatre itself. Warringah Shire Council invested heavily. They contributed $1830000 towards its construction. The theatre officially opened on July 6 1985. Shire President Darren Jones presided over the ceremony.
Initially a space for local amateur productions Glen Street Theatre transformed. In 1994 it launched its first professional subscription season. This marked a significant turning point. It brought in big names. Jonathan Biggins Max Cullen Drew Forsythe John Gaden Belinda Giblin Max Gillies Maggie Kirkpatrick Genevieve Lemon Pia Miranda Jeremy Sims Barry Otto and Jacki Weaver all graced its stage.
Glen Street Theatre wasn’t just for professionals. It embraced the community. Davidson High School uses it annually. The North Sydney Dance Festival also calls it home. The theatre has a rich history. It hosted countless performances. It nurtured local talent. It continues to be a vital part of the community.
Time moved on. Even grand dames need facelifts. In 2013 Warringah Mayor Michael Regan unveiled a $7 million masterplan. The renovations revitalized the theatre. A new foyer landscaping and the relocation of the Belrose Branch Library were key parts of the upgrade. The project concluded in 2017. The Glen Street Library opened on June 2 2017. This expansion solidified the theatre’s position. It became a cultural center. A hub for the Northern Beaches.
So stand here. Feel the energy. Hear the echoes of laughter and applause. The Glen Street Theatre isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to the power of community. It’s a stage for stories yet to be written. It’s a legacy built to last.